So...

[Former_Member]

What do you think it takes to quit your day job? (or what did it take for you to be able to)

[Former_Member]

For me it took plenty of planning.

The business was running fairly well locally and I was doing pretty good running it part time.

I had a pretty good business plan in place but I wanted to expand a bit so I started the Etsy shop. I then expanded to a few other venues as well.

I couldn't have done it without a great financial plan and business plan though.

And the marketing strategy has to be there as well!

[Former_Member]

I was truly desperate to get out of my day job - it was affecting my health and sucking my soul away. But I didn't have any savings, so I felt a little trapped. Then I decided to do a Kickstarter campaign to give me a boost. Essentially, I marketed it as a way to help me upgrade my studio for greater production. That was June/July 2012.

I'm still struggling to pay all the bills, but much happier for it. I've had the opportunity to be a full-time jeweler before, but it didn't seem like all the pieces were in place. Now, my studio is in my backyard, the online marketplace and social media really help, and I truly understand that I am meant to work for myself!

[Former_Member]

I think to start you need to have a good product that people want to buy.
You need to believe in yourself and your own product to be able to get out there and sell it!!!
You need to have determination and be a risk taker.
Everyone needs a little bit of support from their loved ones, they will get you through the bad bits.
Hard work and long hours but I'm sure it is worth it in the end :)
Hopefully I will get there one day hehe!!

[Former_Member]

For me, I've always wanted to own my own business, I did crafting along side my old job, but it was always for friends and family.
I used to work in a care home and 1 day I injured myself really badly, which meant I was no longer able to work.
At 19 thats a pretty awful thing, and the injury still means i'm unable to work in regular jobs 1 year late.
So about 2 months after I left my job, I decided to take the leap!
Working from home means I can pace myself if i need to, and work when the pain is less painful for me.
It also helps that I ADORE what I do.
In hindsight, I wouldn't have it any other way! Wish i'd done it sooner! :) xx

[Former_Member]

It took being run over by a truck while working for the U.S. Census. In 2010, I'd been laid off of two jobs. I was working in the field, being the annoying person that rings your doorbell.
Anyway I stepped out of my truck and it rolled backwards over me. It took months to recover, and I haven't been able to find work.
so, I am doing this because I love it. I do think I can make it work; I have a really supportive husband and total faith in my God.
I love Vintage, and feel like Anastasia. I wish I would have done it sooner.

\0/ Christine

[ApronFreeCooking]

Robin,
Thanks for commenting on the Kickstarter info. That's a program I had read about before, but didn't know they supported art and craft type people. I thought it was all technology.

Crochetgal,
I've read your comments before about having a business plan and taking small steps, one at a time, to expand your business. Thanks for always being so open and supportive!

Like several others, I my corporate job was eliminated, so I have jumped into entrepenuerial ventures with both feet! We had the business structure in place prior, and have now turned up the focus. Separate checking accounts, business plan, blog, etsy store, outside marketing, classes, etc ...

[AerlumeJewelry]

Robin, I completely laughed out loud(at work) at the "soul sucking" comment :D
I sort of feel that way too. I have a direction I want to head with my jewelry but I feel trapped by needing a day job to survive!

[missvalscreations]

I love reading other people's stories! I am getting close to quitting my day job having started my jewelry business back in January 2007 as a hobby. It seemed to have legs and I have let it lead me over the years. It has grown leaps and bounds! I am hoping to quite my day job by April 2014 at the very latest.

As a type A personality I need to have everything in order budget wise. So once I am earning enough to cover the bills, pay for my own health insurance and be able to invest into a SEP each year I know I am ready!

I currently love taking vacation days from work and spending them in my home office. It gives me a taste of what it would be like to work from home and keeps me motivated!!!!