LESSON #18: Should I Quit My Day Job?

By | August 3, 2008

Up until this point, I’ve been covering many of the fundamentals and principles of success that will help you create a solid foundation for your business.

In the next lesson, we’ll move out of this phase, and begin to put together the pieces of a new business, but first I need to answer an important question that many people have asked me…

(Watch this video…)

Join my coaching club

Main points:

  • Should you quit your day job? YES! But not yet. (*Based on two assumptions)

  • Conservative advice: Keep your job as long as possible. (90% of advice being given)

  • Liberal advice: Quit your job today.

  • I’m in the middle.

  • If your vision involves a life in which you’re no longer working at your present job, then at some point you will HAVE to quit your job in order for that vision to be fulfilled.

  • The only question now is “when?”

  • Questions to help you weigh the decision…

    1) Is your job hurting you? (If yes, it may be time to quit)

    2) Do you have a vision and a solid plan for your business? (If no, you’re not ready)

    3) Do you already have a written goal for quitting your job? (Could be helpful)

    4) Are you committed to the business? (Required)

    5) What do you have to lose? (If you have little or nothing to lose, it’s a good time to quit)

    6) How long will your savings last? (If you have enough money saved, it may be beneficial to risk some of your savings)

    7) How much income is your business bringing in?

    *Quit your job and go full time at the point where your business is bringing in the minimum that you need to make ends meet.

    8] What are you willing to sacrifice?

    9) Do you trust your gut? (And is it usually right?)

    10) Will you dare to do what others only dream of?

    Action steps:

    1) Decide whether you should quit your job.

    2) Decide what criteria you need to fulfill in order to quit your job, and then stick to it. (Don’t chicken out when the time comes)

    It is very possible that your job is holding you back from building the kind of business you’re dreaming of, so the sooner you can quit your job, the better. Just be wise about it!

    As always, you are welcome to post your questions and comments below. Feel free to let me know if you’ve made any decisions about quitting your job.

    Have a great day!

  • 263 thoughts on “LESSON #18: Should I Quit My Day Job?

    1. Cleuza

      Hi Eric

      His classes have been of paramount importance to me. I’m out of the labor market for nearly 20 years. Did Seminary and worked for over 15 years with the area of ??teaching and discipleship of my church, earning a small stipend. 5 years ago I walked away from work with the church, but do not even think about working secularly. Since then I have tried to make money on the internet in vain. I circled round and bought shiny things. I do not have a business plan because not even define my niche market. My hope is that during the course I have clarity about what I actually do.
      I am grateful for his generosity and willingness to help us.
      I read the comments and want to say I’m praying for my colleagues and for you.
      Sorry possible errors, but do not dominate the language

      Reply
    2. Annalisa Hedberg and Roger Nylen

      Eric!
      Have to go to my job still, as I have a house to pay and a car and some other debts. I’m confident that I will in the near future, but right now it’s a bit to early. As I have failed before I am a bit scared. I must see some money coming in to my account, before I can feel that it really would work for me.
      Eric, you are a very good teacher, your tips are professional and the lessons easy to follow and the lengths of them are just perfect, not too short and not too long.

      Reply
    3. John

      WOW Eric, You have a lot of good advice. I have enjoyed all of your Tips! My problem is information overload. Seams like I have every marketer out there has my email address. I have too much stuff. As far as quitting my job, well I’ve yet to make my first dollar so that is out of the question. keep the tips coming. I think their great, I just can’t believe you do this for free. Very unique in this day and time. I take my hat off to you my brother, and hope to meet you one day.

      Your Friend
      John

      Reply
      1. Jacquelynne Myers

        Hi John,
        Unsubscribe from all those marketers selling shiny objects. I had the same problem. You should see all the stuff on my hard drive. I unsubscribed from all but a handful of people that I know and trust, which cleaned up my inbox and I don’t get info overload and I don’t get distracted as often.
        By buying all those shiny objects I set myself up to fail because I didn’t know how to use them.
        Lesson 3 was “Quit Buying Stuff,” and that is excellent advice.
        Now I can focus on these lessons (and take the action steps) and the Real Coaching Club and have a chance to succeed.

        Reply
    4. joyce lim pin geok

      I’m happy in my job with a lot of benefits and friends. I will quit if I make much more than my pay. I’m from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and our money is very small, less than 1/3 of US currency.

      Reply
      1. career

        I recommend keeping your job, until you can make the transition from a full time job into a full time internet marketing experience.

        Reply
    5. GARY HOGAN

      Quite a well put together senario and once a decision is made go at it with the attitude of-
      there’s no turning back now. Thanks again Eric–Gary

      Reply
    6. Don

      Thanks for this topic. I have been praying for my purpose in life as I never had a job that will provide enough for my family. My job has been unstable, got laid off several times and the one I’m in right now will only be until August 2013. The only money I have, i already spent to other system that didnt work. My last $30, I spent for your IMguru system. I’m still going thru these videos, holwever, looks like I’m not able to advance due to lack of fund. I really wanted to go full time in online business due to my unstable job situation. Please pray that I could finally set up on this business to provide for my family.
      Don

      Reply
    7. Gary Jensen

      I have made comments and asked questions time and again only to never see any reply so I quit making comments. I am retired with no income and credit card debts of about $46,000 from buying internet courses and internet promises. There is no fool like an old fool. After asking the question, can I do this without a PayPal account, I still haven’t any answer that would tell me to quit or go on with this training. It’s difficult when there is no one to converse with.

      Reply
    8. Micah

      Hello Gary,

      We keep replying to you in the comments, but it doesn’t look like you’re seeing our replies. We are also responding to your support tickets each time, so you might want to check your spam folder.

      There are many alternatives to PayPal.

      Here is the link to Eric’s lesson called, Payment Processing Solutions for Online Businesses:

      LESSON #53: Payment Processing Solutions for Online Businesses

      Reply
    9. Norman Wilcox

      Just purchased your No Cost System last night. You said that it was for the people that could not afford those expensive programs. I was kind of sad to see the upsell after I made the purchase. I am a “Newbie” and I have a challenge for you. Take a few of us by the hand and show us, it could prove to be great PR for you in the long run. I have looked at a lot of so called ‘Programs’ out there and I really thought you and your partners were going to be different. Seems to me that most of you are saying the same thing, as far as, hooking them in. So, what have you got to lose? You already have all of the things you need in life and claim that you would like to help people launch their own business. I to work full time, have a family and rush around from activities. You say it can be done, well I am willing to do what it takes. Thanks and have a great day. Norm 814-897-3174

      Reply
    10. Norman Wilcox

      Just purchased your No Cost System last night. You said that it was for the people that could not afford those expensive programs. I was kind of sad to see the upsell after I made the purchase. I am a “Newbie” and I have a challenge for you. Take a few of us by the hand and show us, it could prove to be great PR for you in the long run. I have looked at a lot of so called ‘Programs’ out there and I really thought you and your partners were going to be different. Seems to me that most of you are saying the same thing, as far as, hooking them in. So, what have you got to lose? You already have all of the things you need in life and claim that you would like to help people launch their own business. I to work full time, have a family and rush around from activities. You say it can be done, well I am willing to do what it takes. Thanks and have a great day. Norm 814-897-3174

      Reply
    11. Micah

      Hello Norman,

      Yes, there are upsells, mainly just for PLR to the same course. There is no need to purchase that, especially if you aren’t experienced with selling PLR content.

      Many people will benefit from just the course itself, and all the traffic it will help them to receive, when they apply the tips and strategies it teaches.

      We recommend that you hang in there with Eric’s free video lessons at http://www.ericstips.com/. Eric’s lessons have helped many people to go from beginners, to successful online business owners!

      The lessons are presented in a sequence that starts at the very beginning, where the very first things you need to learn about online marketing are shown in the first few lessons!

      If you’re interested to go even more in-depth with marketing, you might also want to take part in Eric’s coaching club:
      http://www.realguysrealmoney.com

      Eric, Paul, and Jeff are expert marketers. They will be a great resource for you!

      Reply
    12. Micah

      Hello Norman,

      Yes, there are upsells, mainly just for PLR to the same course. There is no need to purchase that, especially if you aren’t experienced with selling PLR content.

      Many people will benefit from just the course itself, and all the traffic it will help them to receive, when they apply the tips and strategies it teaches.

      We recommend that you hang in there with Eric’s free video lessons at http://www.ericstips.com/. Eric’s lessons have helped many people to go from beginners, to successful online business owners!

      The lessons are presented in a sequence that starts at the very beginning, where the very first things you need to learn about online marketing are shown in the first few lessons!

      If you’re interested to go even more in-depth with marketing, you might also want to take part in Eric’s coaching club:
      http://www.realguysrealmoney.com

      Eric, Paul, and Jeff are expert marketers. They will be a great resource for you!

      Reply
    13. Don

      I guess, the saying true ” birds of the same feathers, flock together” i think i dont belong to this group as no one cares of my queries. I think i sounded as a ignorant abt this business that’s why. I really am, thats the reason i bought products of these “real guys”. I just hope i still could return what i bought.

      Reply
    14. bethouven

      Hi Eric, Good Day!

      I am a Southeast Asian born in the Beautiful Island of Philippines.But I currently residing in Dubai,UAE. My question is,can I start an online business even if I’m not an American?I want to start in affiliate Marketing and e-services. Thank you so much, God Bless you Guys….Have a nice Day…

      Reply
    15. Signe Seiersen

      How can I pay for your coaching Club, when i only have paypal(where I set in my Money from my netbank)account. I dont have a credit Card, which is asked.?
      Signe

      Reply
    16. Andrea

      Eric,
      So grateful again for the lessons. I feel as God held this door open this long, if not just for me but also for others needing this guidance. Learning from some comments/replies as well.
      With Blessings,
      Andrea

      Reply
    17. Arnold

      Hello Eric,

      I have actually lost my job, but I’m out of trouble for at least a year because of the social plan which was very well negociated. So I wonder if I better directly concentrate on starting an online business, even if I do not have a clear vision for it, and I do not have any marketing knowledge because I always worked as an employee ? Or find a similar unpleasant and stressful job where I will probably earn less? In fact with the help of your great lessons I try to find a vision and commitment to it when I feel this will be great in the long term! Perhaps indeed my vision is to put my family (3 children and wife) in a much better financial position than before. Many thanks!

      Reply
    18. Micah

      Hello Arnold,

      Remember that it takes time to build an online business. You might want to look for immediate work, while continuing to learn and build your online business. You’ll know when it’s right to go full time online, as success comes your way!

      Reply
    19. Caroline Sabourin

      Well this one is pretty easy for me as I’m already on employment insurance and I’ve been looking to do this for a while already. I’m ready to jump in with both feet and work 200% to make this work. There’s no better motivator than do or die…lol

      Reply
    20. Jorge

      Eric keep working hard in my new adventure best wishes for you

      Reply
    21. David Vick

      Well, well, well, so it comes downto this . I’m 63 & I’ve had this website, (retirewealthyfast.com) up for 2 years with adsense on it & the only thing it has done for me is bring in thousands of spam comments for me to go through & I haven’t made a dime. That is why my first goal is to monitize this site even if I have to drop adsense & there rules. I would quit or retire from my night job in a minute if I could replace the income with another sourse. The J.O.B. is starting to hurt me physically but without that level of income there goes the quality of life. Must start to make some money very soon. Which is why I took a step back to try & learn more about the HOW TO DO IT, & your course seems to make a lot of sence to me.

      Reply
      1. Carola Meyer

        David (Vick), I had a look at your website and am wondering what you are trying to sell. Or is it just for clicks? I was hoping there would be some way of interacting, but I can’t find any.
        (I’m at seesa.ws)

        Reply
      2. Larry Thompson

        David,
        I am no expert on websites but I looked at your site and all I see is “404 – File or directory not found.” banners and 100% news feeds on the other banners that work and not a thing at all for sale. It would be very obvious of why you have not nade a dime on it if that is what it looked like since it was up. I do not even see anything that looke like it is connected with any kind of affiliate links so you could even earn anything on clicks at all. And as for the title of the wensite itself, retirewealthyfast.com, there is absolutely nothing there that even relates to how to retire really fast.

        I am not trying to smart off or anything but I just wanted to let you know what I thought of it. So I too have a question about it… What in the world are you trying to sell?

        Reply
    22. FERNANDO BIZ

      Great points Eric. These are some of the questions I ask these days while at work. Sometimes it gives me the trigger to leave the job and start going full time with my web services and Book Publishing company business in London.

      Thanks for the share Eric.

      Reply
    23. melvin williams

      I fall in the category of credit, money and some insurance, but it became stressful and now I have time. Also I have a small pension…so I did it! after 36 years, and I’m still glad because I can pay my bills.

      Reply
    24. Tautua

      Great Eric! I am loving this…now last week we bought the level one of the graphics firesale, last night we bought the upgrade…now we are listening and waiting these lessons on how to build our business with this graphics product…excited, THANK YOU

      Reply
    25. Sam

      Wow another great lesson…good to have someone walking you through the steps that need to be covered in trying to build a successful online business…

      Again thank you Eric…

      Reply
    26. Steven

      Eric,
      Thank you for putting this out there. I appreciate the balance approach and then letting each one make their own decision in context of how the lessons up to now have gone for them.
      For me, I’m already out of work so it is not a question of “when” but “if” regarding the urge to go back to work.

      I’m deciding to press through the next several lessons to aid in my decision.

      Thank you again.

      Reply
    27. jean gignac

      HI! Eric

      First time when I FIXED MY MIND to coming with Heather and you after
      I was quit my job, everythings in my mind was done, and I took this way
      and I will never leave It … You help me a lot, cause I realy need your lessons
      but you help me more by your attitude than the lessons, the way to do what
      I have to do is more important and you help me a lot in there, so thank for that ….
      I just want talk to you agains my plan …. I made a business plan and I’ll send to
      Heather before and you ‘ll see It after and I made one financial too and I need
      your appreciation agains this plan … But I have 52 pages, I told you before ….
      I’ll give to Heather for the week-end and next week I’ll give to you, I hope than you will check it ? …
      Have a nice day
      Jean and hello for the family

      Reply
    28. Angelo

      Erip… thanks for your tips… I am still here reading and listening to you. I am retired but I going to have to get me a part time so I can build my business quickly…. I am planning to buy a domain name for my daughter belly dancing classes,
      and I am thinking to ad some products for sell like phones, laptops and belly dancing cloth materials , where her students will be able to see and buy them for less than what they have to pay in the local store… Question? My daughter already has a page on Face Book and I have seems some commercials on her page but since she is not getting any benefits from that , maybe the boy friend build the page for her and he is cashing in without her knowledge,
      Anyway to make sure that she is in control of her own business we decided that we should open a website for her and built the business around her life and her dancing. I understand I could buy a domain from you for less than five dollar. Now that I will be able to do in two weeks, but I need a real domain and for that price I could buy it for four years, I going to have 20 dollar to invest on these website that she wants. I already have a license for a business for her where I am the manager. You can see her at my face book under C-Chelle Martinez. I have a second question…
      Do the page name and the business name have to match, or can I have a page with the name she wants and still
      keep the business name we already have. Buy the way I have a number to pay taxes but have not make money
      jet, she gives classes to her friends and neighbors but they are becoming too many so she found an studio by
      her home where she is going to take the students where they are more than three at the time…
      I am 63 and retired , and I drive her to where she has to go…. but for her future I need to help her create the website and build her business …. hoping to make her complete independent in the future so she can pay for her expenses and to support her two girls….Please, if you have time let me know if I can get these domain and how much for one year to start, once I get the domain I understand I need to get my suppliers and then build the website. Mitchelle , my daughter has MS, until now she is very active. I learn from you that in her case maybe better to open .org since I want at least 5 percent to go as donation for MS. I am going slow because I don’t have the capital, but if I did
      I will go faster. I trying to have some family to partner with us so I can at least have 30 to 50 dollars for my website expenses…. I know it takes around one hundred dollar a month for website expenses, so is going to take me a
      long time4 before I can get to that amount. Unless I get some on line help, or I bring some one in the family
      to pitch in, but in these economic every body I know is having a hard time when it comes to money. Again thank you for your tips, thank you for your help, you are helping me to hung in there because no body else in my family of friends understand what I talking about they may think I am loco, but I work with computers before and I see and listen to all the wonders they can make happen I will walk all the steps I need to get there…. if time is on my side….
      Thank you again, I’ll be in touch….Angelo
      face

      Reply
    29. Joseph Cheek

      Hi Eric,

      Well, you did it again. Thumbs up on today’s lesson. I am actually in a position to give 100% to my business, with no real risk involved. I have to say that I’m getting more out of this approach to teaching and building a business. The university business profs have nothing on your information, way of teaching, and method of approaching business. Keep it up, please!

      Reply
    30. Suja Yussof

      Dear Eric,I am on social securityi n Australia.Will be turning 54 in Dec.have recently separated and am a part time Dad of two young children.Now in the winter months the energy bills are putting me beyond my buget thus bringing me into dept.Currently am trying to use the technique to monetise facebook.Am having difficulty to set up an affillliate account
      how long do I need to get ruturns i h have to do something from home move forward.Thankyou for the latest fire sale
      is it possible to link those plr products with the monetise facebook techique?Yours Sincerely Suja Yussof.

      Reply
      1. Micah

        Hello Suja,

        Who are you trying to become an affiliate for?

        ClickBank pays out once a week, if you earn enough, and select that setting!

        Reply
    31. James

      G’day Eric

      Thanks mate for the great information you have put together.
      I have been putting your lessons in a folder to view at a later date,
      I seem to be missing Lesson #17, can you re-send this please to my email

      Cheers

      Reply
      1. Micah

        Hello James,

        Eric will still be completing 100 lessons. The next lesson will be sent to you soon. You can also visit the following link to see the latest lesson updates and revisit earlier lessons:
        http://www.ericstips.com/tips/category/lessons/

        Here is the direct link to lesson 17:

        LESSON #17: Commitment (The Choice is Yours)

        You may also simply change the number at the end of the link, to go to a different lesson number (example: /lesson1, /lesson2, /lesson3, etc…).

        If your email happens to block some of the lessons, we recommend that you view this tip on whitelisting an email address:

        How To Add a Sender to Your Whitelist (Safelist)

        Reply
    32. Eliza

      My job is great. I receive full time salary promptly every month, have a good iMac computer
      and 4-5 hours free time a day (Mon – Fri) to learn internet marketing. The best part is that most
      of my supervisors are very understanding.

      Cheers,

      Reply
    33. Adiz

      Good one Erics.I really wish to quit my job because i am not even satisfied with it anymore.But i have made any money online and i also need to pay sch fees,rent,pay many debt and feed.Still waiting for the perfect time to quit.

      Reply
    34. Christine Aurand

      I need to know where I can get a website built for less than $50.00. All of the providers of this service want several hundred and I’m not in a position to pay that amount. I need a website because a domain is not cutting it.

      Thanks
      Christine

      Reply
    35. L.S. Sydney

      Hi Eric.

      Is there an email address that I contact you, or this is the only way I can ask questions please?

      Reply
    36. Murri

      Hi Eric,I’m thinking to quit my present job as its really pressurise me everday,but I need to hold on first as I have debts to pay of.I hope so with your tips and lesson,I get can through it and to settle my debts as soon as possible.

      Reply
    37. Murrm

      Hi Eric..You are a great guru or anothher words professional,you give tips and explain in details,I am thankful to you as these are all FOC,I have been trying for 10years trying internet marketing on line business but end up with failing which I came across all scams and zero promises with a lot of debts that i have to pay.Hopefully with your lessons and tips,I can go through it easily and happy to make money in a short term.

      Reply
    38. Murri

      Hi Eric..I’m thinking of quiting my present but seems not the time yet as I have to settle my debts which was holding me from quiting my job,but you Eric motivates me of doing business on line.The fact is I have doing on line business for 10years but failed through out,but I still do not want to give up so easily for already lost money and time,I wish to get my bank flow of money with your lessons.
      Please advice me.
      Thank you.

      Reply
      1. Micah

        Hello Murri,

        Why don’t you get through these lessons, and apply the new insights you gain! If your online business begins to take off, the time may come when you’ll be able to making it your only job.

        Reply
    39. Carole Johnson

      Eric, I live in Illinois. I am a person who got caught in this Recession. 65 miles West of Chicago- companies have downsizes right and left. Working thru 9 temporary Services.

      So I like many others went back to School taking Computer Subjects, Then with not gaining success in getting hired back, went out an purchased a computer with the hopes of working at home. Thus I did not have a choice in being able to quit a job.

      Patiently, learned the necessary for Affiliate Marketing thru a class online. Found out that we all were competing with each other for gaining Sales for which you receive a Commission on the products sold.

      Are there to many people trying to gain an income from the Internet?

      Reply
      1. Eric Post author

        Hello Carole,

        Thank you for your question. We recommend that you hang in there with Eric’s free video lessons at http://www.ericstips.com/. Eric’s lessons have helped many people to go from beginners, to successful online business owners!

        The lessons are presented in a sequence that starts at the very beginning, where the very first things you need to learn about online marketing are shown in the first few lessons!

        If you’re interested to go even more in-depth with marketing, you might also want to take part in Eric’s coaching club:
        http://www.realguysrealmoney.com

        Eric, Paul, and Jeff are expert marketers. They will be a great resource for you!

        What is included in the Coaching Club:
        – 2 Live Coaching Webinars Per Month with Jeff Wellman, Paul Counts, and Eric Holmlund
        – Access to the Archive of All Coaching Calls
        – Monthly High Quality PLR Product
        – Massive Video Training Library
        – Community Forum (JV’s, Support, and More)
        – Articles, Bonuses, and More
        http://www.realguysrealmoney.com/go17/

        Reply
    40. Vlad Sandu

      I recommend keeping your job, until you can make the transition from a full time job into a full time internet marketing experience.

      Reply
    41. Jacquelynne Myers

      I’m on a disability retirement, so no job, but I would love to replace that pension many times over. Now that would bring peace of mind.

      Reply
    42. Marc M. Demers

      Hey Eric,

      My situation is very easy, I’m going to retire in a few months, so I don’t have to take any decision on my side.

      Thanks for your great job and I’ll see you in the next Lesson where we are starting to build our real presence Online.

      Cheers,

      Marc

      Reply
    43. Dan Frigo

      Hi Eric, just came across this post from someone sharing it on FB. Came at a great time as I am currently planning to leave my 9-5 to do online business full-time. Thanks for the post!

      Reply
    44. Stefan

      A lot of things fell in place while i watched this episode of Erics tips, it showed me how to make my own decision

      Reply
    45. J Wayne Scherffius

      For me the answer to this question is very simple. I am preparing to retire in the next 3 – 4 years. Once I have all the consumer debt paid in full, the mortgage paid in full, and six months of savings in place, and finally my business meets or exceeds my existing wage, then I will be ready to go. Believe me, I have given this a great deal of thought. I have a definite exit plan for my day job.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    The maximum upload file size: 50 MB. You can upload: image, audio, video. Links to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other services inserted in the comment text will be automatically embedded. Drop file here