To jack in my job?

[DnaDna]

I’m a manager in the public sector. High stress, full time, typically underfunded-low morale-crazy caseloads kind of public sector gig. Money not fantastic for the responsibility & graft. I’m permanently stressed, knackered and a bit miserable. No real prospect of going part time / job share.

But…it’s fairly secure, decent pension, I get most school holidays off. And we are in such economically unstable times, so I guess I’m lucky to have this job.

I’ve been thinking about setting myself up as a consultant/trainer/auditor in my field for a while now. I have dabbled in it on the side for some voluntary sector organisations with great feedback and some offers of paid work out of it.

My DH has just got an unexpected bonus and has said to me I should jack in my job to properly set up my business and see if I can start making some money by the end of the first year. He says we can afford it, life is too short etc.

I am SO risk averse though, and the idea of just resigning is quite scary. Would I be stupid to do it? Or is it now or never?

Im 46, married to DH for 22 years (he is a pretty successful, longtime small business owner), two kids aged 15 & 18, small mortgage.

Any words of wisdom? WWYD?

Is there anyway you could set up your consultancy as a bit of a side gig on the side I did that and it was against my contract terms but hey but it to us forgiveness than permission. I set myself a certain figure in my mind once I build over 10 grand I resigned and I’ve never looked back.

The main question is can you get back in again in a couple of years if your business doesn't fly?

If yes, then go for it.
If no, ask to go part time and set up as a sideline (with work's permission).

But life really is too short to do something stressful/unenjoyable for a long time.

I guess that would be the sensible thing to do, but realistically doing it on the side has been ridiculously challenging so far. I’ve managed to do a few training gigs during the school holidays, and audited one small organisation, but the stress of doing it on top of a 60 hour week in my job is a bit much and it’s hard to really devote the time and energy needed.

Much better not to quit till you know your business is working - can you take a sabbatical if you can’t do it on the side?

If not then crunch the numbers with DP - could you cover your earnings for 18 months to give you time to try it and find another job if it doesn’t fly.

That was replying to @Jessiesthedog

@lannistunut I could probably get back into my current field again, yes. But I suppose I’d be giving up a chance of promotion. Although I honestly don’t know if I would want the jobs ‘above’ what I currently do.

Well I’d be cutting right down on the 60 hour weeks no matter what the decision is.
my performance went right down the toilet in the three months leading up to quitting and having the side gig so I probably was still doing a good solid 60 hours, 20 for the real job and 40 for the side gig so that meant that It bloody well had to work didn’t it ? things weren’t going to be unnoticed in the real job.

absolutely no way I would’ve been granted permission to have a side gig because it would’ve been in direct competition and they would’ve wanted the Billings to go through the proper job so I just had to be very careful. I managed it though.

Does your DH have a pension? Perfect age to go self employed I would jump now. Lack of pension when self employed is always an issue especially if moving from the public sector.

Why are you working 60 hours in the public sector? Start with reducing your hours and build your business in the hours you gain back?

I'm in a similar public sector manager situation. I'm not going to risk it. I'm going to reduce the hours to my contracted hours and work flexibly / hybrid around my side job.

Yeah do it. I am one of many people I know who quit a similar role to go freelance/consultant and never know anyone regret the decision.

Financial uncertainty IS stressful but there's no stress quite like public sector corporate stress that erodes your sense of freedom and identity.

You will be so much happier being your own boss

I personally wouldn’t take the risk, you might need that money for day to day living soon and will be grateful for a regular salary. Change roles in the civil service - it’s huge. So much to try if you’re not keen on what you do

Go for it, if you don't you will regret it

That sounds like a really good compromise if it’s an option ?