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- Should I Quit My Job and Pursue My Side Hustle Full-Time?
Should I Quit My Job and Pursue My Side Hustle Full-Time?
It’s the dream, right?
Hey builders!
It’s the dream, right? Fire your boss. Double down on your side hustle. Take back your time and finally own your income.
But quitting your job too early? That’s a trap. It’s romantic in theory, but reckless in practice.
So let’s break it down:
When should you actually go all-in on your side hustle?
Here’s a simple framework to help you decide.
1. Do you have traction or just vibes?
Are people paying you? Are strangers saying yes?
Until you have repeatable revenue, your “business” might still be a hobby.
Aim to hit at least 50% of your current income from your side hustle before you even consider quitting.
2. Are your monthly expenses under control?
Take your rent, food, bills, debt, subscriptions. Add 15% buffer.
Now ask: could your side hustle realistically cover all of that within 90 days of quitting?
If not, it’s too soon. Your job is still your investor.
3. Are you burning out, or bored?
Burnout = You’re working 7am - 2am daily and losing sleep
Bored = You’re daydreaming at work and craving more time to build
If you’re simply bored, stick it out and use the stable income to fuel your freedom.
But if your mental health is declining, it might be worth making a bold move.
4. Do you have 3 - 6 months of living expenses saved?
This is your runway. If your side hustle flops or slows, will you panic or pivot?
Having a financial cushion gives you room to experiment without desperation.
5. Are you quitting to something or from something?
This is big. Don’t just run from your job.
Run to a plan. A business. A path with potential.
Quitting to “figure it out” sounds noble… but uncertainty without strategy can crush momentum.
The Bottom Line
Quitting your job is a milestone, not a magic wand.
If you have momentum, savings, a plan, and real customer demand, it might be time.
But if you’re just tired of work and hoping entrepreneurship is easier, pump the brakes.
Use your job to fund your escape, not force it.
Because the best way to quit your job…
is to already know you don’t need it.
Entrepreneur Toolkit: Tools to Power Your Business
1. Cushion – Automatic budgeting and expense tracking
Know your burn rate, track your savings, and set your financial runway with this clean, founder-friendly finance app.
2. Hello Bonsai – Freelance contracts, invoices, and proposals
If your side hustle involves client work, Bonsai helps you manage it like a pro — even before you go full-time.
3. Toggl Track – Know how much time your hustle actually takes
Track your hours and see where your time goes. This helps you price correctly and avoid burnout post-quit.
Built Not Hired is built for the modern creator, freelancers, solopreneurs, and builders who want freedom and ownership. If that’s you, pick one idea and run with it.
That’s it for this issue.
Keep building! 🏃♂️💛
Nev Santana
P.S.
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