Don't Quit Your Day Job: Reconciling Your New Business with Your Old

If you're thinking about leaving your job and starting your

First of all, it generally takes several months to establish relationships with new clients, contract for and then do the work, and then obtain a steady, predictable cash flow that is substantial enough to replace your current salary. It takes time for all the elements of a new business to come together and generate real income. Without steady income from another source, you may panic and give up before your business has had a chance to be successful.

You'll also want to keep your day job for the benefits. If your current employer provides you with benefits, such as health and dental care, a retirement plan, child care, and/or educational reimbursements, it may be in your best interest to have your employer pay these bills as long as possible. You might be surprised at just how expensive benefits are once you have to pay for them yourself.