**By Kristi Mitchell, Founder of My Venture Coach**

You’re sitting at your desk on a Tuesday morning. The calendar is packed, your inbox is overflowing, and your side business—the one you actually care about—sits untouched for the fourth day in a row.
You start to wonder:
Could I actually do this full time? Could I walk away from my 9–5 and bet on myself?

Let’s be real: most people don’t leave their job because their side hustle is making them rich. They leave because their life isn’t working anymore.

I know because I’ve been there.

In 2006, I walked away from a six-figure corporate executive job at Delco Remy (General Motors). I had four young boys, a supportive husband, and a business—GCR Security Experts—that I’d been running on the side since 2000.

It was profitable. But more importantly, I was burned out. I couldn’t be a high-achieving exec, a present mom, and a whole human being all at the same time. So, I left. And it gave me my life back.

Was it easy? No. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

Here’s what I learned—and what I wish someone had told me before I made the leap.

SECTION 1: Side Hustle to Full-Time Readiness Checklist

Taking the leap isn’t about being fearless. It’s about being prepared.

According to LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence report, 61% of professionals have considered leaving their job to start a business—but fewer than 12% ever take the leap.

If you’re in the 61%, here’s how to know if you’re actually ready:

[ ] I have at least 6 months of personal expenses saved
[ ] My business has generated consistent income for 3–6 months
[ ] I’ve validated people will pay for what I offer
[ ] I’ve created a budget for my personal and business expenses
[ ] I’ve talked with my partner/family about my transition
[ ] I know my monthly minimum revenue target
[ ] I’ve mentally prepared for uncertainty and stress

My Story: When I finally got honest with myself, I realized I was already meeting most of this list. GCR was making money. I had a financial cushion (not as much as I would have liked). The real barrier wasn’t readiness, it was fear. 

SECTION 2: 6-Month Exit Plan Timeline

You don’t have to leap without a net. Use this as your roadmap:

Month 1 – Budget & Save
Cut expenses and build a savings cushion.

Month 2 – Build Revenue
Focus on generating consistent, recurring income.

Month 3 – Systemize
Set up systems for invoicing, client onboarding, delivery.

Month 4 – Legal & Tax
Incorporate, open your business account, and talk to a CPA.

Month 5 – Network
Find mentors, accountability partners, and supportive peers.

Month 6 – Exit & Launch
Give notice. Begin your new routine. Celebrate—you're in control.

My Story: I didn’t have this kind of formal plan when I left. I followed my gut—and while that worked out, I wish I’d had a more strategic roadmap. That’s why I teach one now. Planning your exit brings confidence and peace.

SECTION 3: Stress Isn’t the Problem—Control Is

Entrepreneurship doesn’t eliminate stress. It transforms it.

In corporate, your stress is imposed:

• Managers, deadlines, policies

In business, your stress is self-directed:

• Client growth, delivery, vision

And that’s the trade-off. It’s not less pressure. It’s chosen pressure.

Journal Prompt:
What kind of stress am I carrying right now? What would it feel like to wake up and direct my own priorities every day?

“Clarity doesn’t come from thinking—it comes from doing.”

When I had a bad day in corporate, it drained me. When I had a hard day in business, it challenged me—because it was mine to fix.

My Story: The stress didn’t go away when I left Delco Remy, but it changed. My stress in the corporate world consisted of being overworked and underpaid, having to do other peoples' work, constant meetings, and "clock watchers" making me feel guilty if I wanted to leave 30 minutes early to make it to my sons' baseball game. As my own boss, I had control over what I focused on. That control was energizing. It gave me the ability to be more present in my life, even when things were hard.

 SECTION 4: You Need a Tribe—Not Just a Toolkit

You can Google your way into a strategy. But you can’t Google encouragement, feedback, or accountability. That’s why community matters.

When I left corporate, I didn’t have a tribe of entrepreneurs around me. That’s why I built one: the Venture Community.

Message you can send to a potential mentor:

“Hi [Name], I admire how you transitioned into full-time entrepreneurship. I’m beginning that journey too and would love to ask a few questions. Would you be open to a quick 15-minute chat?”

Don’t do it alone. Growth is a team sport.

My Story: I didn’t have other entrepreneur friends when I started full-time. I felt isolated, and it slowed my growth. Now I make sure every person in our community never feels like they’re figuring this out in the dark. 

SECTION 5: Define What Success Means to You

Forget the internet’s version of success. What’s yours?

Ask yourself:

• What kind of life do I want this business to create?

• How many hours do I want to work?

• What do I never want to miss again?

“If it scares you and excites you, it’s probably the path.” — Seth Godin

Exercise: My Ideal Day Vision

• Where are you working? (Home? Studio? Coworking space?)

• Who are you serving?

• What kind of work lights you up?

• What’s your morning and evening like?

• What do you never want to go back to?

My Story: I didn’t want to build an empire. I wanted flexibility. I wanted to be at my kids’ games, have lunch with my husband, and choose who I worked with. That’s what success looked like for me—and that vision shaped every business decision I made. Then over time that vision changed as my kids got older. The day my businesses went over a million dollars in revenue was a day on my journey that I'm really proud of and inspired me to do more. 

Bonus: 5 Things I’d Tell Myself in 2006

1. Don’t wait for perfect. Clarity comes from action.

2. Build your support system before you need it.

3. Simplicity beats complexity. Keep overhead low.

4. Your first idea won’t be your last. Be flexible.

5. Document everything early. You’ll grow faster.

Final Thoughts: The One Question That Changed Everything

Still sitting on the decision?

If you’re burned out, stuck, or just ready...
You don’t have to leap without a plan.

Here’s the question that changed everything for me:

“What would my life look like a year from now if I took one bold step this week?”

If you’re ready to do this right—with support, clarity, and a proven path:

Join My Venture Coach!

• Start your journey with the Venture Mapping Course

• Build your transition plan in the Launch Navigation Course

• Get support inside the Venture Community

You’re not behind. You’re just getting started.