Several people I had a beer with at a4uexpo got around to asking me the questions of ‘why aren’t you…’ or ‘when are you…’ leaving the current day job.

I was totally frank with these people, many I’d met for the first time and gave them honest insights into my life.

My business is currently performing to a high standard and it’s all the more impressive for me, seeing as my site updates have been very restricted lately with holidays, attending a4uexpo and latterly no phone line at home.

Then taking into account the previous 12 months, the question has to be asked – and is being asked of me every week, “When are you leaving to run your sites full time?” This is not just from people in the affiliate industry but my colleagues around me who keep up to date with my developments.

John Lamerton has wrote some excellent posts on the pros and cons of affiliate marketing and why he took the plunge and gave up the day job.

I’m in a job that pays a healthier salary than he was earning 6 years ago but I have considered his steps, including working at the day job part-time.

Could I live off my own business profits? Yes, based on the past years performance but I have some financial commitments too.

There’s also the benefits that working in my current job bring. I currently get 7 weeks off a year in paid leave, having been there for over 10 years service.

My monthly phone bill, which can be a substantial payment for others, is a few pence per month.

And as well as the nice salary there’s bi-annual bonuses – which have helped pay for 2 of my holidays this year.

I am also surrounded by very talented and friendly people who I can bounce ideas off and get support from. In another post John says:

“Affiliate Marketing is lonely. There’s no doubt about it, AM can be one of the loneliest jobs going – Sitting at home in front of a computer all day with no “real” people to speak to is no life for anyone. Prior to 2005, I had been known to go a whole week without leaving the house, or talking to anyone apart from on Messenger!”

That is a fear I have and it’s an issue that is just as important than the level of revenues made.

Going back to the perks of my current job, there is one other benefit that could make my transition from part-time affiliate to full-time, so much more easier.

As I’ve done the time I’m allowed to take between 3 to 9 months unpaid sabbatical. There are lots of terms attached but the crux of the matter is that I could be in a no lose situation.

For example, I could decide to take 3 months off work and then crack on with my websites at home, as I would if my life now depended on it.

I would lose those 3 months salary but my business account has the savings to help me there. If at the end of the period it was clear I wasn’t making enough money or I decided that I was too lonely, I could return to work to my existing role.

If I were to run my business full-time then on paper I should be working 3 to 4 times more than I currently do. Would my revenue have to increase by 4 times to be measured as a success?

Well not really but I know the daily and monthly targets I’d like to achieve.

There are restrictions in taking a sabbatical. For starters a line manager and a VP of the company need to approve. However, if you were planning on leaving the company anyway then this step may be just a formality.

You also can’t use the time to compete against the company but this is as currently. I’ve already made sure that I don’t have any conflict of interests.

You also have to request for the sabbatical 6 months in advance. This seems a long way off but it makes sense if the company have to replace you or your position.

If I were to take this option it would be approximately 9 months away anyway, allowing me to build on my 5 point plan. If I say a Facebook application is 6th on my list, then Sabbatical is certainly there at number 7.

For those in affiliate marketing you may be seeing more of me in late 2008.