Why Waiting for the Perfect Moment is Holding You Back—And What to Do Instead
Break Free, Explore, Grow
Years ago, I was working as a lawyer at one of the biggest firms in St. Louis. I spent most of my days reviewing cases, writing memos and dealing with lots of deadlines.
My office felt like my second home, and I often worked late, with each day blending into the next.
I didn’t hate my job, but I knew I wanted something more. More freedom, more adventure, and more control over my time.
Breaking Free from the Regular Job Trap
The biggest thing that was holding me back?
My mindset.
I thought success meant climbing the corporate ladder—getting promotions, raises, and more work. But every time I reached a goal, I felt less happy. The excitement didn’t last long.
I know I’m not the only one who feels like this. People often say, "I’ll quit when I have enough money saved" or "Maybe next year when things slow down."
But the truth is, things rarely slow down. Waiting for the "perfect time" keeps you stuck.
What Finally Worked for Me
I spent two years thinking about starting my own business, buying a franchise, or trying something else.
Eventually, I decided to buy an existing business. The deal didn’t work out, and at the time, it seemed like a big setback.
But looking back, it actually helped me get to where I am today.
How Can You Get Started
You don’t need to quit your job right away.
Start by doing something small on the side that could eventually replace your full-time job.
Here are 7 ways to get started:
Freelance Your Skills – Use sites like Upwork or Fiverr to find small projects. Just start with what you already know.
Make Digital Products – Write an ebook, design templates, or create an online course. These can make you money over time.
Offer Coaching or Consulting – If you're good at something, people will pay to learn from you. Start with one-on-one calls and grow from there.
Look for Remote Jobs – Jobs like digital marketing, writing, or coding can let you work from anywhere.
Start a Blog or YouTube Channel – Share what you know and build an audience. You can make money through ads, sponsors, or affiliate links later.
Sell Products Online – Start selling on places like Amazon or Etsy. You don’t have to keep inventory if you do dropshipping or print-on-demand.
Create a Community – Build a group on social media or a membership site around something you love. You can make money from it later.
None of these are easy, but if you put in the time and effort, it can work.
What I Learned by Trusting the Process
Whenever I doubted myself, I remembered I wasn’t building someone else’s dream—I was building my own.
It hasn’t always been easy, but the freedom I have now makes it worth it.
Your path might be different, but the goal is still the same—to create a life you love waking up to.
The Bottom Line
Leaving the 9-to-5 world isn’t about luck or taking big risks.
It’s about starting small, being consistent, and trusting yourself, even when things move slowly.
Next time you’re waiting for the "perfect moment," ask yourself:
What small step can I take today?
What skill do I have that others might need?
How can I build a business that fits my strengths and passions?
Your future self will thank you for starting now.
Until next time!
P.S. Stop waiting for the “perfect time.” Download your free Business Planning Worksheet and let’s get you closer to leaving that 9-to-5 behind.