The Ramsey Show Highlights Leave My $200,000 Job for a Side Hustle
Jan 10, 2026
A caller grapples with the choice of quitting a $200k job for a side hustle making $2,000 a month. The hosts advise caution, suggesting a sabbatical to explore the side business's potential. They delve into the caller's burnout, attributing it to corporate issues rather than the workload. The discussion highlights the difference between wanting freedom and actual business passion, encouraging a measured transition. Overall, it's a balancing act between financial security and pursuing independence.
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From $500 To A $2k/Month Locker Hustle
- The caller makes about $200,000 as a software developer and nets $2,000/month from buying and selling storage lockers.
- He has run this side hustle for two years, buying five or six lockers annually as a spare-time project.
Hobby Income Isn’t Equivalent To Salary
- Replacing a high-earning corporate role requires a side business that's scalable and sizeable.
- A small, steady $2,000/month hobby won't substitute a $200,000 salary without major scaling.
Save Big Before You Leave
- Do not quit a stable high-paying job until your side income and savings clearly support the transition.
- Dave Ramsey recommends 6–12 months of your full salary saved in the side-hustle account before leaving.