avatarLindsey Moore

Summary

An entrepreneur reflects on the challenges of self-employment and advises caution before quitting a stable 9–5 job.

Abstract

The article presents a candid perspective from an entrepreneur who has experienced the difficulties of self-employment firsthand. The author emphasizes the importance of considering the costs of health, dental, and life insurance, the stability of a regular income, the complexity of doing taxes as a business owner, the lack of social interaction, the potential for longer working hours, and the challenge of maintaining a disciplined schedule before deciding to leave a traditional job. While the author doesn't dismiss the idea of entrepreneurship, they suggest that it may be wiser to build a side business while maintaining the security of a full-time job.

Opinions

  • The author regrets not fully considering the implications of losing employer-provided health insurance and the high cost of obtaining it independently.
  • A stable 9–5 job provides financial security that is crucial for covering regular expenses and can help alleviate the stress of fluctuating income common in entrepreneurship.
  • Self-employment can lead to a significant increase in the complexity of tax preparation, often necessitating the hiring of an accountant and making quarterly estimated tax payments.
  • The social aspect of a traditional workplace is valuable and can be missed when transitioning to self-employment, impacting both business networking and personal well-being.
  • Entrepreneurs often work longer hours without the luxury of sick days, which can result in a lower effective hourly wage compared to a salaried position.
  • Self-employment requires a high level of self-discipline to maintain a productive schedule, which can be more challenging without external accountability.
  • The author suggests that it is possible to pursue entrepreneurial ambitions while keeping a full-time job, advocating for a gradual transition rather than an abrupt career change.

6 Reasons to Not Quit Your 9–5 Job

Honest Advice from a Struggling Entrepreneur

Photo freeimages.com

I’ve read hundreds of articles encouraging people to quit their day job and start their own business. As someone who has been self employed for years, I can say I didn’t take certain things into account when quitting my comfortable day job. If I could go back in time, I would have probably made different choices.

While following your passion is always important, it’s not always advisable to quit a 9–5 job unless you are prepared and aware of the challenges. And for many, staying at a traditional full time job may be the best decision in the long run. Here are some reasons to not quit that traditional 9–5 job.

Health, dental and life insurance can be very expensive

If your employer pays for health insurance, you may want to think about keeping that stable job, especially in the short run. If you start making millions, then you may be able to absorb the cost of insurance. But remember that if you quit that 9 to 5, prepare to pay for your own insurance.

When I worked for a company, my health insurance was free. However, after starting my business, my monthly premium was 300 dollars and I had to pay a copay for every hospital visit. Make sure to research the cost of health insurance for your entire family.

9 to 5 jobs can provide more stability

Remember, despite your ambition, your bills won’t just disappear. You still have mortgage/rent to pay, a car payment and occasionally you may want to eat. It can be reassuring to know that your bills will be paid with a steady traditional job.

If you are working for a large company, you know that your paycheck will be deposited into your account on payday. When I started my own online retail business, the bulk of my income was generated around the holidays, which made it difficult to budget monthly. With a traditional job, you don’t have that worry. You can even use some of your income from your 9 to 5 job to expand a side hustle.

Doing your taxes can be a nightmare

The first year I did my taxes when I was self employed was a nightmare. During prior years, it was so easy to log onto Turbotax and do my taxes myself.

When starting my own business, I had to rely on an accountant which was another added expense. Furthermore, I had to make estimated tax payments quarterly during the year.

There’s limited socialization when starting your own business

The one aspect I missed when starting my own business was the socialization. Yes, coworkers and their endless stories can bore you to pieces in the moment.

But I did miss the constant chatter that occurs in the workplace. After leaving my 9–5 job, it was even more important for me to network constantly not only to expand my business but for my own personal mental health.

You’ll work longer hours

I’ve met quite a few people who believe that entrepreneurs work less than those who work 9–5 jobs. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In actuality, you work longer hours.

When self employed, there are no sick days because if you don’t work, you don’t make money. I found myself working at least 12 hours a day and also on weekends. And when I calculated my hourly salary, there were days where I made a little more than minimum wage.

Instead, I would suggest that you grow your side hustle and work around your 9–5 schedule. And continue to work on weekends. Furthermore, if you are working from home right now, you can grow your side hustle at lunch or when work is slow. As long as you are diligent and careful, you can do both during the work day.

It’s harder to maintain a schedule

I’ve found it’s easier to maintain a more disciplined schedule when you are accountable to someone else. When you are only accountable to yourself, you tend to break the rules more often.

For example, on some days, I would sit in bed for hours instead of getting up and starting my day. I also worked out less and at times even had a cocktail during business hours. Growing your own business requires more discipline.

So should you abandon your dream by starting your own business? No, you should not do that. However, you should know the risks associated with abandoning a 9–5 job. In many cases, you can have your own business and also work for someone else. And if your business grows substantially, then you can contemplate quitting that day job in the long run.

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