For everyone thinking of quitting their job to start a business.

It's been 4 years since I quit my 9-5 job to take my business full-time... I was broke and living "paycheck-to-paycheck" for most of these 4 years, until half a year ago when my Etsy shop and KZbin channel started taking off, and I could finally live my dream of being a digital nomad.
If you're thinking about quitting your job to start a business, leaving your job to take your side business full-time, or starting a business so you can live out your dream, this is the video for you.
I share the most important lessons I learned along the way after I quit my job to become a full-time entrepreneur. I hope you enjoy this video!
P.S. I started my first side business (calligraphy business) 9 months before quitting my job in May 2019 if you're wondering about my timeline.
Let me know in the comments! 👇 Are you thinking about quitting your job or starting a business? What's your dream career situation?
📚Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics book recommendation: amzn.to/3oZDX26
FREE RESOURCES:
💻 Download my Business Plan Template here👉 tinyurl.com/dinabizplan
💻 Download my Start Your KZbin Checklist here👉 tinyurl.com/dinaytchecklist
💻 Download my Canva template for your Etsy listings photos here👉 tinyurl.com/dinalistingphotos
💻 Download the Start Your Etsy Checklist here👉 tinyurl.com/dinaetsychecklist
💻 Download my Etsy Stats Tracker (Google Sheets) here👉 tinyurl.com/dinaetsystats
🎉 [LIMITED OFFER✨] Get my Etsy listing photos course 👉 tinyurl.com/dinaetsycourse
🗓 Book a 1:1 coaching session with me to grow your business: tinyurl.com/dinacoaching
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 My quitting job story
01:00 The thing that NO ONE does
02:40 When to quit your job?
04:00 IMPORTANT thing to MANAGE
06:13 Should you get coaching/a course?
08:37 Is pivoting ok?
10:30 Surround yourself with THIS
11:39 Doubting yourself? Watch this
TECH EQUIPMENT
📹 My camera: amzn.to/33SQIAD
📹 My lens: amzn.to/3If2G9m
📹 My lav mic: amzn.to/3xoGofY
📹 My Zoom H1n (I connect my lav mic to this): amzn.to/3MVS5zw
📹 My external microphone (for backup audio): amzn.to/3xQrsEe
📹 My ergonomic mouse (didn't bring it travelling): amzn.to/37JFooY (most similar to mine)
📹 My KZbin umbrella lights (didn't bring them travelling): amzn.to/3A3IzVQ
📹 My 67" phone tripod: amzn.to/3L5upJK (similar to mine)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. Other links in this video description may also be affiliate links. Thank you for your support!
Subscriber count: 33,056
#quityourjob #liveyourdream

[@DinaLu]

It was so fun to make this video sharing my story and tips with you! Let me know in the comments....👇 Are you thinking about quitting your job or starting a business? What's your dream career/business? ❤

[@BEACHDUDE71]

I would like to be a surfboard shaper

[@valentinoscreativestudio]

Its's easier to go from 1 to 2 then from 0 to 1. Loved that quote! Thank you for the motivation! 🔥💪🏻

[@DinaLu]

Yay I'm so glad! I heard it from someone but I can't remember who anymore haha.

[@jessicazhao88]

I'm going through this right now thanks for sharing all that you've mentioned is exactly where I'm stuck on. I quit my job with nothing lined up trying to figure what to do with my life as I've always been a creative but lost alot of it through my 9-5. Now figuring out how to get more clients for what I live to do

[@DinaLu]

Congratulations on quitting your job Jessica! That's a huge move! Although it seems difficult and you might feel lost, this is (maybe) one of the most rewarding parts of your career that you'll go through. So I'm here celebrating this with you! Keep going, and you'll figure it out ❤ GO JESSICA!!!

[@jessicazhao88]

@@DinaLu Ty for this ☺️💕

[@relaxedsoothingsounds1]

You inspired me to work on my etsy store after opening but not working on it. I now have 11 sales and 1 - 5 star review its amazing I will never look back. I love your content🔥

[@DinaLu]

Omg congratulations!!! I'm so happy to hear that!

[@nathananderson8720]

This is one of the channels that gave me the courage to start my KZbin channel 5 months ago about self development. Now I have 312 subs and almost > 100 hours of watch time. I know it’s not comparable with others but I’m still proud I started because I’ve been learning so many lessons that I couldn’t have learned without getting started in the 1st place.

[@DinaLu]

I'm so happy to hear that, Nathan! And thank you for telling me! CONGRATULATIONS on starting your channel! 🎉 300 subs is AMAZING!!! Starting is the hardest part... now it all goes up from here 💪

[@nathananderson8720]

@@DinaLu Thanks so much! I realized that the main reason for doing this is not about the success but the inspiration I've been providing some people with my stories while helping others do the same as I shared the lessons & experiences through making videos to have a sense of meaningful purpose. Therefore, I’m planning to quit nursing to pursue youtube full time as there are lots of issues in our traditional health systems as these don’t align with my values. It’s a huge learning curve but I love helping people through making videos. Also, as part of my video creation progress, I’m switching to a better editing software and a camera so the learning curve is much higher and slows down the completion speed of my next video. I do appreciate your support and kind words! I am hoping that you can join me with this endless personal development journey! :)

[@DinaLu]

@@nathananderson8720 this is so awesome to hear! I'm wishing you best of luck in your career transition! 🎉

[@jdrexler4277]

This video is very natural, i'll make it thank you

[@aubryalixe]

love your energy & your determination ! Thanks for your encouragement ! ✨✨✨

[@DinaLu]

Merci Alixe! I just checked out your channel et peut-etre je vais l'utiliser pour ameliorer mon francais 😂 j'aime ton vibe!!!

[@TiffanyClayTV]

Your videos have such great energy! I love that you share the real side of what it takes to start a business and grow a you tube. All very positive and inspiring! And I think traveling is the biggest gift anyone can give themselves - enjoy every minute!!! 😊

[@DinaLu]

Thank you so much Tiffany for your kind words ❤️️

[@djnarvadez107]

You are an inspiration. Thank you!

[@DinaLu]

Aw thank you so much!

[@TaylorHaselton]

Such an incredible video. Well edited, put together, quality content, honest, transparent, just amazing, thank you!

[@DinaLu]

Aww thank you Taylor for your kind words, as always! 💕

[@paint_with_Noga]

Dina u r still one of my favorite youtubers. I love how real n authentic u r. And im very happy that u r living ur dream life. It gives me hope that I too will live my dream life

[@DinaLu]

Thank you so much!!

[@LindyL]

Thank you for another great video Dina! It's very encouraging :) My started photography business 3 months ago and you're totally right it took me Soooooo long to start but I'm so happy I have started and calling myself a business owner. 😊

[@DinaLu]

Thank you! ❤️️ Congratulations on the photography business Lindy!!!

[@crisdocumet]

❤ thank you for sharing your experiences!

[@DinaLu]

Thanks for watching!

[@jingjiang6677]

So inspiring! Thank you!

[@DinaLu]

Aww thanks Jing!

[@kaytaosborn]

Thank you for your videos. I just lost my job that I was never really happy at. Your confidence radiates From your videos. I am not sure what my next step is but happy to have your videos to lean on. I hope you are having an amazing day/night.

[@DinaLu]

Thank you! Sorry to hear about the lost job, but since you weren't happy at the job, it's not really a loss for you. When one door closes another door opens. I hope you find a new career path that makes you happy ♥️😊

[@GemmaSampsonArt]

This is awesome, Dina 😀 Congratulations on following your dream, It's great to see your hard work and passion is paying off! ❤

[@DinaLu]

Thank you so much!!

[@gainswithkathy]

I started this account almost 5 years ago and because of becoming a teacher..I became so tired. I’ve finally decided to quit this year and go for my dream of focusing on my business and starting my KZbin again! I feel all over the place right now but slowly getting out of depression too. It’s been so tough, but your video has inspired me Dina!❤

[@DinaLu]

Congratulations Kathy!!!! Cheering you on with the business and youtube! Sorry to hear about the depression, sending hugs.

[@likabeans]

you’re growing & glowing ❤🎉 congratulations glad to see everything is finally paying off and working out for you! Keep going, be you 😊

[@DinaLu]

Thank you so much! ❤️️

[@officialjayy1997]

Thanks for sharing ❤

[@DinaLu]

You're welcome!

[@lifeisworthliving4548]

Love your inspiring video Dina! This reminds me to look back on my career plan. Thank you my dear 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@DinaLu]

Thank you! Awww yesss GO GET ITTTTTT

[@annaspeaks373]

Dina thank you thank you thank you😊

[@DinaLu]

Anna you're welcome you're welcome you're welcome !

[@lauravandam2488]

Love your honesty! Enjoy your travels 🥰

[@DinaLu]

Thank you Laura!!

[@readtospeak5569]

Dear Dina ,you said my dream as well .Travel and work doesn't matter where you are .🥰

[@delijs]

so inspiring! thank you for sharing this Dina 💕

[@DinaLu]

You're so welcome!

[@annadesn665]

I'm really loving all the outdoors scenery on your recent videos!

[@DinaLu]

Yayyy!!! I'm living with relatives right now so it's hard to find a time + place to film hahaha, so outside is sometimes easier

[@nadiasureda883]

You are so inspirational...I love your videos!

[@DinaLu]

Thank you so much!♥️

[@harbirsingh8726]

Awesome video! Thanks

[@DinaLu]

My pleasure!

[@brianchua4240]

You go Dina!!!!! Keep pursuing your dreams!!!!!

[@DinaLu]

Aww thank you so much!

[@iamatenamorelli]

LOVE YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS !!!

[@DinaLu]

YAYYY Atena!!! Are you going to write one for yourself? 😊

[@iamatenamorelli]

@@DinaLu Yes I have in the past but listening to your video I'm going to do it again because I've been feeling "behind" a lot since my decision to pivot from coaching to KZbin and Publishing books on Amazon... so giiirl I be relating to you A LOT! thanks for this share

[@MotifMusicStudios]

Another great video! Always enjoy your authenticity and insights.

[@MotifMusicStudios]

Great point on that aspect of 'managing your mind' being a bigger challenge.

[@DinaLu]

Thank you Amie!!!

[@noharanda]

Hi girl ! Thank you for this 💕

[@DinaLu]

Of course!!

[@annadesn665]

Also, I am loving your drive for success!!

[@DinaLu]

Thanks!!!

[@LisaForexx]

Hi Dina! Love how you can talk to the camera for so long. I can put two sentences together on camera before I need to pause, think of the next sentence and then start recording again. Love watching your personal growth

[@DinaLu]

Oh gosh noooo Lisa! A 8-12 minute video takes 30-40 minutes to film haha!!! I do the exact same thing where I need to pause after 1-3 sentences and then think. It's all trimming. (I posted a behind the scenes footage on my Instagram yesterday about this LOL you can go see it still, I sound like a broken record.)

[@LisaForexx]

@@DinaLu wow! You sound so natural! Great job!

[@Okaycool22]

Inspired 🙌🏽

[@DinaLu]

Thanks for watching!

[@iamatenamorelli]

also i’m LITERALLY doing that same pivot right now and shit it is way scarier! you are totally right!

[@DinaLu]

Omg! What's your pivot? From what to what?

[@iamatenamorelli]

@@DinaLu from coaching to youtube and publishing on amazon! i will still probably do certain types of coaching that i very much enjoy but not in the capacity i am right now! thanks so much for sharing your journey 😍

[@junemarame2334]

Watching cos I’m so scared of quitting my job,I got a business that’s going so well,want to branch out and quit,but I’m scared 😢

[@DinaLu]

Wishing you best of luck in this decision! ️❤️

[@gainswithkathy]

I was in the same boat! I just put in my resignation and focusing on my business and KZbin❤ You’ve got this!!!

[@codeemily]

Thanks so much for sharing this!! Do you have any recommendations on where to start looking for life coaches?

[@DinaLu]

My life coach is actually someone I went to university with! I wasn't that close with her in uni but later when she started her business, I was following along and loved seeing HER growth and when I was thinking about getting more support, she was the only person that I wanted to work with. I'd say 1) ask any of your friends for referrals 2) follow some life coaches on social media like youtube and instagram for a couple weeks 3) pick the one you vibe with and find their content the most relatable to you -> usually they do a free consultation call to see if it's a good fit! Hope you find one that works for you! (Shirley @daringliving on Instagram was my life coach, feel free to follow her / reach out to see if she has availability.)

[@jasminearodriguezdelrio4]

Thank you! It was like talking to myself in the mirror. I didnt know we had so much in common 😅

[@DinaLu]

Awwww hahaha I'm glad you resonated!

[@AlienaCai]

Hey Dina, this video inspired me a lot. I made a similar decision last month and it wasn't easy, but I knew it was meant to be ❤ So happy to see you grow your business. I also have a youtube channel. Would love to meet you in person some day ❤

[@DinaLu]

Omg congratulations on quitting your job! 🎉 And congrats on 60k 🥰 wishing you all the best!

[@RichardLopez-lr4el]

This is such a good video! I am thinking of starting a KZbin channel too but I am scared and shy haha 😅 But seeing your videos has given me a bit of hope and inspiration !

[@DinaLu]

Aww yay glad you liked it Richard! JUST START! What's holding you back?

[@RichardLopez-lr4el]

@@DinaLu I think I’m just worried about people I know finding the channel and thinking differently of me 😅 even though I know it makes no sense to think this way lol also concerned about my privacy and just being so public would have me a little nervous. Curious how you got through these two challenges and what your experience has been like now?

[@DinaLu]

@@RichardLopez-lr4el Mmmm yeah that makes sense haha I felt the same way too, like scared of people judging me. But in the end, I still decided to create the channel because who cares about what other people think of me? I'm not creating my channel for my friends/acquaintances... I'm creating the channel for the people who need to hear from me. I thought about the security issue too, and I'd say it depends on what niche you're in. For me, I'm in the business education niche (pretty safe and respectful people in general) and I wouldn't be worried about this until I have like 300k subscribers haha. I just make sure that when I post on instagram stories, I don't tag my location when I'm actually THERE. I share it afterwards. And when I post youtube videos of me outside, I make sure I blur out any street signs near my house. I do stuff like that so far. It could be an issue, but I'd rather have that issue than not starting a channel and regretting it in the future.

[@kaekapita]

Really inspiring! I have decided to invest in a business coach :)

[@DinaLu]

Nice!!! I hope you get A LOT out of it! 🙌🎉

[@lilabukvic4216]

But Im affraid 😢

[@haliima]

super vidéo

[@DinaLu]

Merci beaucoup :)

[@gainswithkathy]

Does this mic you’re using connect to your camera or how does that work?

[@fablesinfashion]

Dying to hear more about your next business idea :D Can't wait! You are doing amazing :) Appreciate you being so transparent with all your learnings~

[@DinaLu]

It's still an idea that I am soooo slooooowly working on (got barely any time for it), but maybe I'll make an update video once I actually start it! Soooo excited to share! And thank you Celina!

[@inisasmrspa]

i really like your voice❤

[@DinaLu]

Thank you!

[@asthak1649]

Hey Dina! How do you find your business coaches? I tried and it's so hard to figure out if someone's the right fit 😞 Thanks for all the awesome videos!

[@DinaLu]

Either referrals or I saw my friends posting about them! Yeah I get that, it's hard to find someone who really fits in terms of the specific type of business + also vibe! Haha maybe I should start to offer coaching again 😂

[@DinaLu]

Oh yeah and I usually follow them for a while (at least a month) before working with them. I see if I like their free advice/content and vibe.

[@lechesanstreehouse]

This video was so encouraging! I’m a small KZbinr trying to find my place in social media and there are many times when it’s difficult to stay consistent. What do you suggest for that? Have a great day Dina!

[@DinaLu]

I just saw your anime channel! To find your place... hmmmm. It depends on what you want to do with your social media and what's your goal. For me, I really want to share my stories/experiences/lessons from business & life and help people, so that gives me focus for my social media. In terms of staying consistent, you just gotta do it 😂 Don't think too much about posting and just post.

[@lechesanstreehouse]

@@DinaLu Thanks for checking it out! And good point I just gotta stick to it. I want to be an anime motivational channel that people can come back to for extra motivation, so I’ll keep trying! Thanks for all your content! You are awesome 🥳

[@anesthesia101online]

Hopefully to be an online nomad one day too 😔

[@DinaLu]

YESSSS go do it!!!

[@Wheelztotheworld]

🙏

[@karlavr5049]

Thank you for this video, this is really inspiring ! God Bless you! 🥲😇🙏❤️

[@DinaLu]

Thank you so much ❤️️

[@MsJaydee10]

I work in HK and I need to get out of this 9-5. I’m done. 😢

[@DinaLu]

Awww 🙁 cheering you on!!!

[@JoeHan268]

Were your life coaches physical or digital? Were they from referrals?

[@DinaLu]

I had Zoom calls with my business/life coaches, although 2 of the 3 were located in Vancouver where I live. 1 I found on Instagram. 1 was a referral. 1 of them I knew from university.

[@JoeHan268]

@@DinaLu Nice, thanks.

[@outcastd12]

😍

[@realmoneystrategies]

First!!

[@DinaLu]

Woohoo!

[@mypapaya590]

Get a casual job whilst opening a business?