Making the transition from a traditional job to working from home or starting your own business can be scary. You are giving up the known for the unknown, giving up stability and schedule for something that isnt guaranteed. But you are also giving up limitations for unlimited possibilities, and a strict schedule for complete flexibility…
I had the opportunity to share my own start-up story with a friend over coffee yesterday. I still laugh at myself when I think back on it, because the idea was completely crazy - yet I was totally confident that it would work. Chalk it up to age (23 at the time) and inexperience, but that naive confidence was probably the one factor that contributed most to my own success as an entrepreneur.
It was basically the Think and Grow Rich concept, even though I wasnt familiar with Napoleon Hill or his work at the time. While it takes more of a deliberate thought process now - 10 years later, with plenty of experiences to contribute to decision making and goal setting - at the time I simply believed in it, and then went through the steps to make it happen.
10 years ago I was a working wife and mother, and we were a combined family with 4 children. My husband wasnt working, and I was making barely over $6/hour at my job in the small town where we lived. The house was rented, the car was always breaking down, and we were barely getting by from paycheck to paycheck (my one paycheck, for 6 people, at that). We had no savings, no assets and no real shot of making it “out of the rut” anytime soon.
What I did to make the transition to successful entrepreneur is not necessarily something I would advise to others. That said, it did work for me, and I was up and running and (at least somewhat) financially stable within 3 months. To give you the short story: I quit my job cold turkey, sold everything that we owned, and started a service-based business out of our home. When I say “sold everything” - I mean the china, furniture, the kids’ toys, right down to my eelskin heels. It all went to auction.
I was in it to succeed, and had every intention of replacing it all. And did.
The most common advice, though, is that you save up at least 3 months worth of living expenses before you quit your job, or make the transition to working from home full-time. I think that this is great advice, and recommend it myself.
Another option is to begin working from home in your spare time, while keeping your current job. While this may mean insanely long days and unrealistic hours for you… it is only an investment you have to make for a short time. Once your business begins to earn what you are making at your job, you can comfortably leave that job and get back to normal working hours.
No matter which option you choose, you will most likely be making a sacrifice of some sort… and taking a chance. Plan smart, believe in yourself, and resolve to do whatever it takes to see your dreams come true.
Most people go into business for themselves because they want more out of life. More free time, more flexibility, more options, more financial stability. Whatever your “more” is, want it bad enough to throw caution to the wind and make it happen!
Best,
P.S. I am now starting my 11th year in business, and never had to even consider taking another “job” since I left mine in early 1997. If a struggling mother with a full house, and an unemployed husband, can do it - then so can you! 
If you would like my help, and the help of others like me, join us on my eBiz Discussion Forum where you can get advice about business - and get your questions answered - 7 days a week. It’s free to register, and we’d be happy to share resources and give you the answers you need to make the next move!
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Tags: work at home, working from home, entrepreneur, starting a business, business start-up, home based business, wahm
26 responses so far ↓
Ade Lamidi // Mar 30, 2007 at 8:54 am
Lynn,
Thanks for this useful post. My day job contract finished today and I have decided to become a full time internet marketer. I am really excited about the future and having been invovled in internet marketing on a part time basis for the past few months, I can’t wait to get started. I will keep you posted on how I progress.
Cheers
Lynn Terry // Mar 30, 2007 at 9:24 am
Congratulations, Ade!
Angela // Apr 2, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Lynn this is a great post, and really hits home with me. I’m quitting my job by May 25th (decided last month) and it is very exciting yet scary at the same time! I’ve been working at home in my spare hours while working my full time job and yes it has meant long long days and little sleep but I know it is going to all be worth it once I get myself home full time.
Inspiring story
Lynn Terry // Apr 2, 2007 at 1:59 pm
Congratulations, Angela! Keep us posted when you get the time & opportunity. I look forward to hearing how the transition goes for you!
Archy // Apr 25, 2007 at 9:14 am
i quitted my job too. And opened makemoneygurus.com i will devote 112% of my energies to it, and it will become my success.
kanian // May 5, 2007 at 9:19 pm
hi lynn, must say reading your newsletter, and this article too, got me really thinking about starting my own little business. Now i am hesitating between entering an affiliate program or just starting my own business. I just have an issue trusting those programs. I receive some emails advertising such affiliate programs. Yet the emails never really explain what the business are. I am the type of person that can pay for a product he does not understand. what is your advise concerning affilate programs? Would you recommand some to me?
kanian // May 5, 2007 at 9:22 pm
errata : I meant ” I am the type of person that cannot pay for a product he does not understand.”
Lynn Terry // May 6, 2007 at 4:30 pm
Hi Kanian,
It would be hard for me to advise you not know much about the emails you are referring to, the type of affiliate program you are looking at, or what type of business you are considering starting yourself.
That said, I have done a little bit of everything over the last 10 years - a brick and mortar offline business, a web-based service business, affiliate marketing, etc.
The best thing that you can do is ask questions in a discussion forum where the members have some collective experience across the board. You can ask about specific programs, business models, ideas, etc.
I would love to have you join us at the SSWT Forum. It is free to register and the members there are super helpful. I am involved there daily myself, and would be happy to help you with anything you are considering!
Best,
Lynn Terry
Nell Taliercio // May 30, 2007 at 1:05 am
Congrats to everyone who is quitting their jobs! I worked part time as a telecommuter for a couple years before I took the plunge full time.
My first son is the reason I had the courage to quit my job and come home full time as a business owner and telecommuter.
Sometimes you need that extra little push…and he was the best reason I had for taking the leap of faith.
Carrie // Jun 20, 2007 at 11:42 am
That goes to show that sometimes you will make huge leaps when you HAVE to. We often don’t act with urgency but if we did we could see a huge change in our lives.
It’s amazing what we can accomplish when our backs are against a wall!
The Work At Home Dream… Is It Worth The Risk? // Jul 1, 2007 at 8:25 pm
[...] The more I hear the questions, and the reluctance to take any risk whatsoever, the more I think back on my own decision to quit my full time job and start a home-based business. Its been on my mind a lot lately, and I have to say that I am incredibly happy about the decisions I acted on 10+ years ago. [...]
Rian Brooklyn // Jul 9, 2007 at 5:51 am
Nice words of encouragement. I’m still employed, but packing up and heading back to the US for my merge to full time marketer. I’ll be living off my savings until the really big checks start coming in, but things are starting to pick up nicely. By this time next year, working for the “boss” will be a very distant memory. Anyone making the switch, I highly recommend the “4 Hour Work Week” by Tim Ferriss.
Lynn Terry // Jul 9, 2007 at 11:42 am
Congratulations, Rian! It sounds like you have some solid goals, and I have no doubt you will enjoying the independence by next year as you expect.
I do have a review of 4 Hour Workweek here at ClickNewz that is probably different than most you have read. I would welcome your comments on that.
Angel Gleed@SEO Expert // Jul 12, 2007 at 2:50 pm
I believe in the saying that if you do ordinary things-which are but what you’re used into doing,you will get the usual result. So,if you think out of the box and do something extraordinary then prepare for something extraordinary too that you would have. Life is but full of opportunities and its on us how we will handle it
Flashback! Where Lynn Was 10 Years Ago // Aug 10, 2007 at 10:36 am
[...] Most of you are familiar with my start-up story, and the crazy risks I took to leave my job as a Unix Sys Admin in a small town to start my first business. [...]
Polly Taskey // Aug 19, 2007 at 10:13 pm
Lynn, Your knack for writing and your success has been inspirational to me for some time! Especially when I hit those “lulls” and “lows” that have me asking, “what the HECK were you thinking?”!
Looking back, myself, feels like recalling a movie I had once seen about someone else’s life and almost “Twilight Zone” obstacles.
The power of the Internet coupled with a woman’s determination can produce some amazing results.
Thank you so much for being my mentor, even if you didn’t realize that you were.
Still a long ways I want to go and lots I want to learn, but I WILL get there!
Smiles, Polly
Lynn Terry // Aug 20, 2007 at 2:34 am
How kind
Thank you, Polly - and you’re most welcome!
Educative Internet Marketing Online Articles // Sep 1, 2007 at 11:54 am
Haa! Beautiful piece again. For me, I’d never have to work for anyone since I left college. This was a decision I made long time - I mean when I was in the college to go all out on my own to ‘work’ as an entrepreneur.
Well now I am plying my trade online as an affiliate marketer and other things. For me, it’s a matter of making the decision and stick by it - do not be afraid of the so-called ‘ups and downs’ and one day you will hit the nail on the head.
I love being on my own and won’t ever go back…
Jacquelyn // Sep 18, 2007 at 3:55 am
Good Advice Lynn! I will take the second option.
praveena // Oct 28, 2007 at 3:01 pm
Lynn
Thank you! I am going through the emotions now. I work in the corporate world– successful ..but I want more. I just had my 2nd baby 5 months ago — and I want more in life than a job that dictates my life.
My toddler daughter asked me “mommy what are you gonna be when you grow up?”.. I then realized I have gone off my path — I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur.. its now time.
I know if I put the same 40+ hrs a week in something Im passionate about — I can make more, have flexibility and be there for my girls. If it doesnt work –what do I have to loose ? I can go back to the grind –which I wont!
I am taking the leap this week —
praveena
Lynn Terry // Oct 28, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Congratulations Praveena!
ashu // Jan 18, 2008 at 5:39 pm
hats off to you, now this is my third entry on first day on your site, tell me one thing did you always had that knack for writing or you learned it during this fantabulous journey of yours…….
Lynn Terry // Jan 18, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I’ve always enjoyed writing, for as long as I can remember, but there’s certainly been some refining along the way
How Did You Take The Plunge to Entrepreneur? » // Feb 27, 2008 at 6:42 am
[...] else until the time comes they can comfortably say goodbye to their boss, and still others, like Lynn Terry jump in with both feet and never look [...]
Technology Transfer // Jun 24, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Your story is absolutely unbelievable and trust me when I tell you that you are a hero, a model that all of us could follow and be proud of.
Lynn Terry // Jun 24, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Very kind words. Thank you
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