BY SHERIDAN C. WATKINS

Sit back and think rationally about this question: Are you ready to quit your job? I get it, you’ve been working hard, and it seems like the only obstacle is time. If you had more time to pour into your business, it would take off in the way you’ve been praying for it to do.

Truthfully, like money, time is neutral and just because you have more of it, doesn’t mean it will solve all your problems. Your job has a purpose and it’s not only to pay your bills — it’s also to keep your dreams alive.

Your job is your investor

Chances are, if you put your lifestyle on a newborn business, it would be way too much for it to handle right now. Making monetary leaps and bounds is astounding but it doesn’t mean it’s time to cut off the reliable income that comes with working for an employer. In addition to earning revenue, you must invest a lot of time to learn how to build the business that will support you. It’s your duty to nurture your business for growth and sustainability; you cannot do that effectively if you’re also relying on your business to pay the mortgage. Think of your job as an investor. Every payday you’re getting more money to build the foundation of your business. Remember the phrase, “It takes money to make money”? Let that money come from your employer for a while.

Advantage of duality

A hidden advantage of working a job while building a business is the ability to handle multiple schedules and tasks. You’re forced to prioritize and even delegate, when necessary, which is a blessing in disguise as all great leaders are able to do this effectively.

For a while, I struggled in this area and because I wanted to be my own boss so badly, I would choose my business over everything. Sure, I was laser-focused, but the issue was not giving enough back to the hand that was feeding me. Being frank, I’ve been fired for not being a team player and negating workflow ethics which caused a domino effect of vulnerability and uncertainty with my finances and that was not fun. As much as I wanted it to be, my business was not ready to support me during those times.

However, I thank God for those experiences because a job is also a space for pruning. Take heed to all the lessons you pick up as an employee because they’ll help you become a great boss. A lot of times, the very thing you need to work on in order to be successful in business will manifest itself in the workplace before you go. It’s not an attack. It’s personal development.

Think about job alignment

While you are getting adjusted to the learning curves and new growth, don’t stop looking for that dream investor (aka job) that will allow you to have the most freedom while building your business.

There may be a point where you know you’ve been doing the best you possibly can, and it seems like the walls are still closing in. Here is where you check in with your spiritual source and pray. Ask to be connected with the best job for your unique situation and keep up the faith and the work ethic until it arrives. Look at your network and let people know what you need. Seek and you shall find.

You’ll get that push when it’s finally time for you to lean full time into business and you don’t want to get there a moment sooner. Though I put in full time hours for my business now, I have supplemental income to help so my business can continue growing and taking risks. The story is still being written for you and me, so don’t rush the inevitable. Your desire is known, and you will get there, so learn and grow as much as you can. I have faith in you.

Sheridan C. Watkins is a journalist and the owner of Shairpins, a jewelry and gifts brand focused on transcending self-worth to all women. Her true work began after climbing out of a dark place with the help of God and therapy, and her life mission is to provide tangible peace through her Divine gifts to help women heal and transform their life. Follow the mission on Instagram and Facebook: @shairpinsgarden.