6 Things You Need to Know and Do Before Quitting Your Job to Follow Your Passion

Does this sound familiar?: You’re sitting at your work desk, daydreaming about leaving your job and doing what you really want to do. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of starting your own business or pursuing a creative career. 

Maybe you’ve had a long-standing dream since your childhood about what you want to accomplish in life. Or maybe, you have no idea what your passion is yet…you just know that your current job…ain’t it. Been there. Done that. Had a glass of wine. .

Quitting your job to pursue your passion can be an amazing, life-changing experience. It can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding to do something you love for a living. In fact, just thinking about your dream job may fill you with excitement and longing. 

Real Talk: The thought of doing something you love for a living can be so alluring, but it’s also something that requires careful planning and preparation. It’s crucial to be realistic about the challenges that come with making such a significant career change. 

So, here are six things you need to know and do before quitting your job to follow your passion. 

#1: Be clear about WHY you’re quitting your job 👌✨

Before quitting your job, it’s essential to be clear about why you’re doing it. While pursuing your passion can be incredibly fulfilling, it also comes with its own set of risks. 

So, before you send that resignation email, take some time to reflect on your motives and ensure that you’re making the right decision. 

Here are some common reasons you may want to quit your current job. 

🙁 You’re unhappy. If your current job is making you miserable, it may be time to move on to something that’s more fulfilling. However, it’s also crucial to make sure that you don’t go from one bad situation to another. .To help avoid that from happening, reflect on what specifically is making you unhappy in your current job and how pursuing your passion can address those issues. 

It’s important to differentiate whether it’s your industry that is making you unhappy, or just your workplace. Maybe you actually do like your industry or field of work, but your workplace or employer sucks. This is important to think about before you decide to turn in your two weeks and change careers. You don’t want to jump from the frying pan into the fire. 

😫 You desire a more fulfilling career. Do you feel like you’re not living up to your potential in your current job? Are you looking for a career that’s more aligned with your values and interests? If so, pursuing your passion may be the answer. However, it’s important to make sure that pursuing a new field of direction will actually fulfill the thing you’re looking for. 

😌 You have a long-standing dream. Have you always had a dream of pursuing a particular career or starting your own business? Pursuing your passion can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s essential to be realistic about the challenges that come with making such a significant career change. Take some time to reflect on why this dream is so important to you and whether you’re willing to put in the hard work and dedication needed to make it a reality. 

Whatever your reasons for considering quitting your job to pursue your passion, it’s essential to be clear about your motives. This will not only help you stay motivated during the challenges that come but also ensure that you’re making a well-informed decision that’s right for you. 

#2: Understand your passion ❤️‍🔥

Knowing what you’re passionate about is crucial when it comes to pursuing your dreams. Take some time to explore your interests and figure out what truly excites you. Knowing what you’re truly passionate about will not only help you choose the right career path but also give you the motivation to work hard towards your goals. 

Your passion could be something you’ve always loved, or it could be something you just discovered! The key is to find something that makes you feel alive.

🎨 Reflect on your interests and hobbies. Ask yourself what you would do if you had all the money and time in the world. Think about the things that make you lose track of time. Consider the activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? What hobbies do you have, and what makes them so enjoyable? Reflecting on your interests can help you identify what you’re passionate about and how you can turn that passion into a fulfilling career. 

⚖️ Identify your values. Ask yourself what makes you happy and fulfilled. Think about your top priorities in life, and what motivates you to get up in the morning. Are there topics or issues that you find yourself constantly talking about or thinking about? 

Is there something you want to be remembered for? What qualities do you admire in others? What are things that you’re willing to make sacrifices for? Identifying your values can help you choose a career that aligns with your beliefs and gives you a sense of purpose. 

💪🏼 Consider your strengths. Think about the things you enjoy doing and what comes naturally to you. Look for patterns in things you’ve gotten positive feedback for in the past. Think about past projects that you really enjoy or excel in. Consider your strengths and how they can be applied to a new career.

What skills do you have that have helped you overcome challenges? What are your unique talents or abilities? What are things you do or understand better than most people you know? What energizes you and makes you feel accomplished? Pursuing a career that utilizes your strengths can give you a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. 

✨ Understand (and be ok with) the fact that your passion may stay a hobby rather than become a vocation. I’ll be direct. Just because you enjoy doing something doesn’t mean that you should do it for a living. Sometimes a hobby should stay a hobby. I know several people who love knitting or hosting dinner parties and cooking but things went sideways when they tried to make it their jobs. For the knitters (and other creators), they found that it wasn’t as much fun when they had to take orders and had deadlines. For restaurateurs, running a restaurant is a massive undertaking with very small profit margins. These examples aren’t meant to scare you but to remind you to try things out and do your research before making the leap.

Understanding your passion gives you the motivation and drive to work hard towards your goals and can make work feel more meaningful and fulfilling. When you know what you’re passionate about, you can choose a career that aligns with your values, interests, and strengths.

#3: Assess Your Finances 💲

Let’s face it: Quitting a stable job to pursue your passion can be financially risky.

It’s crucial to assess your finances and create a realistic budget before making any decisions. Make sure you have enough savings to cover your living expenses and any startup costs for your business. It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case things don’t go as planned.

📈 Calculate your expenses. Make a list of your monthly expenses, including bills, rent or mortgage, food, and transportation.  Be sure to include any other expenses that are important to you. 

🧾 Create a budget. Before you make any big changes, it’s important to know where your money is going. Create a budget to track your expenses and identify areas where it’s safe to cut back. 

💸 Determine your income. Take into account your salary or any other sources of income you have. Is your income a steady rate month-by-month, or does it fluctuate? What is its range of fluctuation? What can you depend on and what is your backup plan if that income suddenly changes? 

🏧 Calculate your savings. Figure out how much money you have in savings and how long you can realistically sustain yourself without a steady income. How long could you sustain yourself living as you are right now? How long would you be able to pay for your basic necessities if you cut back? 

👩🏾‍💻 Consider the financial risks. Starting a new career or business can be risky and require some upfront costs. Be sure to take these risks into account when assessing your finances. Determine how much money you need to start your business or to educate yourself in a new field. Consider your potential earnings and create a financial projection. Can the money you have in savings cover the initial costs? Can you start putting money aside each month to offset any unexpected expenses when you transition? 

👩‍💼 Consult a financial advisor. If you’re unsure about your financial situation, consider consulting a financial advisor for guidance. It’s never a bad thing to get help—and sometimes it's beneficial just to hear an objective, informed perspective on your financial situation and your preparedness to make a career transition. A financial advisor can also help you create a backup plan for any hitches or hiccups along the way.

By assessing your finances before quitting your job, you can make sure that you’re financially prepared to make the transition to a new career or passion. This can help alleviate stress and ensure that you’re able to focus on your goals without worrying about money. Remember, taking the time to assess your finances is an investment in yourself and your future. 

#4: Build a network 👥

Having a supportive network can make all the difference when pursuing your passion. It’s essential to surround yourself with mentors, peers, and potential clients who can offer guidance, support, and opportunities. 

🔍 Identify your goals. Before you start building a network, it’s important to know what your goals are. What do you want your networking to lead to? What kind of career do you want to pursue? What kind of people do you want to connect with? Having a clear idea of your goals can help you target your networking efforts. 

📢 Attend industry events and conferences. Industry events, conferences, and networking groups are great places to meet like-minded people who share your interests. Attend events related to the field you want to pursue and be sure to introduce yourself and make connections. 

📡 Connect with former colleagues. Reach out to former colleagues and let them know about your career change. They may be able to offer advice or introduce you to people in your desired field. Likewise, offer value to others and builds genuine relationships. 

🤳🏼 Use social media and online communities. Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter can be great tools for networking. Join online communities and social media groups. Connect with people in your desired industry and engage with them by commenting on their posts or sharing their content. 

👩 Seek out mentors. Look for people who have experience in your desired field and reach out to them for guidance. Build a network of mentors and professionals in your field. They can offer valuable advice and support as you make your career transition. 

💌 Be a giver. You have skills, expertise, and experience that would be helpful to others. Share them! Networking isn’t only about what you can get out of it. It’s also about what you can give into it. People will quickly notice if you don’t offer to help others but instead are always asking others to help you. 

🕶 Change your networking mindset. If the word “networking” makes you cringe and your inner introvert come out, you need to change your mindset about it. Instead, think about it as relationship building. When I switched to thinking about networking as relationship building, it became sooooo much easier because I naturally build and maintain relationships in my personal life so it was much easier to transfer those skills and experience to the networking world. Give it a try and see what happens.

By building a network before quitting your job, you’ll have a support system in place as you pursue your new career. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people and make connections. Building a network takes time and effort, but it can be incredibly rewarding and lead to new opportunities you may not have otherwise found. 

#5: Create a plan 📝

Having a solid plan is essential when it comes to pursuing your passion. It’s crucial to identify your goals, create a timeline, and figure out how you’re going to achieve them.

While it may be tempting to jump right in, taking the time to create a solid plan can help set you up for success. 

🎯 Identify your goals. Like every other aspect of career transition, it’s important to start by knowing your Why. Identify your long-term and short-term goals. What do you hope to accomplish? What kind of job do you want? Having clear goals can help you focus your efforts and create a plan that is tailored to your needs.

🧐 Research your desired field. Take the time to research your desired field. What skills and experience are required? What kind of salary can you expect? Understanding and talking to people in the industry can help you make informed decisions and set realistic goals. 

📋 Create a timeline. Creating a timeline can help you stay on track and ensure that you’re making progress toward your goals. Create a timeline for achieving your goals. Set realistic deadlines for each step of the process, such as networking, taking courses, or building a portfolio. 

👀 Identify potential roadblocks. Consider any potential roadblocks that may arise during your career transition. Identify potential challenges and how to overcome them. How will you address them? Having a plan in place for potential challenges can help you stay focused and on track. 

🏋️‍♂️ Build a support system. Surrounding yourself with a support system can be incredibly helpful during a career transition. Consider reaching out to mentors and former colleagues, or joining a support group. 

📕 Assess your finances. Use the tips outlined in Step #3 to assess your finances and create a budget. It’s important to have a realistic understanding of your financial situation to ensure that you can support yourself during the transition. 

Creating a plan before quitting your job can help set you up for success in your new career. The transition may take time and effort, but having a solid plan in place can make the process smoother and less stressful. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or make adjustments to your plan along the way. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve your career goals. 

#6: Take action 📢

The most crucial step in pursuing your passion is taking action. It’s easy to get caught up in planning and preparing, but at some point, you need to take the leap and get started.

Taking that first step can be scary but with some practical planning and the right mindset you can set yourself up for success. 

💯 Set small goals. Break down your larger career goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Set deadlines for yourself and hold yourself accountable. This will help you stay motivated and focused. Celebrate your successes along the way to keep your momentum going. 

⭐ Create a routine. Establishing a daily routine can help you stay on track and make progress toward your goals. Schedule time for networking, job applications, or training courses. 

📋 Stay organized. Keep track of important information such as job applications, resumes, and cover letters. Use a planner or digital calendar to stay organized and avoid missing important deadlines. 

🤳🏽 Network. As we covered in Step #4, building a solid network is crucial during a career transition. Attend networking events, join professional organizations, and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for advice or mentorship.

😌 Stay positive. Starting a new career can be challenging, but maintaining a positive attitude can make all the difference. Surround yourself with positive people and engage in activities that make you happy. 

📕 Keep learning. Continuing to learn and improve your skills is important for success in any career. Take online courses, attend workshops, or seek out mentorship opportunities to improve your knowledge and skills. 

Success takes time and effort. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks or obstacles along the way. Stay focused on your goals, maintain a positive attitude, and take action towards achieving your dreams. 

In Conclusion… 

Quitting your job to pursue your passion can be a life-changing experience, but it requires careful planning and preparation. Before making any decisions, make sure you’re clear about why you’re quitting, understand your passion, assess your finances, build a network, create a plan, and take action. 

Remember that success takes time and effort. It takes courage and determination to make this big decision, but with the right mindset, tools, and support, you can achieve your dreams.