Last week, after sharing our post “From Side Hustle to Full-Time Entrepreneur,” we received tones of emails asking us to dive deeper into The Money Game! So, let’s break it down and explore what it really takes to transition financially from a side hustle to a thriving full-time business! Ready to learn The Money Game – when and how to quit your 9-5 job?

Every entrepreneur’s journey from side hustle to full-time business is unique, but here are examples of service-based business owners who transitioned at different income levels and financial readiness.

1️⃣ The Slow & Steady Approach (Lower Risk)

💼 Case Study: Lisa – Freelance Copywriter
Side Hustle Income Before Quitting: $2,000/month
Full-Time Income Goal: $4,500/month
Transition Time: 2 years

Lisa worked full-time as a marketing coordinator but started taking on freelance writing projects on the side. She wanted to ensure financial stability before transitioning, so she gradually built her client base while maintaining her 9-to-5.

Her Money Game Plan:

✔ Took on one new client per month while keeping her full-time job.
✔ Built a portfolio and networked through LinkedIn to attract steady work.
✔ Set up long-term contracts with three agency for recurring income.
✔ Quit her job after consistently making $4,500/month for six months.
✔ Now earns $8,000/month and is launching a copywriting course to scale further and reduce the risk of relying solely on retainer clients.

This highlights the importance of diversifying income streams to ensure long-term stability!

2️⃣ The Accelerated Growth Plan (Moderate Risk)

💼 Case Study: David – Personal Trainer
Side Hustle Income Before Quitting: $4,500/month
Full-Time Income Goal: $6,000/month
Transition Time: 10 months

David was working as a gym employee but started training private clients on the side. As demand for his sessions grew, he realized he could earn more by running his own business. Instead of waiting years, he cut back his gym hours and focused on scaling his side hustle quickly.

His Money Game Plan:

✔ Rented a small fitness studio to train private clients.
✔ Focused on high-end packages ($1,000+/month per client).
✔ Increased revenue by adding virtual coaching + online meal plans.
✔ Quit his job after hitting $6,500/month consistently for three months.
✔ Within a year, he was making $12,000/month and hired an assistant trainer.

3️⃣ The All-In Leap (Higher Risk, Faster Growth)

💼 Case Study: Rachel – Interior Designer
🔹 Side Hustle Income Before Quitting: $6,500/month
🔹 Full-Time Income Goal: $8,000/month
🔹 Transition Time: 5 months

Rachel was working as a corporate project manager but had a passion for interior design. After completing a few freelance design projects, she saw the potential to make this her full-time career. Since she had savings and high demand from referrals, she took the leap earlier than planned.

Her Money Game Plan:

✔ Invested in branding, marketing, and a website to attract more clients.
✔ Focused on mid-to-high-budget clients ($5,000+ per project).
✔ Launched a digital product (home styling guides) for passive income.
✔ Quit her job after 5 months of consistent growth.
✔ Within a year, she scaled to $14,000/month and hired a design assistant.

4️⃣ The Hybrid Approach (Gradual Transition with a Safety Net)

💼 Case Study: Mark – Financial Consultant
Side Hustle Income Before Quitting: $3,500/month
Full-Time Income Goal: $6,500/month
Transition Time: 12 months

Mark worked in corporate finance but started offering budgeting and financial coaching for entrepreneurs on the side. Since he had a mortgage and family responsibilities, he took a hybrid approach—keeping his job part-time while growing his business.

His Money Game Plan:

✔ Reduced his full-time job to 20 hours per week after six months of steady income.
✔ Focused on retainer-based consulting clients for stability, but to mitigate risk, all contracts require a three-month notice for termination, and client agreements are staggered to ensure they don’t all end in the same month.
✔ Created a workshop series + online course to scale his income.
✔ Quit his corporate job after consistently making $7,000/month for four months.
✔ Now earns $12,000/month and works remotely with clients worldwide.

Which Transition Plan Fits Your Journey?

Every entrepreneur’s path to full-time business ownership is different. Some prefer a gradual approach, ensuring financial security before making the leap, while others are ready to accelerate growth and transition faster. The right strategy depends on your risk tolerance, financial situation, and business demand. Whether you choose to play it safe like Lisa, scale strategically like David, take a bold leap like Rachel, or find a balance like Mark, the key is to create a plan that aligns with your goals and sets you up for long-term success.

Now it’s time to choose your Money Game and map out your path to full-time entrepreneurship!

• If you want minimal financial risk: Follow Lisa’s slow & steady approach.
• If you’re ready to scale quickly but prefer some stability: David’s accelerated growth plan might be best.
• If you’re confident in demand and have savings: Take Rachel’s all-in leap for faster growth.
• If you need flexibility while transitioning: Mark’s hybrid approach allows you to build your business while keeping financial security.

I’d love to know, what’s your transition strategy? Remember, it’s not only about getting there faster. It’s about creating a profitable business that will last.

xox