5 biggest struggles I've faced since quiet quitting corporate and starting my own business
Kristin Litzenberg
- Amy Zhang has faced five core struggles since quiet quitting her corporate job to start a business.
- Zhang says navigating the current economy and finding the right clients were among the roadblocks.
- Zhang says entrepreneurship involves making mistakes, but it has redefined her idea of success.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Amy Zhang, a 31-year-old founder based in New York City. It's been edited for length and clarity.
I spent eight months "quiet quitting" my corporate job, which started in June 2022. I then launched a company focused on growing small businesses. I've developed an appreciation for all the ways people can become successful.
But my learning hasn't come without issues. These are the five biggest struggles I've experienced since actually quitting and starting my own business, and what to keep in mind if you're considering it.
1. You have to be able to work alone for days on end
The transition from working with a team to being completely independent has been isolating. The socialization that used to be guaranteed is now a task that falls completely on me, and sometimes I don't leave my house for days.
Being an entrepreneur requires hustle and struggle, which makes it tough for me to put my computer down and stop working.
I make sure to maintain my routine at my gym, where I have a group of people I talk to. I also try to say "yes" to invitations from friends even if it's easier to say no and keep working.
2. You must be prepared for stress, mistakes, and ambiguity
When I started my venture, I realized I was the only one to blame for poor decision-making. The pressure to not make any mistakes plagued me in the beginning, so I've been learning to forgive myself.
One of the biggest mistakes I made was figuring out what tools and technology systems to spend money on and when to make the purchase. I purchased based on referrals and quickly learned that buying tech solutions too soon and solely based on recommendations can be a waste of money.
I also made the mistake of subscribing to annual contracts for discounts. Looking back, I realize the flexibility to cancel month-to-month contracts would've been more financially responsible.
Despite these mistakes, I know that having patience with myself is important for not burning out and giving up.
3. The economy is different now than five years ago
I've noticed that those who started their business five years ago relied heavily on networks and word of mouth to jump-start their companies.
In my experience, right now, I feel like prospective clients need more convincing, touchpoints, and trust to go into business with someone. I've been able to show my commitment through time spent, being active and responsive, and through action — putting my money where my mouth is.
4. Clients might want more time
I thought working as a consultant would benefit companies — it's cheaper for them to hire me with part-time pay, the ability to cancel at any time, and no health insurance. However, many businesses hesitated to work with me because they wanted full ownership of my time.
Don't get me wrong — the clients I work with now are awesome and completely get it. They like having the flexibility and quality of work at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire.
There's just something about having full control over an employee that I think some businesses still latch onto.
5. Others will try to rank you by title
There's a social bubble — especially in the corporate world — that defines success by titles, promotions, and company prestige.
Even in social circles at events and parties, when I was introduced to someone, the default second question after asking my name was, "So what do you do for a living?" That question used to feel like a way to rank myself among my peers.
Since quitting and starting my own business, I've realized there isn't just one way to be successful, happy, or make money.
If you've "quiet quit" your corporate job and would like to share your story, please email Tess Martinelli at tmartinelli@businessinsider.com.
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