She left her job in the government in May to focus exclusively on her small business. This plan was based on financial advice I derived from a variety of reputable sources, including the Forbes Expert Panel and Harvard Business Review. About three months into my plan, I was working 15 to 20 hours a week on my business while also juggling a 40-hour workweek. I was nervous, as we'd spent so much time putting together the financial plan to take my business full-time. Focusing on my business full-time allowed me to better assess the market, illuminating needs my original business plan didn't address.

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