According to a recent survey, 62% of adults in the United States would prefer to be their own boss. If you’re among them but feel uncertain or scared about where to start, you’re not alone.

A lot of new founders feel pressure to go all in. But not everyone can afford to leap before they’ve built a net. There’s nothing wrong with starting small and being strategic.

That’s exactly what Natasha Cox told Forbes when asked to give advice to aspiring entrepreneurs:

Build A Solid Foundation On The Back Of Your Day Job

Treat your day job as your first investor—it funds your living expenses while you lay the groundwork for your venture. By building a solid foundation first, you’ll be able to confidently transition to full-time entrepreneurship when the time is right — Natasha Cox, CEO & Owner of Avani Services