Ep. 30 What No One Tells You About Quitting Your 9–5 to Run an Online Business
I thought quitting my 9–5 would be the happiest day of my life. And in many ways, it was. At that point, it was the accomplishment I was most proud of. But once the honeymoon phase wore off, I realized there were parts of this transition that I was completely unprepared for.
If you’re planning to leave your corporate job to pursue your business full-time, I want to share the realities I faced, so you can walk into this new chapter with your eyes open and a little more prepared than I was.
For context: I had been building my design business on the side for about two years while working a full-time job. Just before my wedding, I hit the ceiling of what I could grow on nights and weekends. Around the same time, I struggled to get time off for my honeymoon. That was my sign… it was time to leap.
I gave my notice, got married, went on my honeymoon in Europe, attended my first in-person business conference, and then came home to sit down at my desk as a full-time business owner for the very first time. And that’s when everything hit me.
Here are four things I wish someone had told me before I left my 9–5.
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1. Not Everyone Will Cheer You On
I expected people to pat me on the back and celebrate this brave leap. Instead, I was met with confusion, skepticism, and judgment.
Coworkers assumed I’d be back in a couple of years.
Someone hinted that my husband must make a lot of money to “let me” do this.
Even family members questioned why I would leave a “stable” job—despite multiple rounds of layoffs happening at that company during my short time there.
At the time, those comments stung. Now I see them differently: their doubts were more about their own fears than my future.
Takeaway: You don’t need everyone’s approval. As long as you know in your gut that this is right for you. If you have at least one or two solid supporters in your corner, you’re going to be okay.
2. The Emotional Roller Coaster Is Real
I’m not typically a super emotional person, so I wasn’t prepared for the tidal wave of feelings that hit once the dust settled.
After years of hustling (working full time, side hustling, planning a wedding) I hadn’t given myself space to feel much of anything. When I finally had breathing room, it all came out at once.
There was relief, fear, joy, grief, and even moments of sadness about leaving behind office life and that chapter of my career. It surprised me, but in hindsight it was healthy and necessary.
Takeaway: Expect emotions to surface. Give yourself permission to feel them. Sometimes leaving a 9–5 means grieving an old version of yourself while embracing a new one.
3. Your Brand May Need to Catch Up
Just weeks after leaving my job, I realized my business identity no longer fit.
At the time, I was operating as Morgan Stapp Design (my maiden name). After getting married and changing my legal name, it suddenly felt wrong every time I had to use my old business name. I ended up doing a full rebrand to Specht & Co. which was a pivot I hadn’t planned for, but one that clarified my positioning and gave me a stronger foundation for the future.
Takeaway: You may not need a full rebrand, but expect that your business identity will evolve as you step into full-time entrepreneurship. Be ready to adjust your brand so it aligns with the new version of you.
4. The “Slowdown” Feels Scarier Than It Is
Here’s the strange part: my business didn’t actually slow down when I went full time, but it felt like it did.
Why? Because I went from squeezing client work into nights and weekends to having 40 hours a week open. With the same number of clients, my days suddenly felt empty. That space made me panic and question whether I’d made a mistake.
Instead of backtracking, I poured energy into rebranding, stayed consistent with marketing, and within a few months celebrated my highest income month yet (a $3,500 milestone that felt massive at the time).
Takeaway: More time doesn’t mean instant growth. Your systems, clients, and momentum need time to catch up. Stay consistent with what’s already working, be patient, and trust the process.
If You’re About to Quit Your 9–5…
Leaving a corporate job to run your own business is scary, brave, and life-changing. There will be doubt, discomfort, and days you wonder what on earth you were thinking. But there will also be milestones, freedom, and the pride of knowing you built something entirely your own.
Here’s what I would tell 24-year-old me on her first day as a full-time business owner:
You don’t have to figure everything out right away.
It’s okay to rest and not be busy all the time.
You’re not behind. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
So if you’re preparing to make the leap, know this: very few people are bold enough to take this step. Be proud. Trust yourself. Keep showing up. Your business will grow, and it will be worth it.
🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned In The Episode:
➡️ Follow me on Instagram @spechtand.co
➡️ Grab The Stand Out Brand Foundations Workbook
➡️ Book Your Stand Out Brand Strategy Session (use code SFBPOD for $100 off)
➡️ Check out episode 7 How to Use Client Feedback to Improve Your Online Business
🎧 Listen to episode 30 of The Six Figure Brand Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube
