There is a dream I can’t ignore anymore. I am currently pursuing two business opportunities and investing in property. The two business opportunities are as a sales agent for automation equipment, which is self-employed. The other is as a writer/online business. I have had no sales as an agent and a few sales online. I’ve been doing the sales agent for 18 months and it feels like a drain. I don’t enjoy it, even though it was related to my previous jobs.
I enjoy the writing/online business although I have no experience, apart from as a side-hustle. Time flies when I am doing it and it is something I have a genuine talent for. I have sold a handful of my written books on Amazon, although this is without much marketing.
So, I have decided to quit the sales agent role and concentrate on the online business. I’m standing at a powerful crossroads.
If you are going through a similar dilemma, here is a reasoning methodology which helped me and might be useful to you.
Start with Clarity
First, state the facts, for example, for me:
Sales Agent Role
- I’ve given it 18 months—so I have truly tested it.
- It feels like a drain, and I don’t enjoy it.
- It hasn’t brought in any sales.
- Although it was linked to my past work, it is not my future vision.
Online Writing Business
- I enjoy it, it is my passion and passion is fuel.
- I have already sold books on Amazon—so I have some proof of potential earnings.
- I do lack experience in this space, but that’s a solvable issue, not a dead end.
Property Investment
- This is a long game.
- It is capital intensive.
- I outsource the management and so it is passive income.
Reasoning Through the Decision
After you’ve stated the facts, reason through your decision.
1. Energy Audit
Ask yourself:
- “If I had to spend 8 hours today on one of these, which would energise me—and which would drain me?”
- “Where do I light up when I talk about it?”
For me, my answer was writing/online business, that’s my inner compass talking.
2. ROI of Time and Effort
Next examine the return on the investment on your time and effort. After 18 months with no tractions in sales, this was a clear signal. I’ve already invested – significantly. Now the question is:
“Do I want to throw good energy after bad?”
The writing path might not have exploded yet—but it lights me up, and energy creates opportunity. I know deep down that if I give this the same time and effort as my Sales Agent role I will succeed.
3. The Pivot Test
Next, after reasoning through the decision, ask would you rather:
- fight to make something uninspiring work? Or,
- learn and build from something you love?
If you choose the second one, you will get better every day just by doing it. That’s growth. And growth compounds.
As I said before, I know I will grow with my writing/online business.
The Practicality Check
The decision has been made; I am quitting the Agent Role to concentrate full time on my writing. Here’s my pragmatic approach, so it’s not just a leap-of-faith.:
- Set a 90-Day Online Business Sprint
During this time, I will focus exclusively on writing and building my online platform. I will:
- Create content
- Promote my books
- Grow my list
- Learn digital marketing
- Track Metrics
To give me feedback, I will track metrics and this will enable me to adjust as required. The things I will track will include: email list growth, engagement, book sales, audience feedback. If nothing moves in 90 days and I can honestly say that I gave it my all, then I will reassess.
- Cut the Cord or Keep It Lean
I could reconsider quitting the sales agent role completely. If the sales agent role is only draining (emotionally and timewise), I could consider phasing it out. As there’s a slim chance of residual income or clients, I can automate or maintain it at the bare minimum.
Remember: This Isn’t About “Quitting”
If you are facing a similar decision, remember it’s not about quitting, it’s about reallocating your time to something with higher potential and alignment.
You’re not quitting. You’re doubling down on something that fits your future.
In my post about Knowing When To Quit , I give you a framework to help you decide whether to quit something or persevere.
🚀 Final Thought
I’ve already done the hard part—getting started.
Now it’s time to course-correct. I’m not lost, I’m learning where the gold isn’t so I can go where it is.
I’m a property investor, a writer, a sales agent—and I know how to take action. Now I will give myself permission to take aligned action.
Here’s my exact “transition plan” to go from sales agent to full online focus?
My Transition Plan: To the dream I can’t ignore
Here is my transition plan over a 90-day sprint, to give you an idea on how this all works.
🗓️ Phase 1: Clarity & Cleanup (Weeks 1–2)
🔍 Objective: Clear space, define direction, and prep for focused action.
Actions:
- ✅ Identify and wrap up (or hand off) outstanding sales agent tasks.
- ✅ Set an “exit date” from active sales—e.g., 60–90 days max.
- ✅ Review finances – What do I need monthly to cover essentials?
- ✅ Define online focus: Am I doubling down on books? Courses? Email list? Blog?
Output:
- Exit plan for sales role
- Financial runway check
- Clear offer/focus for online business
🚀 Phase 2: Build the Engine (Weeks 3–6)
🔧 Objective: Create the foundation of my online business.
Actions:
- ✅ Build (or update) my personal brand site (or author site).
- ✅ Choose 1 main platform to grow (e.g., email + Medium or YouTube).
- ✅ Create one clear lead magnet to attract an email audience.
- ✅ Write consistently (blogs, emails, or short-form posts).
- ✅ Soft-launch or re-launch my books with better positioning.
Output:
- Email list started
- Content rhythm established
- Sales/traffic starting to build
🎯 Phase 3: Go Public & Get Feedback (Weeks 7–10)
📢 Objective: Engage, connect, test, and improve.
Actions:
- ✅ Start posting consistently to grow my audience.
- ✅ Reach out to readers or buyers—ask for testimonials or feedback.
- ✅ Refine my book/product listings on Amazon.
- ✅ Explore 1 affiliate or partner opportunity for additional income.
Output:
- Audience growing
- Email replies/feedback coming in
- Small income trickling in or momentum visible
🧩 Phase 4: Replace & Release (Weeks 11–12)
🔁 Objective: Transition out of sales, step fully into your new path.
Actions:
- ✅ Formally exit sales agent role.
- ✅ Set weekly goals for content, outreach, and revenue.
- ✅ Begin planning a larger offer (e.g., coaching, paid course, or writing service).
- ✅ Reflect on my 90-day sprint—what worked, what didn’t?
Output:
- Sales role wrapped up
- Online business fully operational
- Confident roadmap for next 90 days
🧠 Remember:
- “This isn’t a risk, it’s a reallocation.”
- “Energy is a metric.” If it drains you, it’s costing you more than money.
- “Action breeds clarity.” You won’t figure it all out before you start—but starting is how you figure it out.
Are you in a similar spot and want to explore this together? I’ve got a couple of spaces for a 1:1 coaching conversation this month — drop me a message if that feels like your next step.