Step 2fba: Making the Jump

🧭 Course Overview

Transitioning from employee to entrepreneur is a multi-stage journey, and one of the most pivotal parts of that journey is the moment you finally make the jump.

“Making the jump” isn’t just about quitting your job. It’s about stepping fully into ownership — of your time, your income, your mission, your future. It’s a moment of freedom, but also responsibility.

This lesson is designed to prepare you mentally, strategically, financially, and emotionally to cross that line confidently. You’ll learn what to have in place before you leap, how to execute your exit smoothly, how to protect your finances and mindset during the transition, and how to start building momentum from Day One.

📚 Table of Contents

Introduction — The Defining Moment
Section 1 — What “Making the Jump” Really Means
Section 2 — The Psychological Weight of the Decision
Section 3 — The Pre-Jump Checklist (What You Need in Place)
Section 4 — Exit Strategy: Leaving Professionally and Powerfully
Section 5 — Building Your First 90-Day Runway
Section 6 — Structuring Your New Life as an Entrepreneur
Section 7 — Your Day One, Week One, Month One Strategy
Section 8 — Protecting Your Mindset During the Early Storm
Section 9 — Case Studies: Real People Who Made the Jump
Section 10 — Common Mistakes When Making the Jump
Section 11 — Reflection Questions and Action Planning
Conclusion — Burning the Ships (and Building Your Empire)

✨ Introduction — The Defining Moment

There’s a moment on every entrepreneur’s path when everything changes.

It’s the moment you walk out of the building, hand in your badge, close the laptop, or finish your last day on the clock — and realize you’re free.

But freedom without preparation can feel like falling instead of flying. That’s why making the jump must be done with clarity, confidence, and conviction.

“The jump isn’t the end of your job. It’s the beginning of your destiny.”

Many dream of quitting. Few prepare for the jump. Even fewer execute it well. This lesson ensures you become the few who thrive, not the many who stumble.

🧠 Section 1 — What “Making the Jump” Really Means

1.1 It’s More Than Quitting a Job

It’s stepping into ownership of your income and time.
It’s ending dependency on someone else’s system.
It’s embracing uncertainty to access unlimited upside.

You are no longer paid for showing up. You are paid for creating results.

1.2 The True Nature of Freedom

Freedom doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means choosing what to do, when to do it, and why. It’s being your own boss, but also being your own safety net.

1.3 Responsibility vs. Fantasy

Many people romanticize “quitting their job.” They imagine sleeping in, traveling, working a few hours, and making millions overnight.

The truth is:

You’ll work harder (at first).
You’ll carry more responsibility.
You’ll face pressure and uncertainty.
But you’ll also have the potential for exponential reward.

Making the jump is a serious and empowering choice.

🧠 Section 2 — The Psychological Weight of the Decision

2.1 The Identity Shift

For years, your identity might have been:

“I’m an employee.”
“I work for [Company Name].”
“My paycheck comes on Friday.”

Now it becomes:

“I am the CEO of my life.”
“I own my future.”
“My results are my responsibility.”

That shift is massive — and it will feel uncomfortable. But that discomfort is proof that you’re growing.

2.2 Facing Fear Head-On

Fear of failure.
Fear of instability.
Fear of regret.
Fear of not being good enough.

Every entrepreneur feels it.
The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is who acts despite it.

Fear is not your enemy. It’s a signpost that you’re stepping into a bigger version of yourself.

2.3 Reprogramming Your Mindset

Replace “What if I fail?” with “What if I succeed?”
Replace “I need a paycheck.” with “I can create value.”
Replace “I’m safe at my job.” with “I’m safe in my abilities.”

🧾 Section 3 — The Pre-Jump Checklist (What You Need in Place)

Before you leap, make sure your parachute is packed.

3.1 Financial Readiness

Emergency fund: 3–6 months of personal expenses.
Business cushion: enough capital to operate for 90 days without panic.
Low personal overhead: lean lifestyle to reduce pressure.
Clear income plan: your business must have a working vehicle or strong pipeline.

3.2 Business Readiness

Minimum Viable Product or Offer tested.
Proof of concept (you’ve made sales or gained clients).
Marketing and sales systems in motion.
Processes in place for fulfillment.
Clear next-90-day targets.

3.3 Emotional and Mental Readiness

Support system (friends, partner, community).
Clarity of purpose.
Acceptance of uncertainty.
Resilience built through preparation.

3.4 Legal & Practical Readiness

LLC or business entity (if applicable).
Business bank account set up.
Bookkeeping software in place.
Health insurance and benefits plan.
Exit plan from your employer documented.

This checklist reduces the “unknowns” and allows you to leap strategically, not recklessly.

🧭 Section 4 — Exit Strategy: Leaving Professionally and Powerfully

How you leave your job matters almost as much as the fact that you leave.

4.1 Don’t Burn Bridges

The professional world is surprisingly small. You might need:

Past employers as references.
Former colleagues as partners or clients.
Goodwill to open future doors.

Leave with grace and gratitude.

4.2 Timing Your Exit

Don’t quit out of emotion — quit out of strategy.
Ensure your bridge is strong before stepping off it.
Align your jump with business momentum.

4.3 The Exit Conversation

Be professional and clear.
Express gratitude for opportunities.
Keep the door open (“I’d love to collaborate in the future”).
Don’t overshare your plans — stay focused.

4.4 Last Day Ritual

Close out all accounts and tools.
Leave things better than you found them.
Mentally step into your next chapter.

You’re no longer working for someone else. You’re building something of your own.

🪜 Section 5 — Building Your First 90-Day Runway

The first 90 days post-jump are critical.

5.1 Why the First 90 Days Matter

It sets your new habits.
It builds your identity as an entrepreneur.
It establishes momentum and confidence.
It determines whether your leap feels like flight or fall.

5.2 Financial Runway Strategy

Reduce unnecessary expenses.
Focus on revenue-generating activities first.
Reinvest profits wisely.
Avoid big, unnecessary purchases or expansion too soon.

5.3 Time Runway Strategy

Block off time for sales, marketing, fulfillment, and learning.
Eliminate distractions.
Treat your business like a mission, not a hobby.

5.4 Emotional Runway Strategy

Prepare for doubt to creep in.
Remind yourself of your “why.”
Stay connected to other entrepreneurs.
Celebrate small wins aggressively.

⏳ Section 6 — Structuring Your New Life as an Entrepreneur

When you leave your job, you also leave structure behind.

Your new success depends on the structure you create.

6.1 Building a Daily Entrepreneur Routine

Morning Power Block: mindset, strategy, priority work.
Midday Execution Block: sales, marketing, delivery.
Afternoon Optimization Block: follow-ups, systems, learning.
Evening Reset: reflection, planning, rest.

6.2 Weekly Systems

Set targets every Sunday.
Review every Friday.
Adjust and optimize.

6.3 Protecting Your Focus

Say no often.
Treat your time like money.
Don’t fall for “freedom distractions” (Netflix, endless coffee chats).

Freedom requires discipline.

🚀 Section 7 — Your Day One, Week One, Month One Strategy

7.1 Day One: Plant the Flag

Wake up early.
Declare your new identity.
Tackle one revenue-generating action before noon.
Set micro-goals for the week.
Celebrate the first step.

7.2 Week One: Build Traction

Confirm your core offer.
Reach out to leads and prospects.
Start building your marketing rhythm.
Make at least one sale or secure one client.
Refine your routine.

7.3 Month One: Establish Momentum

Hit consistent weekly income targets.
Review what worked.
Build systems to repeat wins.
Address weaknesses fast.
Reinvest strategically.

“How you start your entrepreneurial life sets the tone for everything after.”

🧠 Section 8 — Protecting Your Mindset During the Early Storm

The first few months test your mental game more than your skills.

8.1 Expect Emotional Highs and Lows

One day, you’ll feel unstoppable.
The next, you might doubt everything.

This is normal. Every successful entrepreneur has ridden this rollercoaster.

8.2 Build a Resilience Toolkit

Morning mindset rituals (affirmations, visualization, journaling).
Physical exercise to keep energy high.
Accountability groups or mentors.
A written list of your “why.”

8.3 Control Your Environment

Surround yourself with people who get it.
Limit exposure to negativity and skeptics.
Consume content that feeds ambition, not fear.

8.4 Keep the Long View

You are not building for today — you are building a legacy.
Small wins compound over time. Don’t judge your success too early.

📈 Section 9 — Case Studies: Real People Who Made the Jump

9.1 Marcus — Corporate Engineer to Tech Founder

Spent 18 months building a SaaS product on nights and weekends.
Built savings runway of 8 months.
Quit once monthly revenue reached 80% of salary.
Doubled income within 6 months.

9.2 Alana — Nurse to Health Coach

Created a small online coaching program while working full-time.
Launched officially after building a client base of 20 people.
Transitioned to full-time within 10 months.
Now owns a 6-figure coaching brand.

9.3 David — Truck Driver to Local Business Owner

Started mobile detailing business part-time.
Made $2,000/month extra before quitting.
Saved 6 months’ expenses.
Now employs 5 people and owns 3 vans.

Common threads:
✅ Preparation.
✅ Runway.
✅ Strategy.
✅ Courage.

⚠️ Section 10 — Common Mistakes When Making the Jump

Quitting too early — Jumping without revenue, systems, or runway.
Overestimating immediate results — Businesses take time to grow.
Not structuring time — Freedom becomes chaos without a plan.
Ignoring cash flow — Profit is oxygen. Don’t suffocate.
Trying to do everything — Focus beats chaos.
Not asking for help — Mentorship shortens learning curves.
Letting fear dictate decisions — Fear is normal, but don’t obey it.

Avoiding these mistakes dramatically increases your odds of long-term success.

📝 Section 11 — Reflection Questions and Action Planning

11.1 Reflection

Why am I making the jump?
What fears do I need to face head-on?
What is my minimum financial runway?
What business foundation have I built so far?
What will my Day One look like?

11.2 Your Personal Jump Plan

Step Action Deadline

Build runway Save 6 months expenses ___

Solidify business model Launch MVP ___

Announce exit Give notice ___

First 90 days Income plan and structure ___

11.3 Commitment Statement

“I am ready to make the jump not as an escape, but as a deliberate step toward freedom. I trust my preparation, my vision, and my discipline.”

Sign it. Own it.

🏁 Conclusion — Burning the Ships (and Building Your Empire)

When explorers reached new lands, they sometimes burned their ships so there was no turning back.

That’s what making the jump is about.
It’s about saying:

“I’m all in.”

But here’s the difference: you’re not burning your ships recklessly. You’ve built bridges. You’ve prepared. You’ve trained. You’re ready to fly.

This is the moment that separates dreamers from doers. Employees from entrepreneurs. Followers from leaders.

From here, your new life begins.
A life where you control your destiny.
A life where your future isn’t decided by a boss — but by your own vision and actions.

“Freedom doesn’t come from waiting. It comes from jumping.”