Should You Quit Your Job For A Side Hustle In 2025?

Introduction.

Quitting your job to focus on a side hustle sounds bold, maybe even risky. But if you’ve ever sat at your desk, staring at the clock and wondering if your time could be better spent building something of your own, you’re not alone.

More and more people are asking themselves the same question in 2025: Is it worth leaving my 9-to-5 for my side hustle?

I get it. The promise of more freedom, more money, and doing something you enjoy can be hard to ignore. But the truth is, it’s not a one-size-fits-all decision.

You need to look at your finances, your mindset, the kind of hustle you’re building, and what you’re willing to risk.

So in this post, I’m going to break it all down: the pros, the risks, the signs you might be ready to make the jump, and the things to seriously consider before handing in your notice.

I’ll also share real stats, useful tools, and resources that can help you decide what’s right for you.

Let’s get into it.

Why More People Are Considering Side Hustles in 2025

There’s been a big shift in how people view work. A 2024 LinkedIn survey found that 61% of professionals are either running a side hustle or seriously thinking about starting one.

Rising costs of living, remote work flexibility, and burnout are pushing people to explore other income streams.

Platforms like Etsy, YouTube, TikTok, Notion, Upwork, and Shopify make it easier than ever to start something on the side.

Some people are making more money from their side gig than from their full-time job — without clocking in at 9 every morning.

And let’s be real: job security doesn’t feel as solid as it once did. Layoffs, automation, and the gig economy are changing the game.

Should You Quit Your Job for a Side Hustle?

Here’s the short answer: It depends on your situation. But I’ll walk you through the key things to think about.

1. Is Your Side Hustle Making Money?

Before you think about quitting, your side hustle should already be bringing in consistent income — ideally enough to cover your basic expenses. A few one-off wins or a lucky viral video isn’t a sign to leave your job just yet.

Ask yourself:

Is this income stable or seasonal?
Do you have paying customers or reliable clients?
Are you tracking your earnings and expenses?

Pro tip: Don’t just look at revenue — check your profit. If you’re spending $700 a month to earn $1,000, you’re not quite ready to rely on it yet.

2. Do You Have a Financial Safety Net?

This part is super important. Quitting your job means giving up a steady paycheck, benefits, and maybe even insurance. That’s a big leap.

A good rule of thumb: Have at least 6 months’ worth of expenses saved before quitting. Some people aim for 12 months, especially if their side hustle income is still unpredictable.

Use a budgeting tool like YNAB or Mint to figure out how much you actually spend every month.

3. Are You Burning Out Trying to Do Both?

Some people reach a point where doing both a job and a side hustle isn’t sustainable anymore. You’re tired, your performance is slipping, and you don’t have time to enjoy life.

That might be a sign it’s time to make a choice. But even then, consider if you can reduce hours, go part-time, or take a short sabbatical before fully quitting. You don’t have to go all in overnight.

4. What’s Your Long-Term Goal?

Not every side hustle has to turn into a full-time business. Some are great just for extra income or as creative outlets.

But if you know you want to build a business, and you’ve got a plan in place — quitting could be the next step. Just make sure you’re doing it for something, not just away from a job you hate.

Here’s a simple checklist to guide your thinking:

Question	Yes	No
Is my side hustle profitable?	✅	❌
Do I have at least 6 months of savings?	✅	❌
Have I validated the market for my product/service?	✅	❌
Can I handle uncertainty and pressure?	✅	❌
Do I have a backup plan if it doesn’t work out?	✅	❌

If most of your answers are “yes,” you might be closer to being ready than you think.

Pros of Quitting Your Job for a Side Hustle

More control over your time
You set your hours, choose your projects, and get to work on something you care about.
Unlimited income potential
Your paycheck isn’t capped by a salary anymore — your growth depends on your effort and smart moves.
Freedom to build your dream
You can shape your own brand, work culture, and goals.

Risks and Challenges

No steady paycheck
Some months will be lean. You need to budget carefully and prepare for dry spells.
Isolation and self-doubt
Working alone can feel lonely. No coworkers, no boss, and no one to tell you you’re doing a good job.
Health insurance and benefits
If your country doesn’t offer public healthcare, you’ll need to sort this out yourself — and it’s often expensive.

FAQs

What’s the best time to quit my job for a side hustle?

When your side hustle consistently earns enough to replace at least 70-80% of your income, and you have 6+ months of savings.

What if my side hustle fails?

That’s always a risk. Make sure you have a backup plan — another job, savings, or freelance work. Failing isn’t the end — it’s often part of the process.