Software Developer With $1.6M Net Worth Wants Out Of Corporate Life — Dave Ramsey Says, 'Do Not Quit Your Job Right Now'

2026년 2월 8일 · Unknown · financial · 출처 Yahoo Finance

Reaching financial independence does not always settle the question of what comes next.

Ryan called "The Ramsey Show" to ask whether leaving his corporate job after completing Baby Step 7, personal finance host Dave Ramsey's, debt-payoff and wealth-building plan, would bring freedom or turn into a costly mistake.

The 44-year-old software developer from Salt Lake City said he and his wife have no debt and a net worth of about $1.6 million.

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A Wide Gap Between Job And Side Hustle

Ryan said he earns close to $200,000 a year in his corporate role. His side hustle, buying and reselling abandoned storage units, brings in about $2,000 a month net and has been consistent for two years.

"Would I walk away from a $200,000 gig for a $24,000 hobby?" Ramsey asked after hearing the numbers.

Ryan said the business began as a hobby and that he buys five or six units a year in his spare time. He added that he built it from a $500 investment into steady monthly income.

Burnout And Independence

Ryan said burnout was behind the question. He pointed to corporate bureaucracy and a lack of independence rather than a difficult boss or workload.

"To automatically assume less equals happy is a not a proper framework," Ramsey said.

Co-host Ken Coleman asked what specifically was causing the burnout and kept the discussion focused on independence rather than income alone.

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Testing Without Quitting

Ryan said he plans to use a six-week sabbatical from his employer to work the business full time. He said his best month brought in $6,000 net and that more time could raise the average, with some higher months.

Coleman said the sabbatical made sense as a limited test. He cautioned against making permanent decisions too quickly. Ramsey agreed, telling Ryan, "Do not quit your job right now," and urged him to prove the idea without giving up a strong income stream.

Ramsey pointed Ryan toward alternatives that would allow him to keep using his software skills while gaining more control over his schedule, such as freelance or consulting work.

"You don't necessarily have to go down. But you got your independence and you can set your hours and do some of that stuff," he said.

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