Hello everyone, welcome to our channel. Today we'll share a story that can guide you through an important decision in life. When to start your own business? This is a crucial choice and without proper planning, it can be risky. Through this story, we'll discover what proper planning should look like when starting a new business. But that's not all. We'll also learn some new words and how to use them in sentences. It's a perfect combination to learn important life lessons and English together. So stay with us till the end for an insightful journey in a small bustling town there lived a 30-year old man named Marcus, a hardworking man full of dreams. During the day, he worked as a sales representative in a company. And at night, he transformed into a pizza slice and sandwich seller at a local food market. All this was to provide for his wife, Elina, and their two children. Marcus wanted to expand his business by introducing new menu items, but was constrained by limited time and physical and mental exhaustion. Recently he faced a major dilemma. His demanding office job was causing him tremendous stress and the thought of resigning to focus on his business started to take root. However, he feared that the income from his business might not be enough to support his family. One Sunday, using his day off, Marcus decided to take his family on a trip to the countryside to visit his elderly parents. After enjoying some warm moments, he decided to take a walk around the village and met Mr. Thomas. Mr. Thomas, a local farmer, was once an office worker, but now fully focused on his farming business, giving Marcus great hope. Marcus approached Mist Thomas and said, "Excuse me, Mr. Thomas, do you have a moment to talk?" Mr. Thomas, busy collecting fresh vegetables from his garden, welcomed Marcus warmly. Seeing Marcus's gloomy face, Mr. Thomas was curious since Marcus used to be such a cheerful young man. Marcus then shared everything with him. From his job struggles to his desire to resign and focus on his business. Understanding Marcus' concerns, Mr. Thomas began sharing insights to help him make the right decision. He said, "Marcus, there are at least seven things you must consider before leaving your job and focusing on your business. Your decision should be based on careful thought and thorough preparation. Marcus listened intently, ensuring he didn't miss anything. Mister Thomas said, "The first and most important thing is to take small steps." A common mistake new entrepreneurs make is starting big without experience. It's like flying a plane without attending pilot school. The risk of failure is very high. For example, some people build large green houses without ever growing a single plant, stock hundreds of items without selling even one, or open a restaurant with a massive investment, without testing smaller sales first. Surely, you've seen businesses in the city fail within a year, despite their grand beginnings." Marcus nodded in agreement and asked, "So, what should I do, Mr. Thomas?" Mr. Thomas replied, "For beginners, it's better to start small, like climbing stairs. Begin with a small investment to minimize risks. If you can sell one, try selling three. If you succeed with three, aim for 10, and so on. As you progress, not only will your revenue grow, but so will your experience. This first piece of advice opened Marcus's eyes. Grateful, he took a moment to absorb the lesson before Mr. Thomas continued. The second thing you need to consider is your side business income. If your side business income already covers your family's needs, it's a good sign, but still risky. Businesses often have ups and downs, unlike stable salaries. A safe threshold for resigning is when your side business income reaches twice your family's needs. He added, "This cushion will provide enough financial security during the initial transition. If you decide to resign, utilize your time to develop your business further. Open earlier, add new menu items, and ensure your income reaches a comfortable zone." Marcus eagerly nodded. Appreciating every word of wisdom. Curious, he asked for the next lesson. Mr. Thomas smiled and said, "Wait a moment, Marcus. Let me grab some coffee because the next points will be even more interesting." Third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh points. After a short break, they sat under a shady tree near the farm. Third point, an emergency savings fund is essential. You need to have savings to cover at least 6 months of expenses as a precaution in case your business doesn't yield stable profits. Ideally, savings for a year would be even safer. This fund acts as a safety net, allowing you to focus on your business without worry. Fourth point, your ability to manage the business. It's not just about having great recipes, Marcus. You also need to learn how to market effectively, set optimal hours, and more. You can learn from social media or others experiences. Ensure you're prepared and not just trying your luck. Fifth point, determination. Starting a business requires strong resolve and perseverance. You must be ready to face challenges like fierce competition, fluctuating sales and operational hurdles. Sixth point, the stability of your side business. Ensure your business has been stable for at least the last 3 months. 6 months is even better. Stability demonstrates potential sustainability as a primary income source. Resigning before achieving stability can be very risky. Seventh point, understanding the risks. Learn about your market, competition, and potential challenges. By understanding risks, you can develop strategies to minimize losses and maximize profits. Mr. Thomas asked, "So, Marcus, are you ready to resign?" Marcus paused, then answered confidently. "I'll carefully consider the seven points you've explained, Mr. Thomas. For now, I can't decide yet." Mr. Thomas smiled, pleased with Marcus's thoughtful response, knowing that he had truly absorbed the advice. That evening, Marcus thanked Mr. Thomas sincerely and promised to apply the lessons he'd learned. What we learned today today, we learned important life lessons from Marcus' story and discovered how to make better decisions when considering a major change. Also, remember, learning English can be fun when you practice regularly. So, keep listening, learning, and growing. Don't forget to like, comment, and share how this story inspired you. Thank you for watching and see you in the next story where we'll continue learning together.