So, You’re Thinking About Quitting?
You’ve put in the work. You’ve burned the midnight oil, skipped hangouts, and put your all into this thing — and still, it feels like you're stuck in the same spot. You're not alone.
But here’s the truth: even the most successful entrepreneurs have hit this wall. Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, was rejected constantly. Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, didn’t get hired at KFC. They faced setbacks just like yours — and kept going.
Like Edison once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” That hits different when you've been trying everything and nothing clicks.
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| Feeling stuck doesn't mean you're failing — it means you're human. |
Are You Really Quitting — or Pivoting?
There’s a massive difference. Quitting means giving up entirely. Pivoting means adjusting your path.
Maybe you’re not seeing traction because your offer isn’t aligned with what your audience needs — or maybe you’re in the wrong niche altogether. That doesn’t mean the whole dream is dead. It just needs redirection.
Here’s something that helped me when I was stuck: make two simple lists — what energizes you about your hustle and what completely drains you. That small clarity can change everything.
👉 If you're currently feeling stuck financially, read Broke but Not Broken: How to Start Building Wealth from Zero. It breaks down how to push forward when you feel like you're starting with nothing.
The Side Hustle Payoff Takes Time
Your day job pays the bills — but your side hustle builds your future freedom.
Yes, it’s frustrating when you pour in effort and see little return. But most businesses don’t take off in the first few months. It often takes 6–12 months of trial, error, and learning to find your rhythm.
Think of consistency like tiny deposits in a savings account — it doesn’t feel like much at first, but one day you wake up and realize you’ve built something big.
Your consistency is compounding. It might not show today — but the growth is happening behind the scenes. Just like gym results or learning a new language, it builds slowly, then all at once.
And remember: your side hustle doesn’t need to be glamorous to be effective. Just look at the ideas from How to Get Rich Without a University Degree — many involve skills you can learn and apply today.
Focus on the Right Metrics.
Most people measure success by money — and sure, income matters. But it’s not the only thing.
Ask yourself:
Are you making real progress?
- Is your content getting better?
- Are people starting to respond or reach out?
- Are you building confidence and discipline?
If so, you’re winning — even if your bank account doesn’t reflect it yet.
Progress is proof. Pay attention to it.
And if you want to upgrade your financial goals with more intention, check out 10 Financial Goals You Should Set Before 30 (Or Any Age) to give your hustle clearer targets.
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| The ones who keep going are the ones who win |
Still doubting if your struggle means failure? Let’s look at what others went through before they succeeded.
Real Stories: When Quitting Almost Happened
Every success story has a “breaking point” moment. For some it’s financial pressure. For others, emotional burnout.
- Sara Blakely kept selling fax machines door-to-door until Spanx took off.
- Jack Ma faced dozens of rejections — and still built Alibaba.
- Giselle Galarza, a young content creator, thought about quitting daily until one video went viral and changed her life.
“Most people give up right before the miracle happens.” – Anonymous
Your "giving up moment" might be the one right before your big break.
When It Is Time to Quit
Sometimes, walking away is the smart move. Here’s when:
- Your side hustle is draining your mental or physical health.
- You’ve outgrown the vision or learned enough to take a better path.
- There’s a new opportunity that aligns better with your long-term goals.
In these cases, quitting isn’t giving up. It’s leveling up.
🎯 Exercise: Ask yourself: If I stopped this hustle today, what would I regret the most? If the answer is "nothing," it might be time for a fresh start.
To figure out what to cut to move faster financially, read Stop Wasting Money in 2025: 5 Things You Should Quit Buying Now.
Think Like the Wealthy — Not Just the Busy
Too many people stay trapped in the paycheck cycle and never build real freedom.
Wealthy people don't just hustle — they invest, automate, and multiply their time and income. They focus on leverage, not just labor.
👉 Why Saving Alone Won’t Make You Rich (And What Will) is a must-read mindset shift. It shows why just budgeting isn’t enough — you need multiple streams of income and assets that grow.
Start seeing yourself not just as someone hustling — but as someone building. There’s a big mindset shift in that.
Your side hustle can be your first step into that world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I quit my side hustle if I’m not making money?
Not yet. Most side hustles take time. Focus on tweaking, not quitting. Identify what isn’t working — and pivot.
How long should I give it?
At least 6–12 months of focused, intentional effort. If you've been dabbling, you haven’t truly started yet.
What if I no longer enjoy it?
Revisit your original "why." Sometimes burnout means you need rest, not a new idea. But if the passion’s gone, consider a pivot to something more aligned.
Picture the Bigger Future.
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| Seeing your goals daily keeps you aligned with your purpose |
Where do you want to be 2 years from now? Picture it.
- More income?
- Location freedom?
- Doing meaningful work?
Your side hustle is a vehicle to get there. But like any vehicle, sometimes it needs a tune-up—not a trade-in.
Small steps in the right direction become big wins over time.
Hang a vision board on your wall. Write your goal on a sticky note. Keep your "why" visible every single day
If You’re On The Edge Of Quitting.
I get it. But maybe, just maybe, this hard moment means you're almost there. Take a breath. Take one more step.
If you’ve read this far, it means you care about your future — and that’s rare. Honor that.
💬 Have you ever thought about quitting your side hustle? What made you keep going (or walk away)? Share your journey in the comments — your story might be exactly what someone else needs today.