7 Bold Steps to Ditch Your Day Job & Chase Your Dreams Like a Rock Star

Let’s face it: you’re stuck in a soul-sucking 9-to-5, dreaming of the day you can finally tell your boss to shove it and pursue your true passion.

Whether you’re an aspiring musician, a budding entrepreneur, or just someone who knows there’s more to life than TPS reports (are those still a thing?), you’re not alone.

The good news? You can make that leap, and we’re here to help show you how.

Inspired by the wisdom of creative maverick Chase Jarvis’ new book, Never Play It Safe and the raw energy of those who’ve rocked the boat before you, here’s your backstage pass to quitting your job and living life on your own terms.

It’s time to turn your life up to 11.

1. Embrace the Art of Calculated Risk

First things first: toss out that old “safety first” mantra. As Chase puts it, “All of the best stuff in life is on the other side of our comfort zone.” But don’t confuse this with recklessness. Here’s how to take smart risks:

• Assess your current situation: List out your skills, savings, and support system.
• Visualize your dream scenario: What does success look like for you?
• Bridge the gap: Identify the steps between where you are and where you want to be.
• Create a “not afraid to jump fund”: Save enough to cover 3-6 months of expenses.

Remember, even Keith Richards had a plan B (okay, maybe not the best example, but you get the idea).

2. Reframe Failure as Your Greatest Hit

Failure isn’t the end; it’s the opening riff to your comeback tour. Chase advocates viewing setbacks as “tiny experiments.” Here’s how to rock failure:

• Keep a failure journal: Document what didn’t work and why.
• Celebrate the lessons: What did each “flop” teach you?
• Share your stumbles: Be open about your journey; it humanizes you and builds connections.

Think of it this way: every great album has a few B-sides. Your failures are just the tracks that didn’t make the cut – but they shaped the masterpiece.

3. Unleash Your Inner Creative Beast

Creativity isn’t just for “artsy” types. It’s your secret weapon in carving out a unique path. Here’s how to tap into your creative mojo:

• Practice daily creativity: Spend 15 minutes each day on a creative task, no matter how small.
• Cross-pollinate your interests: Combine your day job skills with your passion.
• Embrace constraints: Limited resources can spark ingenious solutions.

Remember, Radiohead’s “OK Computer” was partly recorded in an empty mansion. Sometimes, limitations breed brilliance.

4. Build Your Tribe of Misfits & Mentors

No rock star ever made it alone. Surround yourself with people who fuel your fire:

• Find your “band members”: Connect with others pursuing similar dreams.
• Seek out mentors: Look for those who’ve walked your desired path.
• Join or create a mastermind group: Meet regularly to share goals, challenges, and wins.

Your tribe will be there to crowd-surf you through the tough times and cheer you on during your solos.

5. Master the Art of the Side Hustle

Before you drop the mic on your day job, start building your dream on the side:

• Carve out sacred creation time: Dedicate specific hours to your passion project.
• Monetize your skills: Offer freelance services related to your dream gig.
• Test your market: Launch a minimal viable product or service to gauge interest.

Think of it as your demo tape – you’re building an audience before the big launch.

6. Craft Your Rockstar Exit Strategy

When it’s time to make your grand exit, do it with style:

• Give proper notice: Don’t burn bridges; you never know when you’ll need a reference.
• Document your processes: Leave your replacement a “greatest hits” of your role.
• Plan a “farewell tour”: Use your last weeks to strengthen professional relationships.
• Negotiate a part-time or consulting role: This can provide a financial safety net.

Remember, even when Mick Jagger left for a solo career, he kept things cool with the Stones.

7. Embrace the Uncertain Encore

Once you’ve made the leap, the real show begins:

• Establish a new routine: Structure breeds creativity in freedom.
• Set ambitious but achievable goals: Break your big dream into manageable milestones.
• Stay connected to your “why”: Regularly revisit your reasons for making this change.
• Be prepared to pivot: The path to success is rarely a straight line.

As David Bowie said, “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”

Quitting your job to follow your dreams isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for those ready to write their own epic ballad of success.

So, are you ready to stop playing it safe and start playing for keeps? Your audience is waiting. It’s time to take center stage and show the world what you’re made of. Rock on, dream chaser!

Sources:

1. Book: Never Play It Safe, authors website