By Vicky Sidler | Published 25 December 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2

Merry Christmas.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably hiding from something. A conversation. A kitchen full of noise. A relative who wants to know if you’re “still doing that same job.”

Or maybe you’ve found five quiet minutes while everyone else is distracted by dessert. Either way, welcome. This feels like the right day to share a small book update and a bigger thought that keeps coming back to me every December.

Because Christmas has a strange habit of making people honest. Especially with themselves.

TL;DR:

• Christmas has a way of exposing the cracks in “job security”

• Many people start businesses after holiday dinners

• It’s not about boldness, it’s about being tired of playing safe

👉 Want a business you’ll actually enjoy running? Try the 10‑Minute Business Idea Validator

Table of Contents:

Why Christmas is a Wake-Up Call:

You don’t expect life decisions to happen while refilling someone’s gravy. But that’s when they come. When things get quiet. When work is paused. When you finally have enough brain space to think about your actual life.

For many, Christmas is the only time all year they get distance from their routine. And in that gap, uncomfortable truths show up with the fruitcake.

Like how your job says "secure" but doesn't feel that way. How your boss takes credit. How you're always tired. How the career path you picked at 22 now fits like a scratchy sweater from a distant aunt.

Suddenly, starting a business isn’t a bold leap. It’s a reasonable response.

Many Don’t Start Businesses Because They’re Brave:

They start because they’ve had enough.

Many business owners I know didn’t grow up wanting to be entrepreneurs. They wanted stable jobs, decent pay, and the ability to leave work at work. But they got burnt. Restructured. Overlooked. Made redundant for the third time while still being congratulated for their “work ethic.”

Eventually, the risk of starting something becomes smaller than the risk of staying stuck.

And so they make a quiet decision. Not with fireworks. Not with a LinkedIn announcement.

Just a private thought: Next year, I’ll do it differently.

When Exhaustion Becomes a Business Plan:

The holidays give you just enough pause to reflect. And sometimes, that reflection is enough to light the match.

You’re not crazy if you’re thinking about quitting. You’re not impulsive. You’re responding to years of evidence. Years of trusting companies to treat you well. Years of doing your part and getting less in return.

That tension—the gap between what you wanted and what you got—is fertile ground for something better. And you don’t need to be a natural risk-taker to walk that path.

You just need to be willing to stop waiting for someone else to fix it.

What I’m Working On (And Why You Might Want It):

My new book for risk-averse entrepreneurs is almost ready. It’s for the cautious ones. The planners. The spreadsheet-makers. The people who’ve seen how fragile traditional jobs really are and want to build a life that feels safe because it’s theirs.

Inside, I share how to:

• Use your existing skills to find a business idea

• Build safety into your finances before you quit

• Grow slowly without crashing your health

• Design your business around the life you actually want

This isn’t a book about becoming the next big thing. It’s about finally having control over your time, money, and decisions.

Sound good? Early chapters are nearly ready. You can join the waitlist here if you’d like to read them for free (just complete the quiz, and you’ll be added to the list).

For the Moment You’re In:

You don’t have to have a plan yet. You don’t need a name or a website or a logo. But if the thought has started—if you’re wondering whether it’s time—you’re allowed to follow that curiosity.

You are not too late. You are not too cautious. You are not too small.

Sometimes the best life changes don’t start with a big moment. They start with a small whisper. A quiet realization over potatoes. A gentle “What if” that won’t go away.

When you’re ready to take the first step, make it a clear one.

Take my 10-Minute Business Idea Validator. It’s a simple tool that helps you spot the business idea hiding in your current skills. No pressure. Just a starting point that makes sense.

Because once you see what’s possible, it’s easier to decide what’s next.

👉 Access it free here.

Related Articles:

1. I'm Writing a Book for Risk-Averse Entrepreneurs Like Me

If the Christmas moment made you question job security, this is the backstory behind the book mentioned in the article. It shows how safety and entrepreneurship can actually go together.

2. Risk-Averse Business Book Update: Why I'm Taking My Time

Feeling overwhelmed by “move fast” advice? This update explains why slow, intentional business building is a valid (and smarter) path for many new founders.

3. New Marketing Book By Sara Nay Helps Small Businesses Escape Broken Models

If you’re starting a business because the corporate world no longer makes sense, this resource helps you avoid building a business that burns you out the same way.

4. Ideal Client Profile: The Marketing Shortcut Small Businesses Miss

Once you've used the 10-Minute Business Idea Validator, this is your next move. It helps you figure out exactly who your business should be targeting from day one.

5. How to Find Your Unique Selling Proposition Fast

Now that you’ve got a business idea, this article helps you stand out. It shows you how to clearly explain why someone should choose you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Business

1. Why do people reconsider their careers during the holidays?

Because Christmas is one of the only times we step back and notice what’s not working. With the routine paused, it’s easier to reflect on what we actually want.

2. Does wanting more control mean I have to quit my job right now?

No. That’s one of the biggest myths. You can explore options slowly and safely. The 10-Minute Business Idea Validator is a great place to start.

3. What if I don’t have a business idea yet?

You might have one without realising it. The Business Idea Validator helps you spot what’s already in your skillset that could become a real business.

4. Is it bad to want security and to be self-employed?

Not at all. In fact, that’s the whole point of the upcoming book Failure-Proof Business. You can build something that feels secure without relying on one employer.

5. I hate selling. Should I still start a business?

Yes. Selling doesn’t have to feel gross or aggressive. With the right message and offer, clients will understand the value without you needing to push.

6. What’s the biggest mistake new founders make after deciding to start?

Rushing in without getting clear on who they serve or what makes them different. Start slow. Begin with clarity. The Validator helps.

7. How do I explain this idea to my family without sounding impulsive?

Tell them you’re exploring options that align better with your skills and long-term goals. Saying it out loud often brings clarity—and sometimes unexpected support.

8. What’s the first marketing step if I do go ahead?

Get clear on your one-liner. It’s the sentence that helps others instantly understand what you do. That will guide everything else, from your website to your pitch.