Preparing to Quit Your 9–5 | Understanding What It Really Takes to Go Full-Time pt. 7
- Blink Photography Co.
- Oct 29, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 4, 2025
So, you’re thinking about quitting your 9–5 and pursuing photography full-time. Exciting, right? Yet, it can also feel kinda terrifying.
Going full-time doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a lot of planning, consistency, and a solid understanding of what it’ll take to replace (and eventually exceed) your current income. The good news? You can absolutely do it; you just need a plan.
In this guide, I’ll break down the realistic steps to prepare for your transition. We’ll discuss how to set yourself up financially and what to do before you hand in your notice. Affiliate links may be used throughout, which does not affect you negatively in any way. It *does not increase the price of the item(s) we recommend. Should you decide to purchase an item(s) via our links, we will receive a small commission as a 'thank you' from the represented company. Thank you for your support! :)
Key Takeaways
Don’t quit immediately; plan strategically and give yourself a timeline.
Build savings, systems, and clients before you leave your day job.
Create predictable income through repeat clients and digital products.
Confidence to quit comes from preparation, not spontaneity.
Get Real About Your Finances
Before you quit, you need to know exactly how much money you’ll need to survive and thrive as a photographer. Start by tracking your current monthly expenses. This includes rent, bills, groceries, gas, insurance, and more. Then, add your business costs like editing software, marketing tools, website expenses, and subscriptions.
Once you know your total monthly number, multiply it by 6-12 months.
That’s your financial buffer: the savings you should aim for before quitting.
This safety net keeps you stress-free when business fluctuates or while you’re building your first client base.
Start Building Clients Now
Don’t wait until after you quit to start marketing yourself and building a client list. You should already have clients lined up, even if it’s just a few consistent ones, before you give up your steady paycheck.
To do this, consider the following strategies:
Offer weekend or evening photo sessions.
Set up your social media pages.
Build a website with an opt-in for email marketing.
The goal is to have a small but reliable flow of clients that can cover part of your bills before you transition full-time.
Build Systems Before You Quit
When you’re full-time, time management becomes everything. Systems keep you organized, professional, and efficient, even when things get hectic. Now is the time to set up a few things that will help you out down the road:
Email Automations: Whenever someone subscribes to receive your emails, have a series of emails sent over time to keep clients informed and interested in what you offer.
Marketing Schedule: Have a game plan on what, when, and where you want to market. Schedule everything in advance as far as you can so that your audience will remember you and your name is visible year-round.
CRM (Client Relationship Management): Look for a platform that hosts everything you need to run your business, such as contracts, invoices, scheduling, and income statements. Shop around for platforms tailored to photography business owners. Check out Session, Picsello, Honeybook, and SmugMug to see which one will suit you best.
By the time you quit, your business should feel like a well-oiled machine, minimizing the chances of feeling overwhelmed.
Create a 6–12 Month Exit Plan
Set a realistic timeline. Don’t quit on impulse; plan your exit smartly. You want to set yourself up for success. By the time you turn in your notice, you should have savings to fall back on if you encounter a slow season, a scheduled marketing plan already in motion, an email list, a client base, and a full understanding of your pricing, income, and expenses.
Here’s an example of a healthy timeline to follow:
Month | Focus |
1-3 | Build savings, define packages, create a website |
4-6 | Start booking part-time clients consistently |
7-9 | Grow online presence, create a passive income product |
10-12 | Replace at least 70–80% of your current income |
12+ | Submit your notice and transition full-time |
Need help structuring your timeline? Go back and read “Pricing, Packages, and Profit.” It’ll help you map out your income and build packages that work toward your monthly goal.
Prepare Mentally and Emotionally
This part often gets overlooked, but it’s just as important. Going full-time means facing times of uncertainty and often loneliness. It’s crucial to build a support system if you don’t already have one outside of your 9 to 5. Connect with other photographers in your area and online communities that can offer you advice or encouragement. Photographers understand photographers. Sometimes our own families and closest friends do not fully grasp the complexities of being a photographer. That’s why it’s vital to know someone who does.
On another note, it can feel overwhelming being a photographer and business owner. It often seems like we have no time off. That’s why it’s essential to set boundaries now, before you become a full-time photographer. Treat your business like a job before it becomes one. Show up on schedule, set work hours, and create boundaries now.
When It’s Time to Quit
You’ll know when it’s time. There will be signs. If you are consistently making more money and replacing your current 9-5 income, AND consistently booking sessions months in advance, AND you’ve saved up enough money as your buffer, AND if you feel like your 9 to 5 has made you feel more limited than supported: then you may be ready to quit.
When it's time to quit, you’ll be confident about it.
Send your notice respectfully, give your best effort until the very end, and start your new chapter like a winner.
You’ve earned it.
FAQ
1. How much should I save before quitting my 9–5 for photography?
Aim for at least 6+ months of personal and business expenses.
2. How can I grow my client base while working full-time?
Offer weekend or mini sessions, market online consistently, and collect reviews from every session.
3. What if I don’t have the money to upgrade my gear yet?
Use what you have until you can upgrade. Make sure you’re financially ready as well.
4. How do I know if I’m ready to go full-time?
When your client work consistently covers your regular income and your plans and systems are in place.
5. Should I quit suddenly or phase out my day job?
Phase out if possible.
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