Don’t Romanticize the Leap: Why a Slow Burn Into Entrepreneurship Can Be the Smarter Move

You know the scene.

Frustrated employee slams their laptop shut, drafts a two-line resignation email, and walks out of the office with indie film energy to chase their dream.

Inspiring? Sure. Strategic? Not usually.

We’ve somehow made “just quit” the gold standard for courage. But if you’ve got the runway to make a gentler transition into entrepreneurship - take it. That’s not fear talking. That’s wisdom earned the hard way.

In fact, there's research to back this up. A study published in the Academy of Management Journal found that entrepreneurs who launched their business while still employed were 33% less likely to fail than those who went all in from day one.

Why? Because desperation clouds judgment. A paycheck buys you time to test, learn, and make better calls.

I didn’t get that luxury. My 9-to-5 disappeared overnight, and I had fur babies to feed and rent to pay. So I panicked with purpose - sent a few desperate emails, pitched myself cheap, and clawed my way forward from there. It worked out, but I wouldn’t wish that cortisol cocktail on anyone.

If you have a choice, choose calm over chaos. You can still be bold without lighting your whole life on fire.

Why the Slow Burn Works (If You Can Swing It)

1. You’re not making decisions with your back against the wall. Urgency is a hell of a drug - and a terrible business advisor. Space gives you strategy.

2. You get time to test what actually works. Messaging, offers, pricing, process - you can tweak all of this without the pressure of needing it to perform instantly.

3. You make fewer expensive mistakes. Panic often leads to hiring the wrong help, rushing a launch, or burning cash you don’t need to burn.

4. You can build proof of concept and confidence. A few paying clients and a solid pipeline make it a lot easier to leap when you know you’ve got traction.

5. It protects your peace and your bank account. Entrepreneurship is already a rollercoaster. You don’t need to start the ride by cutting the brakes.

But Let’s Be Clear: A Runway Doesn’t Mean Standing Still

This isn’t about dragging your feet - it’s about making the most of the time you’ve got. If you're sitting on a solid six months to a year to prep your exit, put yourself on a plan.

• Set a revenue goal or client count. When you hit it consistently for 2-3 months? That’s your green light.

• Start building your brand. Website, messaging, social presence - the legitimizers matter.

• Do the math. Know what it costs to run your life and what you need your business to bring in. Then reverse-engineer your offerings from there.

• Test systems early. Better to work out kinks with one client than five.

• Line up your hype squad. That includes your CPA, your lawyer, your partner, and your people. You’re gonna need them.

Want Help Figuring This Out?

I made something for you: Part Time to Prime Time

It’s a digital guide that walks you through how to go from side hustle to full-time on your terms - no fluff, no guilt-trips, just real talk and resources from someone who’s been there.

Whether your leap is a sprint or a slow-burn stroll, make sure it’s your move - on your time and your terms. Onward.