Taking your side hustle to a full-time gig is every entrepreneur’s dream. The only boss you’ll have to answer to is yourself, there’s no office drama you’ll have to deal with, and setting a schedule that allows you to spend more time with family and friends is par for the course.

But actually taking that leap is another story. Striking out on your own also means potential financial instability, having to be quick on your feet to take care of every single aspect of your business, and constantly making sure you’re loading your roster with new clients. In a word: exhausting. But also wildly exhilarating.

So how do you know it’s time to call it quits at your nine-to-five and sign on as a full-time entrepreneur? We spoke with nutrition and body transformation coach, Sara Frenza, who did exactly that in 2022.

Your career was in marketing. How long had you been in that field?

SARA FRENZA: For the past eight years, I’ve had the privilege of working in the marketing department of a home builder. During my tenure, I handled various responsibilities, including managing social media platforms, maintaining the website, creating advertisements, and even contributing to design elements.

When did you decide to transition from personal fitness to a professional pursuit? What motivated you to make this shift and how did you begin your journey?

SF: In November 2021, after obtaining my certifications, I made the decision to work with clients and embark on my professional fitness journey. Given the interest people had shown in my personal transformation story and ongoing fitness journey, particularly through my Instagram platform, it became clear that there was a demand for my expertise. By January 2022, I already had around 20 clients, and this momentum continued to grow exponentially. I requested to work part-time so that I could focus more on my fitness business, with the ultimate goal of transitioning to it full-time. By March, I had built up my business sufficiently, and on May 1, 2022, I took the leap and committed to coaching full-time and left my marketing career.

Follow Sara on IG @sara_frenza

What prompted you to make fitness your full-time career? How did it feel to leave your marketing job behind?

SF: In January 2022, I realized that pursuing a career in fitness wasn’t just a job for me – it was an opportunity to live out my true purpose of helping women take control of their health and fitness. This sense of fulfillment and the desire to create a life that aligned with my passions drove me to make the decision. Leaving my marketing career was undoubtedly scary at first, as I was leaving behind a steady income. However, the excitement of pursuing a profession I love and building a business on my own terms overshadowed any apprehensions.

How does your current life and work compare to when you were in marketing? What have you gained from the transition, and have there been any losses?

SF: One of the most significant differences between my current life and my previous marketing career is the flexibility and autonomy I now enjoy. As an entrepreneur, I have the freedom to make all the decisions regarding my business, work from home, and create an exceptional customer experience. Additionally, owning and operating my own business has led to significant personal growth, as the success or failure of my venture rests solely on my shoulders. I’ve also gained a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs and business coaches, which has been immensely beneficial. Overall, I don’t feel like I’ve lost anything in the transition. While I am grateful for the experience gained in my past marketing job, I genuinely do not miss it as my new career aligns perfectly with my passions and goals.

What advice would you offer to entrepreneurs who are hesitant to leave their full-time jobs and take the leap?

SF: My advice would be to focus on building your business on the side while still employed full-time. It will require dedication and hard work, but once you have established a solid foundation and feel confident in the growth of your side venture, take the leap. Remember that if you can achieve success while working part-time, the potential for even greater success awaits when you devote yourself fully to your entrepreneurial pursuits. Trust in your abilities, embrace the challenge, and pursue your passion with unwavering determination.