Dreaming of leaving your 9-5 to start your own business? Hold on a second. Before you hand in your resignation and dive in, think about getting some practice first—and getting paid for it. Yes, a regular 9-to-5 job can teach you a lot about running a business.
Working a 9-to-5 job means you’re not risking your own money while learning how to run a business. You also get to work with experienced people, learn useful skills, and make contacts, all while earning a paycheck.
To start a business, you need more than just a good idea. You’ll also need to know how to manage money, make sales, lead a team, and keep everything running smoothly. Here are a list of 9-5 jobs that can level up your business skills up before you make that leap from employee to entrepreneur:
Jobs That Can Teach You Business Skills
Sales Jobs
Selling things is what makes a business work. Jobs like Sales Executive or Account Manager can teach you how to convince people to buy what you’re offering.
Marketing Jobs
Ever wonder why some brands are so popular? That’s marketing. Working in marketing can help you understand how to get people interested in your business.
Project Management Jobs
Turning a good idea into a successful business takes planning and organization. Jobs in project management can teach you how to get things done.
Money Jobs
Understanding money is crucial for any business. Jobs in finance or accounting can teach you how to manage money wisely.
Business Growth Jobs
Growing your business means more than just selling more stuff. You’ll need to make good partnerships and find new ways to sell. This is what business development jobs are all about.
Operations Jobs
You’ll need to make sure your business runs smoothly day-to-day. Operations and supply chain jobs can teach you how to do this.
People Jobs
A business is only as good as its team. Jobs in Human Resources can teach you how to find and manage a great team.
Customer Service Jobs
Your customers are your business. Jobs in customer service can teach you how to keep them happy.
While you’re at your 9-to-5, think of it as a paid training program for running your own business someday. Talk to people in different roles, volunteer for different kinds of work, and always be open to learning more.
You’ll know you’re ready to start your own business when you feel like your 9-to-5 job can’t teach you any more. By then, you’ll have the skills and contacts you need to go out on your own.
Don’t underestimate the power of a 9-to-5 job in shaping your entrepreneurial journey. Consider it a paid, low-risk environment to acquire the multitude of skills needed for business success. So before you pen that resignation letter, remember, your 9-to-5 might just be the best entrepreneurial training you never knew you needed.
