Getting started
Before you quit your job to start a business: a 7-point check
Don't quit until you have tested demand, have at least a year of personal runway, have a mentor and know your first customers by name. Here is a simple seven-point check.
VB
Dr. Vikrant Bhujbalrao
· 3 min read
· 3 min read
Short answer: quit only when you can say yes to most of these seven points. Otherwise, start on the side and keep testing.
The 7-point check
- Someone has paid you. Not "liked the idea" — paid. Pre-sales are the strongest validation.
- You know your first 10 customers by name. If you can't list them, you don't have a market yet.
- 12 months of personal runway. Separate from the money the business needs.
- Your family understands the risk. First-generation founders especially need this conversation early.
- You have a mentor. Someone who will tell you the truth.
- You have a one-page plan. Who, what problem, how you reach them, what it costs, what you charge.
- You know your exit criteria. What result by what date means "pivot" or "stop".
Why this matters
Dr. Vikrant's own first venture — a health food chain started with two co-founders — ran for five years before closing, after significant investment and two fundraises. His first book, Before YOU Jump into Business, exists so other first-generation founders can learn those lessons without paying the same price.
Quick answers
Should I quit my job to start a business?
Only after you have validated demand with real paying customers, have about a year of personal runway, and your family understands the risk.
How much savings do I need before starting up?
A common rule is 12 months of personal expenses, separate from the money the business itself needs.
VB
Written by Dr. Vikrant Bhujbalrao
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Startup coach, business mentor and author of two Amazon bestsellers. Director, YourSarthi.