Is Quitting 9 To 5 And Starting Your Own Business Worth It?

How many times have you found yourself dreaming about breaking free from the traditional 9 to 5 and venturing into starting your own business in Malaysia, especially when social media says every second person is already doing that? Let’s be honest, it does sound enticing- flexible hours, financial freedom- and all this while being your own boss! 

Furthermore, with the Malaysian government rolling out initiatives to support small and medium enterprises, including grants, microloans and tax incentives, has made it more feasible than ever to start a business. However, before leaving the security of a stable job and taking this leap of faith, it is important to truly understand if the switch is worth it.

The appeal of entrepreneurship in Malaysia

The entrepreneurial landscape in Malaysia is thriving with business registrations rising by 17.3%, as reported by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) in 2023 alone. 

Beyond freedom and flexibility, another major factor that draws Malaysians towards entrepreneurship is the scope to earn more money wIth many Malaysians generally earning lower salaries. Many also take this route to pursue their passions, turning personal interests into profitable ventures rather than staying stuck in unfulfilling jobs. 

Furthermore, government programs like SME Corporation Malaysia grants and the Bumiputera Enterprise Enhancement Programme (BEEP) equip aspiring entrepreneurs with resources to succeed. 

Factors to consider before quitting 9 to 5 jobs

While the benefits of starting your own business in Malaysia are attractive, it is pertinent to understand the challenges and risks. Over 60% of Malaysian startups fail within their first three years owing to various reasons, such as financial uncertainty, high initial costs including rent, salaries, marketing and inventory. 

Additionally, many entrepreneurs face work-life balance and end up working even longer hours than their 9 to 5 jobs. Plus, navigating compliance and regulatory requirements to obtain necessary permits and licenses can be complex and overwhelming, especially for first-time entrepreneurs.

Keeping these factors in mind, it is important to have a solid financial plan in place before you actually quit your job. If possible, it is highly recommended to test your business idea as a side hustle first to gauge the real potential and to minimise risk. Lastly, practice financial discipline by keeping personal and business expenses separate, helping you manage cash flow effectively and avoid unnecessary strain.

Businesses worth considering in Malaysia right now

Once you’ve considered these factors and made up your mind, the next thing you need to understand is the market. What are some of the industries that are booming right now? Malaysia’s business landscape is experiencing rapid growth in several key industries, driven by digitalisation, consumer demand, and government support. Here are some of the sectors thriving right now that might be worth exploring:

• eCommerce

Online shopping is at an all-time high in Malaysia, with the country’s eCommerce market size estimated at USD 12.26 billion in 2025, and expected to cross USD 23.93 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 14.32% during the forecast period (2025-2030). Digitalisation has enabled SMEs to expand their reach through unified payment solutions and online merchant platforms. So, this is one booming sector to explore if you’re planning on trying your hand at starting your own business in Malaysia.

• F&B industry

Malaysia’s love for food has driven growth in cloud kitchens and home-based F&B businesses. Digital platforms and partnerships with delivery services like SmartBite, GrabFood and Foodpanda have allowed businesses to scale rapidly. The F&B sector is also benefiting from integrated payment solutions and social media-driven sales, enabling even small vendors to reach a wider audience.

• Freelancing and digital services

The gig economy is booming, with increasing demand for digital services such as content creation, graphic design, and social media marketing. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr have seen a rise in Malaysian freelancers catering to both local and international clients. The rise of remote work and the need for digital branding have further fuelled this sector’s expansion.

• Tech startups

As of April 2025, there are  over 20,300 startups in Malaysia, with over 2100 funded companies having collectively raised $18.9 billion in VC money and private equity. Overall 99 of these are Series A+ funded and 8 are Series C+ funded. Malaysia is home to two unicorn startups and the country is making strides across different text sectors including fintech, AI, blockchain and healthtech to name a few.

Should you make the jump?

There is no simple answer to this question as this decision could make or break your life. If you have the financial tolerance, a safety net, a solid business plan, an investment game plan and drive to work hard, you can consider entrepreneurship.

But remember, it is not necessarily the easier path where quick money comes falling from the skies the day you resign. So before you type up that resignation letter, weigh the risks and rewards very carefully—your future business success depends on it!

Read more: Creating A Business Plan For Your Startup