Should I quit my job and follow my passion or stick to job and improve my performance

[clatoden99]

My wedding is six months away and my manager just extended my probation saying I have not performed well and got an offer to teach one more subject (teaching is my passion and teach during weekends) my friends started a start up. (Actually, it was a friend of mine who asked me this question)

[GrimJack]

since your wedding is 6 months away - you know that you have to discuss this with your fiance.

Your current boss, instead of letting you go during your probation, is giving you more of a chance. Have you had a sit-down with her/him and get what you need to stay with the company. If you are hesitant to stay where you are, where do you want to go? Is the weekend teaching different to your job? What is your friend's startup? This might be one of those 'a trail in the woods splits into 2 paths' - more information might be helpful.

[amastewa93]

Definitely talk it over with your fiancé (whether you choose to stay at the job or not). My fiancé and I have always supported one another 100% and, if we did not totally agree or thought there was a better way of doing things, we let the other person know.

[97guns]

Start ups can be boom or bust, in a few years you can be looking for a job or retired on the beach

[rennigade]

If your manager extended your probation thats not a good sign. Whether you leave the current job or not...you will want to start planning your exit strategy. Easier to look for a new job when you already have one.

Most people know these probation periods as PIP (performance improvement plans.) Employers will start one of these "plans" to protect themselves in the event they want to get rid of you. Helps against lawsuits.

Seriously dude...either join the startup or start applying for other jobs.

[tonyb3]

Follow your passion and hold on to your dreams, keep your steady income until you have a solid plan and path to your goal of teaching.

Be careful with start up companies, regardless of your relationship to its owner, working with/for friends can be hazardous within itself, let alone an unproven businessperson.

Look at *ALL* the options and avenues in the teaching field, have as many choices as your can, find the best one for you.

....and if you keep your income, all is good with your wedding plans.

[LittleLamplight]

Look for a job while you have one.

[Leo]

First, talk to your fiancee.

Then follow this logical condition,

If you are not in a good position financially, I would put myself in a good position financially first then follow my passion. ex. pay all debts first and build 6 months emergency fund

If your passion will change your lifestyle, I would put myself in that lifestyle first then follow my passion. ex. if my current job pays me 100k but i hate it, and my passion will only pay me 50k, I would try to leave in 50k income first before switching job.

My advice is to follow your passion. But you have to be prepared.

Follow your passion, and success will chase you. Not the other way around.

[DoreneHanson]

Try explaining your manager your situation and then talk with your fiance, I am sure he will understand.

[sv2007]

My wedding is six months away and my manager just extended my probation saying I have not performed well and got an offer to teach one more subject (teaching is my passion and teach during weekends) my friends started a start up. (Actually, it was a friend of mine who asked me this question)

Who's funding the startup? Top tier venture cap?
If not, don't join; it'll most likely waste your time.

The thing about startups is that you are taking a lot of risks (lack of job and benefits security esp when economy goes south, long working hours, extra stress too because your products are so much more important to the company's well being) for extra rewards (IPO, acquisition). A non top-tier venture cap funded startup very likely will not go anywhere. After the first round, there may not be a second round even if you meet all goals because the VC can't find others to join in the fun. A million shares times $0 is $0.

Does the teaching job pay well enough? Well engouh is defined by your living standards. How about advancements? (Community college teaching pays very little and has no advancements, but it is a lot of fun. So it can never replace a real job.)

Look for a new job right now. Your time at that company is done. What field? The job market for tech is very good right now. All the companies I know are having the hardest time hiring. Everybody seems to be sucked into Google these days. But, Intel just announced layoff and Apple earnings disappoint; I wonder if we are at the height and declining. If so, then look for a new job quicker.

Good luck.