You Don’t Need to Quit Your Job to Start a Business

Let’s be honest.

If you’ve ever thought about starting a business while working full time, you probably know this feeling:

That quiet voice that says you’re meant for more.
The idea that’s been following you around for years.
And the fear that’s kept you from actually doing something about it.

You keep waiting to feel ready.
But what if that day never comes?

This post is for anyone stuck in a job that no longer fits — and dreaming about starting a business while working full-time. I’ll share the exact mindset shift and strategy that helped me make the leap — and how you can take your first step, without burning the whole house down.

Let’s dive in.

You’re Not the Problem — The Pattern Is

There’s a story I hear a lot — and for a long time, I was the one telling it.

You’ve got this dream of doing something on your own. But work is busy. The kids need you. You’re already stretched. You tell yourself you’ll start next month. Or when things settle down. You just keep kicking the can down the road.

But if you took a moment to be honest, you’d probably see you’ve been telling yourself the same story for years.

And it’s not because you’re lazy. You’re stuck.

You’re stuck in a job that looks fine on paper but doesn’t light you up. You’re torn between what you think you “should” do and what you actually want. You’re stuck in the safety of the status quo — and in the loop of waiting for the confidence you need to somehow just show up before you act.

And this is especially true if you’re thinking about starting a business while working full time. It’s hard to know where to begin. It feels risky. Overwhelming. Like you’re supposed to have it all figured out before you even start.

But here’s the truth: Confidence doesn’t come first. Action does.

Starting a Business While Working Full Time Is the Smart Play

A lot of people think starting a business means going all in. Quitting your job. Burning the boats.

And while that can work for some of us, it can be too much for most of us. That’s not only risky — it’s unnecessary.

Starting a business while working full time is one of the smartest ways to do it.

Why?
Because your job gives you a stable runway. You don’t need the business to make money on day one. That pressure kills creativity and momentum. What you need instead is a space to test and build.

With a few focused hours a week, you can:

• Choose your idea
• Build your offer
• Talk to real people
• And most importantly — make your first sale

You’re not “playing small” — you’re building smart.

Your First Business Probably Won’t Be the One — And That’s Okay

If you’re starting a business while working full time, here’s something important to remember: your first idea doesn’t need to be perfect. In fact, it probably won’t be.

Mine wasn’t.

Back in 2018, I was working a stable corporate job. On the outside, everything looked fine. But inside, I knew I wanted more — more freedom, more ownership, and more meaning in the work I was doing.

So I waited. I overthought. I second-guessed.

Eventually, I picked something and gave it a go. That first idea didn’t stick. But it gave me momentum. It showed me what I was capable of.

Before launching my coaching business, I tried starting a mortgage brokerage. I ran an e-commerce store selling electric scooters. I had plenty of other ideas that never even made it off the whiteboard.

But every step taught me something. And that momentum — along with the lessons I learned about what works and what doesn’t — changed everything.

Most of the people I coach now didn’t get it right on their first try either. When you’re starting a business while working full time, it’s normal to test an idea, pivot, and refine as you go.

Often it’s the second, third, or fourth idea that finally clicks.

But none of that happens if you don’t start the first one.

How to Start Small — and Make It Real

Let’s make this practical. Here what you need to think about when starting a business while working full time — and make it real by getting your first sale.

1. Block Time Each Week

Pick a consistent window — even just 5 hours — and protect it like you would a client meeting. You don’t need 40 hours. You need focus.

2. Pick One Idea

Not the “perfect” idea. Just one that you’re excited enough to test. This isn’t a marriage. It’s a trial run. You can evolve as you go.

3. Define Your Offer

Ask yourself: what problem can I solve for someone? What outcome can I help them achieve? Keep it simple and clear.

4. Talk to Real People

Your first sale won’t come from a fancy logo or website. It’ll come from conversations. Reach out to people. Ask questions. Make offers.

5. Make Your First Sale

This is your line in the sand. Once you’ve sold something — anything — you’re no longer dreaming. You’re doing. That’s where it all begins.

You’ve Waited Long Enough

If you’ve read this far, I want you to hear this clearly:

You are not behind.
You are not too late.
You do not need anyone’s permission.

What you do need is a decision.

A decision to stop waiting.
To stop doubting.
To start building something of your own — even if it’s just one step at a time.

That’s exactly why I created the 6 week – Start Your Business Sprint, a coaching experience to help people like you go from “someday” to “sale made” over a 6 week sprint. You’ll choose your idea, take focused weekly action, and break the cycle of waiting.

This isn’t about quitting your job.
It’s about building your future.

Are you ready to stop thinking about starting a business while working full time — and start doing something about it? for more information click here.