7 things every entrepreneur must do before quitting their 9-to-5, according to psychologists

Quitting your 9-to-5 to start your own business is exciting—but it’s also one of the biggest risks you’ll ever take.

I know because I’ve been there.

I was stuck in a job that drained me. I knew I wanted more freedom, more purpose, and the chance to build something of my own. But taking that leap wasn’t easy.

Like many aspiring entrepreneurs, I had a million questions running through my head: Am I really ready? What if I fail? How do I make sure I don’t end up broke and regretting everything?

That’s why I turned to psychology.

Through research and personal experience, I discovered that successful entrepreneurs don’t just take the plunge blindly—they prepare strategically. There are key steps that can make the transition smoother, reduce stress, and set you up for long-term success.

In this article, I’ll share seven crucial things every entrepreneur must do before quitting their 9-to-5, backed by psychology. If you’re thinking about making the jump, these insights could make all the difference.

Let’s dive in.

1) Get clear on your ‘why’

Most people dream about quitting their 9-to-5, but few take the time to ask themselves why they really want to do it.

For me, it wasn’t just about escaping a job I didn’t love—it was about creating something meaningful and having more control over my life. But if I didn’t have a strong enough reason driving me forward, I know I would have struggled when things got tough.

Psychologists say that having a clear why is crucial for motivation and resilience. When challenges come up, your deeper purpose will keep you going.

So before you quit, take some time to reflect. Ask yourself:

– Why do I want to start my own business?
– What do I hope to gain that my 9-to-5 isn’t giving me?
– Am I running toward something—or just running away?

Write down your answers. Make them as specific as possible.

When doubt creeps in later, coming back to your why will help you stay focused and committed—no matter what obstacles come your way.

2) Build a financial safety net

When I was preparing to leave my 9-to-5, one of my biggest fears was running out of money.

I didn’t have a trust fund or wealthy parents to fall back on—if my business didn’t take off quickly, I’d be in serious trouble. So before I quit, I made a plan.

I started saving aggressively, cutting unnecessary expenses, and building up at least six months’ worth of living costs. It wasn’t easy, but it gave me the confidence to take the leap without constantly stressing about paying my bills.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “A first-rate soup is more creative than a second-rate painting.” In other words, creativity—and by extension, entrepreneurship—thrives when your basic needs are met. If you’re constantly worried about money, it’s harder to focus on building something great.

So before you quit your job, get your finances in order. Make a budget. Pay off debt if you can. Save enough to cover yourself for several months.

Having that cushion won’t just give you peace of mind—it will also give your business the breathing room it needs to grow.

3) Test your idea before you quit

One of the best decisions I made before leaving my 9-to-5 was testing my business idea while I still had a steady paycheck.

At that time, I wrote articles in the evenings and on weekends, slowly growing an audience. It wasn’t making much money at first, but I kept at it.

Then one day, I made my first real income from it—just a small amount, but enough to prove that my idea had potential. That moment changed everything.

Psychologists talk about the importance of small wins—those little milestones that build confidence and momentum. By the time I finally quit my job, I wasn’t taking a blind leap. I had proof that my business could work.

If you’re thinking about leaving your 9-to-5, start small. Sell your product or service on the side. Get your first client. Build an audience.

The more you validate your idea before quitting, the less risky and terrifying the transition will be.

4) Develop a routine that keeps you productive

One of the biggest shocks after quitting my 9-to-5 was realizing how easy it was to waste time.

At my old job, my schedule was set for me—I had to be at work at a certain time, take lunch at a certain time, and clock out at the end of the day. But as an entrepreneur, no one was telling me what to do.

At first, I thought this freedom would be amazing. Instead, I found myself procrastinating, jumping between tasks, and feeling overwhelmed by everything I could be doing.

That’s when I learned the importance of having a structured routine. Research backs this up—one study from The University of Southern California found that people who develop strong daily habits are more likely to achieve long-term goals because routines reduce mental effort and improve focus.

So before you quit your job, start building solid work habits now. Set a schedule for when you’ll work on your business. Create a morning routine that puts you in the right mindset. Practice staying disciplined, even when no one is watching.

5) Build a strong support system

Quitting my job to pursue entrepreneurship was one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done—but also one of the loneliest.

At my 9-to-5, I had coworkers to chat with, bosses to give me direction, and a clear structure to follow. But once I was on my own, all of that disappeared. Suddenly, every decision rested on my shoulders, and the pressure was overwhelming.

What helped me push through was having a strong support system. I surrounded myself with people who believed in what I was doing—friends who encouraged me, fellow entrepreneurs who understood the struggles, and mentors who had been through it before.

Studies show that social support is crucial for handling stress. In fact, research from Carnegie Mellon University found that people with strong social connections have lower stress levels and higher resilience when facing challenges.

So before you quit your job, start building your network. Connect with other entrepreneurs. Find mentors who can guide you. Talk to friends and family about your plans and lean on those who genuinely support you.

6) Master your mindset

Before I quit my job, I thought success as an entrepreneur would come down to having a great idea and working hard. But what I didn’t realize was that my mindset would be just as important—if not more.

Whenever something didn’t go as planned, my mind would spiral: What if I’m not cut out for this? What if I fail and have to beg for my old job back?

Over time, I learned that these thoughts were normal—but they didn’t have to control me. Instead of seeing setbacks as proof that I wasn’t good enough, I started viewing them as learning opportunities.

This shift in thinking is exactly what psychologist Carol Dweck calls a growth mindset. She explains, “In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, ‘Oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses,’ you say, ‘Wow, here’s a chance to grow.’”

If you’re planning to quit your 9-to-5, start working on your mindset now. Learn to embrace failure as part of the process. Reframe challenges as opportunities to grow.

7) Don’t quit when you’re desperate

It might seem like the best time to quit your 9-to-5 is when you absolutely can’t take it anymore—when you’re burned out, frustrated, and ready to walk out the door.

But that’s actually one of the worst times to make such a huge decision.

When I was stuck in a job I hated, I was this close to quitting on impulse. I thought that if I could just get out, everything would fall into place.

But looking back, I realize that if I had quit in that desperate state—without a plan, without savings, without testing my business—I probably would have failed miserably and ended up right back where I started.

So instead of quitting as an escape, set a clear timeline for your transition. Decide on financial goals, test your business idea, and build a plan before making the leap.

A practical step? Pick a quit date at least six months from now and work backward. What do you need to have in place by then? Break it down into monthly goals and stick to them.

That way, when you do finally hand in your resignation, it won’t be out of desperation—it’ll be because you’re truly ready.

Final thoughts

Quitting your 9-to-5 to start your own business is a huge step—but it doesn’t have to be a reckless one.

By preparing in advance, testing your idea, managing your mindset, and ensuring financial stability, you’ll set yourself up for success before you take the leap.

Here’s a simple next step: pick one thing from this list and start working on it today. Whether it’s saving money, finding a mentor, or building a routine, small actions now will make your transition much smoother later.

The best entrepreneurs don’t just hope things will work out—they plan for it. Now it’s your turn.