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A 44-year-old software engineer in Salt Lake City earning $200,000 a year says he’s burned out after 15 years in what he calls a “cushy job.” Ready for a change, Ryan recently called into The Ramsey Show seeking a reality check before quitting to pursue his side hustle full-time.
Ryan told co-hosts Dave Ramsey and Ken Coleman that he nearly quit two years ago but hesitated. “I was burnt out, and I still am,” he said. In that time, he found work he enjoys: buying and reselling abandoned storage units.
The problem? The side business brings in just $2,000 a month. His wife jokingly refers to it as a “hobby jobby,” not a viable replacement for his current income.
Ramsey and Coleman were blunt. They advised Ryan not to quit his job—at least not yet. Instead, they encouraged him to address burnout without sacrificing his earning power. Their suggestions included freelancing, consulting, or otherwise leveraging his software engineering skills to maintain a high income while regaining flexibility.
Side hustles are increasingly common. According to Bankrate, 36% of Americans had one in 2024. But most don’t generate meaningful income. A Self.inc survey found that only 1% of respondents earned more than $4,000 per month from a side hustle. More than half earned less than 20% of their monthly income from it, with many bringing in under $250 a month.
Ken Coleman emphasized that quitting a steady job should only happen after a side business is clearly sustainable. He recommended having six to twelve months of income from the side hustle saved in its own bank account before even considering a full-time transition.
That runway does more than provide a safety net—it proves the business can survive long term.
For anyone considering a similar leap, experts recommend evaluating several factors: consistent and growing revenue, repeat customers, clear market demand, startup and operating costs, and a solid business plan vetted by experienced entrepreneurs. A gradual transition—such as reducing hours at a current job—can also help test viability with less risk.
Ramsey cautioned that what feels like passion may actually be a desire for autonomy. “The freedom you feel may be what you love, not necessarily the business itself,” he said.
Their core message: don’t confuse burnout with a bad career move. Build patiently, manage risk, and make sure your side hustle can truly stand on its own before letting go of a strong paycheck.