Should I Quit My Job to Start a Business?

Ben, I've made up my mind! I'm handing in my notice on Friday!

Hold on, what? You're quitting your job?

Yes! I'm finally going to open my own bakery.

Wow. That's... a big step. Are you sure about this?

I've never been more sure of anything.

I've spent six years in an office, staring at spreadsheets I don't care about.

I get it. You've been miserable there for ages.

But, well, a bakery is a risky business, isn't it?

Oh, here we go. You sound exactly like my dad!

Sorry, I'm not trying to put you off.

I just don't want you to rush into something you'll regret.

Fair enough. So what would you do in my position?

First of all, how much have you saved?

Um, enough to cover about four months of rent.

Four months? Most new businesses take a year to break even.

I know. That's the part that keeps me awake at night.

Wait, what if you didn't quit completely?

What do you mean?

You could go part-time at the office,

and sell at the weekend market to test the idea.

Hmm... I hadn't thought of that.

But wouldn't that mean I'm not fully committed?

Not at all. It means you're being smart about it.

If the cakes sell out every week, you'll have proof it works.

And real customers before I even sign a lease!

Exactly. And I'll be your first one.

You'd better be. I'm naming a cake after you.

Seriously? What kind?

Something sensible. Probably a plain sponge.

Ha! I walked right into that one.