Working a full-time job comes with many perks – financial stability, benefits, and the comfort of letting someone else take charge. But for some, the temptation to quit and pursue a passion project full-time is increasingly strong. After all, you spend most of your waking hours at work. Fantasising about making a drastic change is normal. However, handing in your resignation to follow your dreams is a major decision requiring careful thought. Your job likely covers important necessities like mortgage payments, supporting your family, healthcare and more.
This article explores the why and when of quitting your job to pursue passion. While tossing aside routine for passion work sounds idealistic, you need to approach quitting your job to pursue passion practically so that you can make a smooth transition to the rewarding work you love.
Why Do You Want To Quit Your Job?
This is the first question to ask yourself when you are looking to quit your job and pursue your passion.
We get it – you’re sick of the daily grind at work. You stare at the clock willing it to move faster, just trying to get through another miserable day. The thought of doing the same old routine for one more year, let alone another decade, seems unbearable.
Most people have been there at some point. They fantasise about telling off their boss, storming out the door, and never looking back. The temptation to just quit and pursue that dream career or travel the world is real.
But, before you turn in your resignation, be honest with yourself – what’s really driving this? Is it a toxic work environment and you’re finally at your limit? Did you recently discover a new passion outside of work?
Take some time to reflect. Weigh the pros and cons. Make sure this isn’t just a knee-jerk reaction to a bad day. Because while it’s thrilling to imagine becoming a world-travelling photographer or opening a cute bakery, you still have bills to pay.
We are not saying that you shouldn’t be quitting your job to pursue passion. But have a plan first. That way this bold move is driven by inspiration, not sheer desperation to escape. Dream big, but stay grounded in reality too.
The Day You Hand In Your Resignation to Follow Your Dreams
Before taking the leap, reflect deeply and take several key steps to thoughtfully lay the groundwork. Here are the essential things to do before handing in your resignation letter:
Define Your Ideal Vision
First, get crystal clear on your ideal vision for the future. Vague whims and fleeting frustrations aren’t enough to base such a life-changing decision on. Through deep introspection, unlock what truly makes you come alive.
Ask yourself difficult questions – What legacy do you want to leave behind? How exactly do you want to spend each day? What strengths do you have that you can offer the world? If you could wave a magic wand, what does your dream career and lifestyle look like?
The process will unearth your true passions and purpose. Though the path ahead may seem uncertain, just identifying your north star will fill you with a sense of meaning.
Evaluate Your Current Job
With your ideal vision clarified, you can objectively assess your current job fit. Look at areas of misalignment as well as aspects you appreciate.
While the work hours may be gruelling and the work unfulfilling, you may value smart colleagues who challenge you. You may also recognize how professional development expands your skills.
Overall though, it will likely become apparent how remaining will only steer you farther from your newly discovered passion. Your job likely no longer lights you up or offers chances for growth.
Strategically Build a Bridge
Rather than hastily quitting, start constructing a bridge to your future vision while still employed. This transition period lets you test the waters before fully diving in.
You can begin by writing guest posts or freelancing in your spare time. Connecting with mentors in your desired field will provide priceless advice too. Further educating yourself equips you with vital skills.
Securing a few freelance gigs allows you to start building a portfolio and supplement savings too. This strategic bridge makes your eventual leap feel less intimidating.
Craft a Concrete Action Plan
Etch out a detailed roadmap for the first 12 months after resigning. Having specific goals and timelines will create structure amidst the uncertainty.
Research rates to charge and estimate costs of essentials like insurance. Plot your application strategy for new jobs or clients too. Build in monthly milestones to track progress. This concrete plan can be your guide.
Have a Financial Safety Net
Saving a robust emergency fund is crucial. Map out a budget and aim to salt away enough to cover 6 months of living expenses. This prepares you to float between gigs without immediately needing another full-time job.
Be ready to make some lifestyle cutbacks to build an extra cushion. Temper expectations for earnings in the first year too. Proper financial planning reduces stress.
Develop a Contingency Plan
Get clear on your non-negotiables that would require reassessment, like burning through savings. Commit to a backup plan, like returning to corporate temporarily to replenish finances.
Mentally preparing for worst-case scenarios reduces anxiety about whether you’ve made the right choice. It reminds you there’s no shame in course correcting if needed.
Address Lingering Fears
Despite thorough planning, fear and self-doubt may creep in. Rather than ignoring them, proactively address these fears as they arise. Revisit your vision regularly to reignite conviction. Enlist your support system to help diffuse doubts.
Focus on the progress made, not just the massive road ahead. Keeping fears at bay will be an ongoing commitment, but it prevents sabotage of your dreams.
Reassess Your Motivations
Throughout the planning process, routinely recheck that passion, not desperation, is fueling this decision. Unleash the power of positive thinking. Lingering unhappiness at your job is understandable but insufficient. Take time to dig deeper into your core motivations before committing.
Listen to your intuition. It will reassure you if this decision flows from your soul’s Calling, not just surface frustrations. Let your deepest values guide you.
Also Read: When to Quit Your Job – Making the Right Decision for Your future!!
Define Your Version of Success
Regardless of lingering doubts, define what success looks like for you. It may not be fame or fortune, but rather living out your purpose daily. Keep this personal vision of fulfilment at your core as your compass.
With courage, patience and a pragmatic plan, you can resign from an unfulfilling job to follow your most vibrant dreams. Take the leap – you’ve got this!
Quitting Your Job to Pursue Passion
If you’re feeling stuck in an unfulfilling job but dreaming of making a change, you’re not alone. Many people grapple with knowing when and how to take the leap to pursue their passions.
While quitting your job to pursue passion can be scary, it can also be tremendously rewarding when done thoughtfully. By getting clear on your vision, making a robust plan, and building your skills, you set yourself up for success.
If you need support navigating this career transition, consider working with a coach. Dev Gadhvi’s business coaching program helps professionals and entrepreneurs gain clarity, build concrete goals, and take aligned action. With practical advice and accountability, you can create the freedom-based lifestyle you crave on your terms.
Having an expert guide makes the process of quitting your job to pursue passion feel less intimidating. You’ll gain the confidence and courage needed to take the next step, even when self-doubt creeps in. Invest in your future now so you can live a life of purpose and fulfilment.
Register to find out more about quitting your job to pursue passion in this webinar.
