I got this question from a lovely lady and I thought to answer on my blog as I know a lot of mums may find themselves in this situation:
“I don’t think I can carry on being employed and running a couple of businesses. My heart says go for self-employed as it’s what I enjoy. My head says stay employed for financial security. My heart hasn’t been in the day job for some time now and I am totally exhausted and not being a good mum. BUT I also know that being self-employed is also hard but with no financial security. I know how much I need to make each month just scared about making the jump, as I can’t manage with a zero or loss. I’m a Christian single mum. Being praying but still don’t know what to do. Any advice?”
My heart goes out to this single mum who is the breadwinner of her family. I also know that a lot of mums, single or married are in a situation where they are not enjoying their day job want to run a business and spend more time with their children but have to do it because they have bills to pay.
There is no straight cut answer per se as different scenarios will apply to different people.
Here are my thoughts on this matter based on my personal experience and walk with God for mums who may be in a similar situation. My suggestions will not apply to everybody.
What is God saying?
God knows our beginning, in between and our end. He knows all things. Sometimes when your heart is not in something it may be God’s way of telling you it is time to move on.
How do you hear from God? If you feel peace in your heart about going self-employed or leaving the day job, I say so go for it. Going against the norm may seem foolish but if God is telling you to step out in faith he will provide the resources you need. He is Jehovah Jireh your provider and you will NEVER lack. This is what I strongly believe.
God told Abraham to leave his family and go to an unknown land that he will show him; I can’t imagine how much faith and courage that took Abraham.
Obedience is better than sacrifice, so my first advice will be to seek God’s face over the matter and ask him to confirm what he is saying if you are not sure.
Sometimes God waits for us to just take that small step of faith like Peter, when Jesus asked him to walk on water. When you obey, doors begin to open.
Take it one step at a time (Transition)
Depending on your circumstances take it one day at a time. Don’t just quit without a plan. If you are still not sure what God is saying, your husband (if married) is not on board, go part-time and run your business along side the day job for sometime to test the waters and generate income. Or take a break from the day job and use that time to seek God’s face and work on your exit plan. God will begin to open doors for you and it will become clearer in time what step you need to take. This will also give you an opportunity to build up your faith.
Save some money
In as much as you have heard from God to make this move, I will advise you to save some money for the early days. You should be saying on a regular basis anyway… anything can happen. This is also for your own peace of mind as you also have a family to take care of while you make the transition.
Get help
Enlist the services of a business coach or a mentor who can work alongside you to fast track your growth and income in your new venture. It may seem like another expense to worry about but see it as an investment in yourself and your business. The benefits you will receive will be worth much more than your investment. A coach or mentor will help you avoid making silly mistakes, will provide more clarity and focus and will hold you accountable. Do not underestimate the value of having someone like this on your side. I help my clients in situations like this get clear on their goals and come up with an action plan with/for them.
What’s the worst that can happen?
Think of the worst thing that can happen if you make this move. You quit the day job to start a business and somehow you realise you heard wrong from God and your savings runs out and it all didn’t work out like you planned.
The great thing is that you still have your experience and qualifications and you can apply for jobs and go back to the day job.
At least you would have tried something new, instead of wondering what if?
Walk by faith, not by sight
Whatever you decide to do when it comes to leaving your job to become self-employed, don’t base your decision on what you see around you, the economy or what other people are saying. Base your decision on what you know God says about you. You are a citizen of the Kingdom and a daughter of promise. You will NOT be stranded.
I had been chatting with the lady who asked the question above, giving her encouragement and advise. She recently got in touch with me to inform me that she has handed in her notice at work to focus on her businesses. I am so happy for her for taking a step of faith and like I told her, awesome things are about to happen in her life and businesses.
Are you currently in a situation where you are stuck, unhappy in your day job, unclear on what to do or what step to take? Feel free to contact me here for a quick chat. Happy to help!
PS if you have any questions you will like me to answer, send me a message here.
Wow, this is such an insightful piece of advice and I value the scriptural yet practical approach you adopted. The bible says without faith we cannot please God and Faith without works is pointless. So if we believe God for a breakthrough, we cannot sit down at home and expect showers of blessings to flow in. (Don’t get me wrong, unless God specifically says sit down..I would get up and go) Gold said he would bless the work of our hand. That suggests to me that He recognises that we have to work. We have to sow a seed and He will bring forth the harvest. thank you so much.
Good to see you here @sojifagade:disqus 🙂 Thanks for your insightful comment. One has to listen to what God is saying and take action…
And by the way, I attended an event at the weekend on this subject area. The speaker Angie Greaves spoke on ‘Finding Balance’ and she said finding balance is about finding what works for you as an individual, that bring you peace through taking action to find that balance and you may seek divine guidance in finding that balance, but the essential this is that through your actions, God will bring you to the place He had in mind for you
My extended advice on the “save money” part is to save 3-6 months of personal and business expenses, if you can. Not having that financial concern will help you focus on your new venture. And don’t get a loan! 🙂
Thanks for this @ladonnaharris:disqus. i definitely agree about not taking a loan. Not worth it!
I can definitely identify here. I was in this situation last year and praying that God would help me bring my business income to the income I would be walking away from. However, I got laid off from my job toward the end of the year and it really took a leap of faith to make the decision not to go back. This is a total faith walk I am walking right now – a little scary but definitely exciting!!!