Test the waters before you leave your 9-5

"There's a popular narrative around starting a solo business: quit your job, take the leap, figure it out along the way. It sounds bold. It also ignores what many successful solopreneurs actually do: start while they still have a paycheck, figure it out, and then quit."

"A side hustle while you're still employed gives you something incredibly valuable: the ability to experiment without risking your livelihood. You can determine what services you plan to offer and validate whether there's demand. You can pitch potential clients, test different pricing, and figure out what "sticks"-all while a steady paycheck covers your bills."

"You're also building proof that you can do the work. Future clients want to see what you've already done, not what you plan to do. A portfolio and a few client testimonials go a long way when you're ready to announce that you're open for business full-time."

"Before you quit, you need to know how much you need to earn-and have some evidence that you can get there. Start by calculating the minimum you need to cover your business expenses, taxes, and your cost of living. This is your baseline, and it's more useful than a salary comparison because it accounts for the realities"

A common solo-business story recommends quitting first and figuring things out later, but many successful solopreneurs build momentum before leaving employment. Freelancing alongside a 9-5 for an extended period provides time to refine an offer, identify ideal clients, create a portfolio, and build confidence. A side hustle offers an experimental space to validate services, test pricing, and learn what attracts demand while a paycheck covers living costs. It also creates proof for future clients through completed work, portfolios, and testimonials. The main challenge is managing time and energy during overlap, but the period is temporary. Before quitting, calculate a baseline income need that covers business expenses, taxes, and cost of living, supported by evidence that the target can be reached.

Read at Fast Company