In a perfect world, how would you fire your boss? Would you let him down easy, or are you the type to really let him have it before kicking him out the door with a few expletives that you have been saving for the occasion? The reality is that millions of people are firing their bosses, and though the transaction is not nearly as exciting as the second option mentioned above, the empowerment of entrepreneurship has armed many ordinary employees with extraordinary leverage. The power of the internet has revolutionized what it means to be your own boss, create your own income, and turn your passions into valuable products and services to share with the world.
If you are sick and tired of trading your time for money, submitting to a boss who barely deserves your respect, and being disappointed every time you look at the net income of your paycheck, the time has come to fire your boss. The best means for you to do this is by quitting your job and starting your own business, but not so fast! There are some preparations that must be in place before you can responsibly take the leap. This guide will outline the steps you should take, along with the fears that must be overcome, to empower you to fire your boss and create a life you never dreamed possible from the comfort of your own home.
4 Signs that You’re Ready to Fire Your Boss
You’re Underpaid
Fear is an illusion. Most people are governed by the fear of not being able to make ends meet or afford the lifestyle that they have become accustomed to. As a result, they hang on to jobs that keep them overworked and underpaid. One fear that should be acknowledged, however, is wasted time. Time is something that you cannot get back, so trading your time for less money than you are worth is the first sign that you need to fire your boss.
You’re Underappreciated
You’re on time every day, you’re a team player, and you go above and beyond the expectations only to be overlooked when it comes time for a promotion or undercut when it comes time for a raise. We know that you are not one to complain, but it gets frustrating for you to see the bosses “in crowd” get all the benefits while you and the rest of the team must eat the proverbial scraps that fall from their table. You are valuable, and this scenario is another sign that you need to fire your boss.
Poor Work-Life Balance
More and more companies are requiring their managers to do more with less. This translates to more work for you with seemingly less and less time to complete it. In most cases, the only option is to work overtime, and though you’re getting compensated for the overtime hours, at what point does your time become more valuable than a few heavily taxed extra dollars per hour? Increasing amounts of time missed with family, friends, and hobbies is yet another sign that your boss needs to be fired.
Toxic Work Environment
You don’t have to work at any company within any industry for long to see the depravity of human nature unfolding in subtle ways all around you. The boss has the “favorite few” who seem to get all the perks. The HR manager who spends more time gossiping about people’s problems than solving them. The constant rumors that seem to grow from trivial daily events and spread like wildfire as if grown men and women were in junior high again. This is enough to drive any level-headed person crazy. My advice? Fire your boss!
How to Overcome Fear and Uncertainty
I know what some of you are thinking at this point: what about all the challenges that come with retiring your employee shoes (or boots, depending on your occupation) to become your own boss? I’m glad you asked. Nothing worth having is easy, so you will have to learn to overcome your fear of failure, the potential for financial instability, and the critical whispers from others. The good news is that fear and uncertainty can be overcome with actionable steps.
Start Small
Don’t quit your job and take the leap overnight. Test the waters by starting your business as a side hustle. This is the phase where you begin to build your confidence to know whether you want to take your venture to the next level.
Develop Sustainable Habits
Few things are more effective in overcoming fear and uncertainty than good daily habits. Rather than solely focusing on goals, spend time thinking about daily processes that will build your skills. It is within the realm of your daily procedures that your entrepreneurial confidence will be built.
Build Your Knowledge Base
Never stop learning. Some of the best students I know have never set foot in a university. Read every book you can get your hands on, listen to podcasts, take online courses, and surround yourself with like-minded people. Continuous learning will help you develop a winning mindset that enables you to overcome your fears and pursue your dreams.
What You Need to Transition
It’s one thing to dream about firing your boss, but successfully executing the transition from employee to entrepreneur requires careful planning. A building is only as good as its foundation, so follow these steps to lay the groundwork for your new life of personal freedom.
Build a Transition Fund
Don’t roll the dice. Taking inordinate risks will only squelch your creativity under the paralyzing weight of mounting bills and financial obligations. Instead, take a calculated risk that is padded with at least 6-12 months of living expenses. This safety net will stave off the financial pressure long enough for you to get your business off and running.
Have a Vision
This is real life, and successful people don’t act on impulse or conjecture. Instead, look within to know what you want and why you want it. From there, decide on the vehicle (type of business) that you are going to use to reach your desired destination. It’s not enough to know that you want increased levels of personal freedom. You must get connected with your “why” and chart your course with as much precision as possible.
Develop a Growth Mindset
There are two types of people in this world: those who think that their talents and skills are etched in stone (fixed mindset) and those who think that their talents and skills can be developed (growth mindset). Achieving increased levels of personal freedom comes with the guarantee of a steep learning curve. Therefore, it’s important that you arm yourself with a mindset that invites challenges and embraces failure as a stepping stone to your ultimate success.
Download our free podcast training on The Growth Mindset to prime your mind for the success that is to come in your life.
How to Find Your Niche
If I had to reduce this entire blog to one fundamental idea that would enable you to successfully fire your boss, it would be the power of FOCUS. Knowing exactly what you want is a powerful asset that many people overlook in their quest to achieve increased levels of personal freedom. Dial in your business focus by asking yourself the following questions:
- What genuinely interests me?
- What problems do I want to commit to solve?
- Is there market demand for the product or service I have in mind?
As much as we want our pursuits to align with our interests, it is vital that we ensure that there is a market for the offerings that we have in mind. Don’t overcomplicate the market research phase of your basic business plan. Communicate with potential customers, research known competitors, and try to identify any gaps in the market that you can exploit.
3 Keys to Building a Support System
You’ve built a transition fund, cast a vision, and fired your boss! Wow! My hat is off to you for your due diligence and believing in yourself on this level, but don’t make the mistake of going at it alone. The power of community is an indispensable aspect of our entrepreneurial journey. Yet, the key here is not only to seek out people who believe in your vision but also those who, like you, are working on becoming the best versions of themselves.
Download your free business plan here that includes information about access to our Digital Growth Community, where you can collaborate with other budding entrepreneurs who are eager to help you along in your journey!
Get a Mentor
Having access to a mind that is full of experience, wisdom, and specialized knowledge is a valuable asset. However, getting access to a mentor who is willing to invest in you is easier said than done. You can try to reach out to such people through LinkedIn, business networking events, or mentorship platforms. However, the best way to approach these relationships is to be creative in how you can add value to the mentor’s life. Every relationship is better when it is mutually beneficial.
Learn to Network
It’s time to mingle! I can already hear the sighs from introverts who would rather get a root canal than attend a traditional networking event. The good news is that we live in the information age, so on top of the usual industry events, people who are more reserved can benefit from social media groups and online forums. The key here is to pick your flavor and indulge because building the right relationships is a vital element of your support system.
Fall Back on Friends and Family
Some people in your support system will not be entrenched in the entrepreneurial world. This is where your friends and family come into play. These are seasoned relationships that have been cultivated in mutual positive influence. Lean on friends and family that fall into this category during the difficult peaks and valleys that you will inevitably encounter on your journey.
Start Your Journey
Don’t allow your bad job to force you into an impulsive decision to quit and move on. Instead, make it a strategic exit where you are more than ready top fire your boss and crush it in the business world. This will be one of the most important transitions of your life because it speaks to your personal freedom, purpose, and potential. Don’t wait until you “feel ready.” The time to prepare is now!
Make the decision today to start your transition from unhappy employee to successful entrepreneur. To assist you on your journey, click here to get your proven business plan to help you set up your first online business and start earning income within seven days!
The life of your dreams is waiting for you – you just have to reach out and claim what’s yours!
