Ask Dave on Business

Quit small business for new job?

Dear Dave,

I’ve had my own small business for a while. I love what I’m doing, but things aren’t going very well right now. On top of that, I’m committed to $14,000 in advertising over the next 12 months. Recently, I got a job offer from a company that would pay me twice what I’m making now. I’m not sure what to do. 

— Rich

Dear Rich,

It’s very important to keep your options open right now. If you completely close your business, you’ll be giving up your customers. I’m not sure I’d do that, especially when you know so little about the new job you’ve been offered.

I’d suggest trying this new job, but keep a few of your customers and see if you can do the work on weekends. This would help cover some, if not all, of your business debt and keep some money rolling in if the new job doesn’t work out.

If you find that you like this new job, then you’ve got a great income plus something you like doing on weekends that pays. And, if you keep your business open — even on a small scale — there’s always a chance it will begin to grow and give you the opportunity to jump back into it full-time again!

— Dave

Tithing on a business?

Dear Dave,

I run a small business, and I’m a Christian. Do you think businesses should tithe? 

— Beth

Dear Beth,

To the best of my knowledge, the Bible does not address the topic of businesses tithing. It does, however, address tithing by individuals.

As an evangelical Christian, I don’t give a tenth of my business gross or net until the money comes home. When that happens—meaning it’s profit that I’m going to pay taxes on, or it’s salaried income out of my business—I tithe on the profits.

So I wouldn’t tell you there’s biblical instruction to give a tenth of your business. I think the bigger question is this: Is giving ever a bad idea? I don’t think so, unless you take it to the point of being irresponsible and putting your business or family at risk.

— Dave