Richard Branson: Why Every Budding Entrepreneur Needs a Full-Time Job First The serial entrepreneur thinks it's important to use your full-time job as a launching pad for entrepreneurship.

By Rose Leadem

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Prometheus72 | Shutterstock
Richard Branson

Being and becoming an entrepreneur is no easy task. And for many, leaving a 9-to-5 job to pursue entrepreneurship full time isn't an option. A job provides stability and steady cash flow -- without these things, most of us can't support ourselves.

And it also, according to Richard Branson, provides resources for aspiring entrepreneurs to launch their startup career.

Related: 21 Success Tips for Young and Aspiring Entrepreneurs

"There are many advantages in working a job you like, while still planning to leave one day and run your own company," the founder of Virgin Group recently wrote on the company's blog. On top of a sense of stability and financial support that steady employment brings, "it will also enable you to make important contacts that could be valuable later."

Although that doesn't mean you should be working just any job that pays the bills. To set yourself up for success as an entrepreneur later in life, according to Branson, you should be in a role and at a company that will benefit you in the future. Where you spend 40 hours of your week should be a place you can grow, learn, expand your network and pick up valuable skills. "Make sure you choose the right employer in an industry that interests you and where the work culture offers freedom and responsibility," he writes.

Related: Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Before You Quit Your Job, Do These 4 Things

Yet, finding the right industry and career path is hard. If you're not sure where to start, "Ask yourself: Is it based in the industry you'd eventually like to enter? Will your role enable you to challenge yourself? Will your job offer you the freedom and responsibility you need to avoid being frustrated? That last bit is very important. Working for someone else can act as a launch pad for greater things, but choosing the wrong employer can stifle you," advises Branson.

When it comes to entrepreneurship, Branson's a pretty viable source, and so is his company. Virgin Group loves hiring aspiring entrepreneurs, even if it means they'll lose them down the line. "We've lost plenty of talented people from across the Virgin Group to the draw of entrepreneurship -- and I've always supported them in taking the plunge."

Related: 5 Ways to Go From a Full-Time Job to a Full-Time Startup

"We try to empower people to feel like they're their own bosses," he says, adding, "This strategy encourages employees to think more entrepreneurially and prevents teams from becoming stagnant. After all, entrepreneurs are problem-solvers, and who wouldn't want a team full of problem-solvers?"

Wavy Line
Rose Leadem is a freelance writer for Entrepreneur.com. 

Editor's Pick

She's Been Coding Since Age 7 and Presented Her Life-Saving App to Tim Cook Last Year. Now 17, She's on Track to Solve Even Bigger Problems.
Lock
I Helped Grow 4 Unicorns Over 10 Years That Generated $18 Billion in Online Revenues. Here's What I've Learned.
Lock
Want to Break Bad Habits and Supercharge Your Business? Use This Technique.
Lock
Don't Have Any Clients But Need Customer Testimonials? Follow These 3 Tricks To Boost Your Rep.
Why Are Some Wines More Expensive Than Others? A Top Winemaker Gives a Full-Bodied Explanation.

Related Topics

Devices

Take Your Social Media Earning Potential Sky-High With This $79.97 Quadcopter

Get this beginner-friendly drone for a great price for Father's Day.

Health & Wellness

Sleep Better, Snore Less, and Stay Cool with This Tech-Packed Pillow, Now $49.99

Let technology help you sleep better with this 8-in-1 cooling pillow.

Growing a Business

Subscribers Exclusive Event: Discover How These 2 Founders Turned Their Side Hustle into a Million-Dollar Lifestyle Brand

Learn how you can transform your personal brand into a thriving business empire with co-founders of The Skinny Confidential

Leadership

How do You Turn Employees Into Problem-Solvers? Follow This 3-Step Leadership Formula.

As leaders, we need to solve company problems effectively. We often have the urge to fix everything quickly, but is this system of problem-solving really sustainable?

Business Plans

How to Change Careers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Want to make a career change without compromising your finances or future? Check out this step-by-step guide on how to change careers to learn more.

Business News

Oscar Mayer Is Changing the Name of Its Iconic Wienermobile

The company is slamming the brakes on its wiener on wheels and rolling out a new meaty ride.