Totally get where you're coming from on this. I've seen a lot of clients wrestle with similar decisions—stability vs. passion is never an easy call. Setting milestones is a great idea because it gives you checkpoints without feeling trapped. A friend of mine did something similar when she transitioned from a corporate job into freelance photography. She gave herself six months to build a client base and reassessed at the halfway mark. It took some pressure off, knowing she had a clear timeline and wasn't just jumping blindly.
One thing I'd add is that sometimes even the "safe" option isn't as secure as we think. I've seen people stick with jobs they didn't love because they felt stable, only to have things shift unexpectedly. So, while it's smart to be cautious, don't underestimate your ability to adapt if things don't go exactly as planned.
Whatever you decide, trust yourself—you've clearly thought this through carefully. Good luck!
"sometimes even the 'safe' option isn't as secure as we think."
True, but the risky path isn't always rosy either...seen plenty of folks jump in without a solid financial cushion and regret it. Curious, how much savings would you recommend someone have before making that leap?
Honestly, I've seen clients jump in with just a few months' savings and others who waited until they had a full year's worth. I'd say 6 months is a solid sweet spot—enough cushion without getting stuck in analysis paralysis...
I see the logic behind the 6-month cushion, but honestly, it might be a bit too generalized. When I refinanced my home, I initially thought six months would be enough. But once I factored in unexpected expenses—like a sudden roof leak and some medical bills—I realized how quickly that safety net can shrink. It really depends on your personal situation and the stability of your industry. If you're in a volatile field or your dream job has uncertain income streams (like freelancing or commission-based work), I'd argue that aiming closer to a year's worth isn't necessarily analysis paralysis—it's prudent planning. Sure, you don't want to wait forever, but there's a difference between thoughtful caution and indecision. Just my two cents from someone who's been there...
I totally get what you're saying about the cushion being a bit generalized. When I refinanced, I thought I had everything mapped out too. Then bam, my furnace decided to quit right in the middle of winter—talk about timing. Suddenly, that comfortable buffer felt way thinner.
But honestly, even with those unexpected hits, I'm still glad I took the leap into something less stable but way more fulfilling. Sure, it's nerve-wracking at times, and I've definitely had moments where I questioned my sanity (usually around tax season, lol). But I don't know...there's something about waking up excited to tackle the day that makes the uncertainty worth it.
Still, you're right—it's not for everyone. If your industry's shaky or you have dependents counting on you, maybe sticking with stability isn't such a bad idea. Guess it really comes down to how much risk you're comfortable sleeping with at night.
