Navigating the Great Resignation: How Quitting Your Job Can Lead to Success
Title: From Quitting to Winning: How to Transition from Full-Time to Freelance Successfully
In a world where the “Great Resignation” is a trending topic, quitting your job may actually be the key to getting ahead. This story is part of a Men’s Health series that explores how real-life quitters became winners—and how you can join them.
The journey of transitioning from a traditional 9-5 job to a freelance career can be daunting, but for one individual, it all began with a small car accident in 2017. While stuck in traffic on his daily commute in Los Angeles, a minor collision became the catalyst for a major life change. The realization that he would rather be in a car accident than go to work sparked the decision to quit his job and pursue a freelance career.
The decision to quit was not without its challenges, as anxiety about finances and healthcare crept in. However, with the support of a financial wellness educator, the individual took a leap of faith and embarked on a journey towards a more fulfilling career path.
Experts advise those considering a similar transition to save six months of living expenses before quitting, but acknowledge that this may not always be feasible. Alternative strategies, such as a “money clarity” exercise to assess essential expenses, can help individuals navigate the financial uncertainties of freelancing.
Creating a budget, making necessary cuts, and planning for fluctuations in income are essential steps in the transition to freelance work. Financial experts recommend getting taxes in order, building an emergency fund, enlisting support from loved ones, treating oneself as a business, and planning for retirement when making the switch to freelance.
Ultimately, the key to a successful transition lies in aligning one’s career with their passions and taking calculated risks to pursue a more fulfilling and rewarding path. If you’re ready to make the leap from full-time to freelance, these tips from financial experts can help you plot a course towards a successful and sustainable freelance career.