Quitting Finance for Instagram?

I built a fitness instagram page and started selling coaching. Its been successful and has produced 40k in revenue my best month, but lowest about 10k other months. I pay my DM setter 10% commission and thats pretty much my only expense.


This is whilst half assing my content creation and my physique training, and doing my fp&a job at the same time. Makes about 180k all in pretax.


I want to quit my job and do this full time, but want to plan for the unlikely event that my page just evaporates or gets banned. I’m assuming that an absolute plan C is that if I am left businessless/jobless, I can just go to business school and start back on the corporate path. I went to a top 10 university with a 3.7 gpa in finance.


My only worry is that my resume is already spotty enough. I didnt complete my banking program and left for corporate very early, and I havent learned anything at this fp&a job.


obviously plan C will not involve going to Goldman or anything but will this even work? Or will I be destined to some 80k accounting job as a failed influencer for the rest of my life in this scenario?


 

12 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, your situation is not uncommon, and there are actionable steps to mitigate the risks of transitioning from finance to full-time entrepreneurship while safeguarding your future career prospects.

  1. Evaluate the Sustainability of Your Instagram Business:

    • Generating $40k in your best month and $10k in your lowest is impressive, especially with minimal expenses. However, social media platforms can be volatile. Diversify your revenue streams (e.g., creating a fitness app, launching a subscription model, or offering digital products like e-books or courses) to reduce dependency on Instagram alone.
  2. Plan for the Worst-Case Scenario:

    • Your idea of using business school as a fallback is solid. With a 3.7 GPA from a top 10 university, you have a strong academic foundation. Business schools value entrepreneurial experience, and your success in building a profitable business could make you an attractive candidate.
    • To strengthen your resume for a potential return to corporate, document the skills you’re developing through your business (e.g., marketing, sales, client management, and financial planning). These are transferable and can be framed as valuable experience.
  3. Address Resume Concerns:

    • While your resume may appear "spotty," the entrepreneurial narrative can work in your favor. Highlight the initiative, risk-taking, and leadership involved in building a business. If you decide to return to corporate, focus on roles that value entrepreneurial experience, such as strategy, business development, or even corporate finance.
  4. Mitigate the Risk of Being "Businessless/Jobless":

    • Build a financial cushion before quitting your FP&A job. Aim for at least 6-12 months of living expenses saved.
    • Consider part-time consulting or freelance work in finance to maintain a professional network and keep your skills sharp while focusing on your business.
  5. Alternative Career Paths:

    • If your business doesn’t work out, you’re not necessarily destined for an $80k accounting job. Many professionals successfully pivot into roles in corporate finance, tech, or even startups, leveraging their entrepreneurial experience. Additionally, pursuing certifications like the CFA or an MBA can open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
  6. Final Thoughts:

    • Quitting your job to pursue your passion is a bold move, but it’s not irreversible. By planning for contingencies, diversifying your income streams, and framing your entrepreneurial journey as a strength, you can safeguard your future career prospects. Remember, many successful professionals have taken unconventional paths, and your story could be a compelling one for future employers or business schools.

If you’re still unsure, consider testing the waters by dedicating more time to your Instagram business while keeping your FP&A job for a few more months. This will give you a clearer picture of its long-term potential.

Sources: 3.9 GPA from an Ivy League school in a useless major. What are my options?, I feel like a Failure, From weighing 280 pounds and a 2.5 GPA at a Non-Target, to 200 pounds and an Interview with McKinsey, Advice from an ex-IB MD - The Importance Of Failure, From weighing 280 pounds and a 2.5 GPA at a Non-Target, to 200 pounds and an Interview with McKinsey

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

At minimum this is a volatile career... and personally I think it's really a lot of luck who blows up/gets successful in these things. Can you get a low-key or remote job (or both) and prioritize this a bit but still not bomb your resume?

I think it would be hard to get back in even with b-school. This type of thing has very little value to any finance job (except maybe something in sales) and especially if you have a pattern of a spotty resume, people might question how committed you are

 
Most Helpful

Do it. There are people doing this shit clearing $X00,000-X,000,000+.

You don't even need as much of an audience as most people would assume.

Honestly these days, I'm very bullish social media, personal branding and entrepreneurship attached to it. In a world of AI that will probably start doing/creating everything for us, distribution of products (rather than creation of products) is what's going to matter. That means having targeted audiences becomes very important.

Take the risk, I've seen it work out very well for people i know personally, and these people arent rocket scientists or extremely lucky, they just put in the work.

 

OP I know it's late, but this is the wrong forum to ask. People here are finance heavy, and would suggest to go with the job 99% of the time, and so will the entrepreneur forum tell you to go with the influencing. Asking for advice from strangers online for your future, is the last step. Seek guidance from your friends, professors, or your mentor, if any. Connect with other fitness influencers who have a larger following than you, and understand how this works at a bigger level. 

 

A friend of mine creates AI photos of girls and rakes in 20K / month. He is degree qualified, worked in large corporations and now only does social media (mostly tiktok and IG). He outsourced some work to the Philippines and might even create a customer hotline in Poland. Took a few years to get off the ground, but he quit his day job and never looked back.

IMO, do it. and yeah, can you share the nutrition/workout plans for your finance bro's? tnx.

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