Almost everyone has dreamed of giving up his or her 9 to 5 job at one point or another and becoming an entrepreneur. The idea of being your own boss, making your own rules, and not having to rely on someone else to earn a living is a compelling one to many people.
However, statistically speaking, most new businesses are doomed to failure. According to Bloomberg, as many as 80 percent of businesses crash and burn before they reach their first anniversary. In almost every case, the failure is due to poor planning. The truth is, owning a business isn’t all four-hour martini lunches and long weekends. The profits don’t just start flowing in because you aren’t working for someone else. Owning a business, and keeping it running successfully, requires commitment, planning, and more than a little sacrifice. If you’re willing and able to do what it takes, though, it is possible to build a thriving empire.
But before you hand in your two weeks’ notice and order your business cards, take a moment to consider some of the truths about working for yourself. While they shouldn’t deter you from pursuing your dreams, they should serve as a reminder of what you need to do before you start your own business.
Continue reading What to Know Before You Quit Your Job to Start a Business
