Trying To Quit Your Corporate Job to Go All-In on Nutrition?

Let’s talk about the dream for a second.
You’ve qualified as a Nutritional Therapist, maybe even passed with distinction.
You’ve got all the knowledge, all the passion, and a burning desire to help people.
You imagine a life where you’re running a booked-out clinic, sipping coffee between client calls, picking your kids up from school without begging your boss for time off, and actually loving Mondays.
But then, reality.
You’re in a corporate job with a comfortable and reliable salary. Or juggling 3 days a week at work with 2 small kids and trying to figure out how the hell you’re supposed to build a nutrition business in the 45 minutes between bath time and collapsing on the sofa.
Sound familiar?
You’re not on your own. In fact, this exact conversation comes up in every nutrition group I’m in. Someone posts about trying to juggle a job, kids, and their NT business dreams, and the thread explodes.
I'm about to share the hard truth that most don’t want to hear:
You can’t do it all. Not long-term. Not well. Not without burning out or giving up.
The Side Hustle Trap
Let’s clear one thing up: there is nothing wrong with having your NT work as a side hustle if that’s your choice.
Maybe you like the idea of seeing 1 or 2 clients a month, you enjoy it, and you’re not bothered about it becoming a full-time income?
Great. Own that. No pressure.
But (and it’s a big but) if your goal is to be a full-time Nutritional Therapist, earning £30 to 50k+, with a strong brand, a waiting list of clients, a flexible lifestyle and that sweet, sweet self-employed freedom?
Then I hate to break it to you, but the ‘side hustle’ approach isn’t going to cut it.
The Catch-22 Everyone Talks About
“I can’t give up my job until I have enough clients, but I can’t get enough clients until I quit my job.”
This is the loop so many brilliant NT's get stuck in. And it feels impossible to break.
Here’s the mindset shift: stop waiting for it to be safe, and start making a plan to make it possible.
Here’s what you actually need to figure out:
-
How much do you need monthly to cover your bills and lifestyle?
-
Do you have (or can you plan for) 6 to 8 months of outgoings saved to give your business a proper chance?
-
Can your partner, spouse or close family member support you temporarily (emotionally and/or financially)?
-
How many hours a week can you realistically commit to growing your business?
- Have you estimated the start up costs (insurance, memberships, branding, website and website hosting, Practice Better, leaflets and business cards? (remember these are all tax deductible set up costs)
-
What’s your backup plan if it takes longer than expected?
-
Have you actually mapped out a business strategy (not just a vague idea)?
This isn’t about being reckless. It’s about being strategic, smart and focused.
Let’s Talk Funnels
You need a funnel. Yes, even while you’re still employed or elbow-deep in family life.
Because when you’re not physically working, your funnel should be.
Here’s what a basic one looks like:
-
Lead Magnet: A freebie that shows people how brilliant you are and they're then added to your mailing list.
-
Email Nurture Sequence: Automated emails that build trust while you’re at your 9–5 or busy with the family.
-
Consistent Self-Promotion: Socials, newsletter, blog, (whatever fits your vibe) to promote your lead magnet and share what you do and who you help. Leverage friends and family and even work colleagues to help get the word out.
-
Clear Offer: This is the bottom of your funnel so don’t be vague. Tell people exactly how to work with you. Your discovery call link needs to be everywhere.
And no, you don’t need to be posting 24/7 or on every platform under the sun. You just need to be visible and consistent.
Office Hours Are Your New Best Friend
If you're waiting for clients to appear before you block out time in your diary... You're approaching your business backwards.
If you want to be taken seriously, you have to take yourself seriously. That means committing to your ‘clinic’ time before it's full. It might look something like this:
-
Sunday mornings, 9–12
-
Every Friday
-
Two evenings a week
Whatever works. Just stick to it like you would a client appointment. That’s when your content gets written, your emails get sent, your funnel gets built and when you do your discovery calls.
No time? Make time. It’s not about having time, it’s about making the decision.
Are You Actually All In?
I know you've spent thousands on your training. (I did too) You sacrificed nights out and weekends to revise (me also). You obsessed over case studies and passed exams and dreamt of the life on the other side (same!).
That level of dedication doesn’t stop once you graduate.
So let me ask:
👉 Are you just dipping your toe in, or are you ready to jump in with both feet?
👉 Have you really had the conversation with your partner. your family or even yourself about your goals and what support you need?
👉 Have you asked for help from a coach, a mentor, or even just a business bestie? Or are you piecing snippets together from others and hoping something magical just happens?
My Final Thoughts (aka the Pep Talk)
Honestly I get it. It’s scary and it’s uncertain. The corporate job pays the bills. Kids are demanding. Life is full. And running a business is a massive leap.
But if you want this (really want it) you have to do more than just want it.
You need a plan. You need support. You need time in your diary. You need a funnel.
And you need to stop playing small.
Because (for most of us) this isn’t a hobby. It’s your future.
Ready to stop dipping your toe in and start building a business that actually pays the bills (and feeds your soul)?
Let’s chat. Book a discovery call with me. I’m here for the serious ones 💥
Alternatively, jump in to the Practitioner Success Formula®️. Everything (literally everything) you need to get going is in there and it's all online so you can fit it in around work, lunch breaks and family life.