Should You Quit Your Job For A Side Hustle In 2025?

Forbes

29-04-2025

Is quitting your job to start a side hustle a reckless move? Or should you just go for it?
Approximately 41% of U.S. professionals have considered quitting their full-time job to pursue their side hustle full-time instead, a new February survey of 2,200 professionals from Remote.co and FlexJobs revealed, while about '77% 'frequently' or 'occasionally' think about changing jobs for better financial opportunities.'
And to be fair, you can't blame them. Rising economic uncertainty, RTO mandates and layoffs have likely contributed to the soaring interest in alternative means of income and employment, the report notes. People can't trust the stability or security of a traditional job anymore. Their confidence in the old employment system is plummeting, leading to the rise in full-time freelance workers according to a recent MBO Partners State of Independence report.
But how wise is it to quit your job to go all out on your side hustle? And how do you know when is the right time, if not now?
Before jumping ship, you need to ensure that your side hustle consistently covers your basic living expenses and utilities. This could be 50% of your salary or more, or it might be the equivalent of all of your salary.
The reason this is so essential is that it helps you think rationally about your decision. Your earnings validate demand and prove that your business model will work. And it gives you enough runway financially to grow and scale your business without panicking. This enables you to leave your job without any regrets.
One of the things that makes it harder for you to grow your freelance business or side hustle full-time is anxiety and stress. Because you're panicking, you won't be able to work as creatively and it'll be difficult for you to communicate with prospects without pressuring them into buying your offer, which actually pushes potential clients away from you because you're being too forceful and salesy.
To prevent this scenario from occurring, cushion yourself in strategically, with passive income, monthly subscriptions, retainers, and/or contracts. These business models offer the greatest financial security and minimize risk in the long run. This enables you to predict the next three to six months with near accuracy while you figure out your next move, so that you can grow your business exponentially. Otherwise, you're quitting blindly without backup.
If you're in a position where you're turning down projects or slowing your momentum because your primary job is draining your time and energy, or because of conflicts of interest, that's a strong tell-tale sign that you and your side hustle have outgrown your day job.
It's time to re-evaluate and begin saying yes to growth opportunities so your side hustle can become your primary job, instead of remaining stuck in its current position with no room for growth.
In the same FlexJobs report, they highlighted these 10 tips to consider before handing in your notice to your employer, including:
So, based on these tips and suggestions, you might decide that now is the best time to make the big pivot because you have everything you need and are financially bolstered. If so, that's good news.
But if, after reading this article, you realize that you still have a lot more work to do, don't be disheartened. Instead of putting it off or saying 'this isn't for me,' and feeling stuck in your job, draw up a roadmap and create a month-by-month plan of how you will achieve your ultimate goal of leaving your job to pursue your passion full-time.
For example, if you don't yet have contracts or retainers in place, begin building these systems into your business model and start pitching clients and being more visible. Or, if you need more time to invest in your skills, set a timeframe by which you will complete a course or practice project. This gives you the feeling that you're still making progress, even if you're working at your job for a few more months.
Overall, if you're going to quit your job, don't do it blindly. Know the market, have a plan, and provide yourself with backup in case the unexpected happens.