- Amy Zhang has faced five essential challenges since she left her corporate job to start a business.
- Zhang says navigating the current economy and finding the right customers were among the obstacles.
- Zhang says entrepreneurship involves making mistakes, but she has redefined her idea of success.
This essay as stated is based on a conversation with Amy Zhanga 31-year-old founder based in New York City. It has been edited for length and clarity.
I spent eight months “quietly quitting” my corporate job, which started in June 2022. Then I started a company focused on growing small businesses. I have developed an appreciation for all the ways people can become successful.
But my learning has not come without problems. These are the five biggest struggles I’ve experienced since leaving and starting my own business, and what you should keep in mind if you’re considering it.
1. You must be able to work alone for days on end
Going from working with a team to being completely independent has been isolating. Socializing that was once guaranteed is now a chore that falls entirely on me and sometimes I don’t leave the house for days at a time.
Being an entrepreneur requires hustle and struggle, which makes it hard for me to put down my computer and stop working.
I make sure I 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 that I was the only one to blame for poor decision making. The pressure to make no mistakes bothered me at first, so I’ve learned to forgive myself.
One of the biggest mistakes I made was figuring out which technology tools and systems to spend money on and when to make the purchase. I bought based on referrals and quickly learned that buying technology solutions too quickly and only based on recommendations can be a waste of money.
I also made the mistake of subscribing to annual contracts for discounts. In hindsight, I realize that the flexibility to cancel month-to-month contracts would have been more financially responsible.
Despite these mistakes, I know that being patient with yourself is important to not burning out and giving up.
3. The economy is different now than it was five years ago
I have noticed that those who started their business five years ago relied heavily on networking and word of mouth to launch their companies.
In my experience, I now feel like potential clients need more convincing, touchpoints and trust to go into business with someone. I have been able to show my commitment through time spent, being active and responsible, and through action – putting my money where my mouth is.
4. Customers may 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 were reluctant to work with me because they wanted full ownership of my time.
Don’t get me wrong – the clients I work with now are amazing and totally understand. They like having the flexibility and quality of work at a fraction of the cost of full-time employment.
There’s just something about having complete control over an employee that I think some businesses still grasp.
5. Others will try to rank you by title
There is a social bubble – especially in the corporate world – that defines success with titles, promotions and company prestige.
Even in social circles at events and parties, when introduced to someone, the default second question after asking my name was, “So, what do you do for a living?” This question felt like a way to rank myself among my peers.
Since I left and started my own business, I’ve realized that there isn’t just one way to be successful, happy or make money.
If you have left your corporate job and would like to share your story, please email Tess Martinelli at tmartinelli@businessinsider.com.