If I was given a dollar each time I heard "I want to quit my job!" I think I'd be rich by now. And I'm just 30 years old. Why do people always want to quit? I'd start with that, when you want to be an entrepreneur, the right time to dedicate to it is when you're prepared for it.
The grass is always greener on the other side
I like this idiom for a couple of reasons.
First, since it is a idiom, it means that it is written in the DNA of most of people. No, you're not alone to think of leaving your company. I would add that, it is one of the first step of being an entrepreneur: the need for a change.
Ok we’re all the same, acting like sheep, now what?
It is normal to have doubts and to think that grass is greener on the other side. Maybe because it's extremely difficult to take a step back, and to analyze your own situation. I just think that our imagination is limitless, and since knowing what it's like to be on the other side is out of our reach, we think that it's better.
Don't leave your job if you think that creating a business will be cool.
Let's go one step further. I like this idiom because it means we're never satisfied. And, apart from the cliché, this is an essential part of the entrepreneur's nature. This is the main reason why products are improved everyday. This is the essence of disruption.
To me, this idiom proves that most people want to get better. From there, a small portion of those are really ready to change the world. And if you want to be a part of it, you need to prepare.
Be prepared
Whether you feel that it's the good time to quit or not, the only rule that applies is: be prepared. While I'm personally convinced that you should prepare even you're not thinking to quit your job, I'll share some of my experience in leaving a company to create a business.
We often hear that launching a business takes twice as much time as expected. I'll add to it it may cost you twice as much.
Unless you're creating a business in an industry you know perfectly, and you team with a "professional of business plans", statement above applies. For those who think that this is obvious, go out there and discuss with entrepreneurs who haven't made any money in a while. Go and ask them what was their business plan. How much they saved, and what was the related runaway. Or why it took longer to reach their goal than expected. They are tons of reasons which will make your financial situation difficult. And the more you anticipate, the easier it will be.
Just think of how easy this is to forget that once you leave your company, you need to buy a phone, a computer, etc.
But at the end of the day it is not only about savings, you also need to prepare mentally.
The ability to go forward whatever happens demand preparation. The strength required to convince people that your product is the best, to eventually be turned down (most of the time) is not to be taken lightly. My piece of advice: do your homework. Practice your pitch. Learn everything you need to know about your industry. Meet, discuss and interview the people who know about the domain you're trying to fix.
The more you're prepared, the more chance you'll have to make your business a success.
Success takes time
Friends and family don't always understand that your success will take time. "He's an entrepreneur, he's so cool", "you get to be your own boss", "at least you do whatever you want to do", "the next Mark Zuckerberg is here", or "Maybe it's time to get a real job". I've heard them all.
If you're thinking: "Whatever happens, I have my friends and family around to support me." You're right. Where would I be without my wonderful wife who stands by me, whatever the punch I take to the face.
She once told me: "Of course I'm standing by you. I don't want to hear all my life that I ruined your chances to be a successful entrepreneur." That was not really a vouch for my business, but I took it!
Don't be fooled by the extremely rare instances of quick and easy success that exist out there. Chances are your startup is not going to end like Acompli, bought by Microsoft for $200M in 18 months. Not that selling your company had to be an end. Entrepreneurship is a marathon. And just as you get tired of receiving the same ads over and over, your friends and family might get tired of supporting you too.
Resist.
Just like you need to resist leaving your job if you're not ready, resist the siren's call to abandon. As long as you stick to your business plan, there's no need to panic.
The period when you resist to get back to work for a corporate, when you meet all these inspiring people, when you make your first sale, or when you hire your first employee is worth everything. Resist.
Do it yourself: a wonderful adventure
While I'm running this marathon, and while I'm not sure that I'm going to finish it, I'm taking pleasure running it. Even if sometimes everything goes wrong, the launch of a feature or a product is delayed, or a business angel calls to give me a lecture, I enjoy every second. Why? Because my team and I do it ourself.
The — very French — frustration not to be able to criticize something, just because it's yours, is ten times compensated by the power to improve your product. What a thrill to respond to somebody's need!
I would wrap up saying that even if you end up going back where you come from, being an entrepreneur is a wonderful adventure. The way I see it, you learn so much on the industry you're in, and on yourself, that it is worth it. Besides, what better line on your resume you'd wish for?
