Should I quit my job to pursue a career in running?

Like coaching? Or a shoe store?

Those are some great times. Congratulations. You would need some super doping to go pro.

Sure, you can be a shoe salesman in one of the local running stores. Stand around the whole day including Saturdays and have no time and energy for your training.

Or work 38 hours, presumably sitting on a chair and walk out to do your training afterwards.

I'm guessing you're trolling based on your supposed age. Do you think at 31 you're suddenly going to make it as a top tier runner?

I train with a guy who's 23 and runs 14:17, 29:28, 65:5X, 2:17, and he has a super intense job and he would never consider such a move because he understands that whilst he's good, he knows how far removed he is from any of the elite runners ... and he has 8years of progression on you...

Sure buddy, become a running influencer. You might even get a decent following since hobbyjoggers love to see a fellow non-elite struggling, helps them cope.

38 hours is not a lot. It should be manageable beside running.

The grass is always greener

If your job is trolling, yes, you're not so good at it.

I dont want this to sound rude, but 38 hours and running at a relatively high level is 100% achievable. Im speculating here, but willing to bet you have no children and no serious partner. What are you exactly doing with the other hours in a week were you couldn't put in the effort of 90-110 miles a week? Its a grind, yes, however you still maintain your financial stability.

I agree. For instance Derek Clayton had a full time job. Another example Bill Rodgers working with disabled kids. Ron Hill etc etc. All very fine runners indeed. Your PB's are silmilar to mine (from a long time ago) and I wish I had the opportunity to see how good I could've got (my career was over at 22). Unless you have a partner and kids, mortgage what have you, I can't see why you couldn't give yourself a year of hard training and keep the job. If you improve enough to rate a commitment, go for it. If not, you've lost nothing. Also, go straight to the marathon.

Did you get lost running those events?

I am serious

you should already be pro

I don't believe you. Why would anyone sponsor you, even if your 5k was one minute quicker?

38 hours sounds like a government job. Why would you give up a government pension that steals from tax payers.

Why quit your job? Aren't you already pursuing a professional running career anyway? The two questions are unrelated.

I'm guessing you have some real potential. In what I have no idea.

I'm 32 with similar performances. To get any amount of financial support in this sport, you probably need to run sub 63 and sub 2:12 at half and full marathon. Even then we're talking about a few thousand dollar stipend and gear at best. So... no its NOT worth quitting your day job :) The only way you'd make some decent money is by racing a ton... nearly every weekend and sniping less competitive races with prize money.

No.

You should double down on your job as that's where your actual income comes from. Running is just a hobby for you.