5 biggest struggles I've faced since quiet quitting corporate and starting my own business

Tech Insider : Business, Economy, Technology
Amy Zhang
Amy Zhang says she's learning to have patience with herself on her entrepreneurial journey.

Kristin Litzenberg

I founded a bike company and have built my net worth to $30 million. Leaving too much money to my sons would make their lives less rich.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
Ryan McFarland and his family posing for photo
Ryan McFarland founded Strider Bikes when his oldest son was 2.

Courtesy of Ryan McFarland

As a personal trainer in my 20s, I ate as little as possible and over-exercised to stay lean. At 34, I'm fitter, healthier, and stronger — but much less strict.

Tech Insider : Business
Sohee Carpenter sitting on a block.
Sohee Carpenter is a personal trainer based in California.

Bradley Wentzel

I uprooted my life and moved across the world to teach at a Japanese high school. These are the 3 things I learned, and why I'd do it again.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Style
A composite image of Nic Lim's desk drawer as an assistant language teacher (ALT), and Lim in the classroom.
Nic Lim left his life in New Zealand to become an ALT, or Assistant Language Teacher, in Japan. He loved the country so much that he wrote a book about it.

Nic Lim

I'm a C-suite executive and breadwinning mom. I feel pressure to be exceptional and always worry I'm letting someone down.

Tech Insider : Business
a family of four takes a photo in a backyard
Solar-March and her family.

Courtesy of Michaella Solar-March

I send money back home to my relatives abroad. I've lacked disposable income and struggled to save — saying no can be tough.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Photo collage featuring Aissatou Guisse, a hand holding an empty wallet, and a close up shot of clasped hands
Guisse once turned down a request for a $2,500 loan from a relative.

Photo courtesy of Aissatou Guisse; Getty Images; Alyssa Powell/BI

I've worked in San Francisco, Chicago, and Silicon Valley. Only one has the best mix for career, family, and socializing.

Tech Insider : Business
Mike Manalac takes a selfie with his wife and son at Google's Chicago office with the Chicago skyline in the background
Manalan with his wife and son on the rooftop of Google's Chicago office in June 2024.

Mike Manalac

I started a business where I got paid to play 'Dungeons & Dragons' with people. 3 years later, we run 180 games a month at our main studio, and I'm living the nerdworld dream.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
An image of professional dungeon master Farez Najid.
Farez Najid is a professional "D&D" dungeon master who first entered the business after being inspired by Critical Role.

Cheryl Teh

I'm a mom of 5 and a CEO. My financial success means I can be more present with my kids and support other creatives.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment, Sports
Maya Smith with her products
Maya Smith founded the brand The Doux with her husband.

Courtesy of Maya Smith

I had a baby a month before turning 50. I'll be nearly 70 when he graduates high school, but we live in the moment.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
A mom in hospital with her newborn
Amy Speace gave birth to her son at the age of 50

Jamey Wood

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