In this period where many people have lost their jobs due to the pandemic, it’s quite distasteful for others to belittle those who still maintain their full-time job.
Many times you may be watching a video on YouTube and then suddenly an ad pops up with a self-professed get-rich-quick guru standing in front of a luxury car screaming at you to quit your 9-to-5 now and follow his method of how to make money with little effort.
You, who may be struggling with your current 9-to-5 upon seeing this ad, start to think about quitting your job immediately with the plan that following this guru’s advice will bring you a vast amount of riches.
Please, don’t be fooled. Not everything that glitters is gold.
The call to quit your full-time job right away
This has been a call to action used by several “gurus” and entrepreneurs to cast shame on those working in a job.
Statements like: “I’d rather hustle 24/7 than slave over a 9-to-5” or “9-to-5s are the biggest traps,” make jobs look like the worst thing anyone can do.
The reality is that not everyone will be, or wants to be, an entrepreneur. Many people are shamed into leaving their stable jobs with the misconception that they’re ready and able to take on the mantle of being an entrepreneur. Then they come to realize that the world of self-employment is not as glamorous as some of these “gurus” make it seem.
Truth is, many of these business “gurus” make most of their money from selling you a course on how to make money. Ironic, isn’t it?
There are many persons working in stable full-time jobs who are making really great money. Many who love their 9-to-5. It provides them with a sense of security, they get great benefits (especially if they’re working for the government) such as health insurance and possibly a travel allowance. Not to mention there are many interviews in which real entrepreneurs caution against the practice of quitting your 9-5 without a structured plan.
Don’t let these “gurus” guilt you into jumping into something that makes you too uncomfortable
Most “gurus” push the idea that once you quit your full-time job and start working for yourself you’ll be successful immediately. The reality is that entrepreneurship is not easy. You become responsible for yourself and the growth your business.
Many people face the harsh reality of entrepreneurship when they realize that they’re now responsible for repaying the many loans they may have taken to start their business. It also hits hard when they have to pay employees, pay other business expenses and generate profits to sustain themselves and the business.
Entrepreneurship is a long game
It often takes a while, sometimes years, for entrepreneurs to see steady growth in their businesses. These “business gurus” do entrepreneurs a great disservice when they glamorize starting businesses as get rich quick models.
It’s important when you’re considering jumping into entrepreneurship that you put together a plan detailing key areas such as your niche, what exactly you do and how you’ll finance your business.
The purpose of this article is by no means to discourage people from becoming entrepreneurs, but to caution those in their jobs against falling for the traps of these “gurus”.
It’s also very important for those of you in your full-time jobs to create other streams of income, because the reality is your stable job might be “safe,” but it’s not sure. You can lose your job at any time.
Think carefully about the career moves you make. And don’t let anyone push you to leave your job to pursue another venture until you’ve made your assessment and feel it’s the right time.
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