Preparing to Quit Your 9–5 | Understanding What It Really Takes to Go Full-Time pt. 7
- Blink Photography Co.
- Oct 29
- 5 min read
So you’re thinking about quitting your 9–5 and pursuing photography full-time. Exciting, yet, kinda terrifying.
Going full-time doesn’t happen overnight. It takes lots 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, we’ll break down the realistic steps to prepare for your transition, 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 (rent, bills, groceries, gas, insurance, etc.).Then add your business costs (editing software, marketing tools, website, 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 you can do a variety of things: offer weekend or evening photo sessions, set up your social media pages, and 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). Be searching for a platform or site that hosts everything you need to run your business, such as: contracts, invoices, scheduling, income statements, etc. Shop around for platforms that are specifically 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 and will minimize being 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 so that by the time you turn in your notice you will already have a savings to fall back on if you encounter a slow season, a scheduled marketing plan that should already be in motion, an email list, a client base, and a full understanding of your pricing, income, and expense.
Below is an example of a healthy timeline to follow…
💡 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 is just as important. Going full-time means times of uncertainty and often loneliness. That being said, it's important to also build a support system if you don’t already have one outside of your 9 to 5. Try connecting with other photographers in your area and even online communities and groups that can offer you some advice or encouragement. Photographers understand photographers. Sometimes our own families and closest friends do not fully understand the complexities of being a photographer. That's why it's important to know someone who does.
On another note, it can feel really overwhelming being a photographer and business owner and often feels like we have no time off to ourselves. That’s why it’s important to go ahead and 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 of that.
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 have to 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.
Comments