Decision Tool

Should you quit your job for your startup?

Answer a few practical questions and get a clear, unemotional verdict based on runway, traction, and risk.

Financial runway

Your personal financial buffer for the transition

Monthly personal expenses (after tax)

Liquid savings available to live on

Monthly startup income (reliable)

Do you have any other reliable income?

Yes No

Life constraints

Responsibilities that affect your risk tolerance

Do you have dependents relying on your income?

Yes No

Does your job provide health insurance you rely on?

Yes No Not applicable

Do you have significant fixed obligations? (mortgage, high debt payments, etc.)

Yes No

Startup reality

Where your startup actually is today

Does your startup generate consistent income that covers your personal expenses?

No revenue yet

Some revenue, but inconsistent/unpredictable

Consistent revenue covering < 50% of my expenses

Consistent revenue covering 50-100% of my expenses

Consistent revenue covering 100%+ of my expenses

Is your product usable today?

Yes, it's live and usable

Partially — MVP or beta

No, still building

Do users return after first use?

Yes Unsure No

Have people paid real money?

Yes, multiple paying customers

Yes, 1–2 customers

No payments yet

Is demand coming without heavy persuasion?

Yes, inbound or organic

Somewhat

No, mostly outbound

Career risk

Your ability to recover if things don't work out

If this fails, how easy would it be to get another job?

Easy Moderate Hard

How comfortable are you with uncertainty right now?

High Medium Low

Reality check

The gut-check question

If your startup stayed exactly as it is for 6 months, would quitting still feel okay?

Yes Maybe No

This is decision support, not financial advice.