There’s a popular message that gets thrown around in the entrepreneurial world:
“If you’re serious about your business, you’ll quit your job.”
It sounds bold. It sounds courageous. And for many people, it’s the reason they don’t start.
They think they need to quit in order to qualify as a “real” entrepreneur. But here’s what I’ve learned, from personal experience and from coaching dozens of aspiring business owners:
You do not need to quit your job to build a meaningful, profitable business.
In fact, staying employed while you build might be one of the smartest things you can do.
The Problem With the “Quit to Start” Narrative
The pressure to quit creates a false binary: Either you’re “all in” (and jobless), or you’re not serious.
But here’s the truth, most businesses don’t become profitable overnight. And unless you have significant savings, support, or a soft landing, quitting prematurely can put your finances, health, and confidence under unnecessary pressure.
What many people need is not more time. They need more clarity, consistency, and the right strategy.
The Advantage of Building While Employed
I built my interior design studio while working full-time. And I don’t regret it for a second.
Here’s what keeping your job allows:
1. Cash Flow
You don’t need your business to pay the bills in month one. That gives you space to test, learn, and grow without desperation.
2. Clarity
When time is limited, you focus on what actually matters. There’s no room for busywork or shiny object syndrome.
3. Freedom to Experiment
You can try things out without pressure to make everything work immediately. It becomes about progress, not perfection.
4. Skills That Transfer
Your job is not wasted time. Whether you’re managing projects, leading teams, creating reports, or working with clients, every part of your professional experience can feed into your future business.
What to Focus on While You Build
If you’re going to grow a business alongside your 9–5, intentionality matters. Here are five key things to prioritise:
1. Clarify your offer
Who are you helping? What problem are you solving? Why does it matter?
2. Start small and focused
One offer. One target audience. One marketing channel. You don’t need a full suite of services to start. You need a clear entry point.
3. Set a realistic rhythm
You don’t need 10 extra hours a week, but you do need consistent effort. Even 5 focused hours a week can build momentum when done with purpose.
4. Protect your energy
Burnout helps no one. Honour your capacity. Rest when needed. Your business should fit into your life, not overtake it.
5. Invest in learning and support
Whether it’s coaching, a mastermind, a framework or even tools, lean into what helps you move forward faster and more confidently.
When the Time Does Come to Leave
Will you eventually leave your job? Maybe. Maybe not. That depends on your goals, your business model, and your lifestyle vision.
But when you do decide to leave, it should be a transition, not a gamble. A step forward, not a reaction to frustration.
The best exits are planned, not panicked.
You are allowed to build your business slowly. You are allowed to stay in your job while you figure things out. You are allowed to honour your values, your bills, and your timeline.
Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Start with what you have. Because you don’t need to quit your job to start a business.
You just need to start.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you want to turn your idea into something clear and profitable, I cover this in my free masterclass for aspiring business owners. It’s designed to help you move from stuck to strategic, no pressure, no hype, and definitely no “just quit your job” advice.
Click here to join: https://p2pwebinar.damilawal.org/.