Explore inspiring stories of individuals who traded corporate security for the thrill of entrepreneurship and personal growth.
Beyond the Boardroom: Journeys from Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship
To understand the motivations behind leaving corporate America, we asked entrepreneurs and CEOs this question and received ten insightful answers. From entrepreneurship inspired by “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” to pandemic burnout prompting a business start, here are the top reasons these leaders shared for ditching the 9 to 5 life and starting their own ventures.
- Entrepreneurship Inspired by “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”
- Pursuing Passion for Writing and Helping Others
- Breaking Free to Maximize Creativity
- Fitness Passion Sparked Corporate Exit
- Desire to Serve Drove Career Change
- Autonomy and Innovation Fueled Departure
- Empowering Small Businesses Inspired Leap
- Vision for Better Life Led to Exit
- Calculated Rebellion Against Corporate Constraints
- Pandemic Burnout Prompted Business Start
Entrepreneurship Inspired by ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’
Corporate America never felt like the right fit for me; it was like trying to squeeze into a suit two sizes too small. My motivation to ditch the 9-to-5 life stemmed from reading “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki, which opened my eyes to the limitless possibilities of entrepreneurship.
I initially started a direct-to-home dog product service, driven by a desire to break free from the monotony and take control of my destiny. Courage came from sheer necessity—I was drowning in debt and needed a way out. That desperation turned into determination, leading me to create a book that shared my journey, which, in turn, opened doors to speaking gigs and a tribe of like-minded individuals. This experience inspired the birth of my companies, where I’ve helped entrepreneurs worldwide share their stories and scale their businesses.
Mike Fallat, Owner, DreamStarters Publishing
Pursuing Passion for Writing and Helping Others
I left corporate America because I wanted more control over my work and the freedom to pursue my passion for writing and helping others with their content needs. The rigid 9-to-5 life felt limiting, and I craved the flexibility to innovate and create without constraints.
Starting my own business was the natural next step. The courage to leave came from a mix of confidence in my skills, a strong vision for what I wanted to achieve, and the support of mentors and peers who believed in my entrepreneurial potential. The desire to make a meaningful impact was my driving force.
Bhavik Sarkhedi, CMO, Write Right
Breaking Free to Maximize Creativity
The corporate world was limiting my creative potential. Every day, there were tasks to complete, sure, but most of them were repetitive and didn’t encourage much innovation. I yearned for an environment that could maximize and appreciate my creative abilities. So, I decided to break free and pave my own path.
My main motivation was the desire to express my creativity without limitations. The 9-to-5 life is like a box that hinders my imaginative skills. I wanted to create value, not just for myself, but for others too. I wanted the liberty to explore, innovate, and make an impact.
So, I initiated a venture where my creativity could be the main driving force. This business was a platform that allowed my ideas to flourish and create worthwhile solutions for clients. This pushed me towards the path of entrepreneurship. The excitement of bringing my visions to life outweighed the fear of leaving a stable job.
Tim Hanson, Chief Creative Officer, PenFriend
Fitness Passion Sparked Corporate Exit
After more than one decade of climbing the corporate ladder of success, I came to realize that the so-called 9-to-5 life no longer filled me with passion or ambition. Despite the fact that my life was organized and stable, there was little opportunity for individualistic development. My ambition was to have a career that was linked to my passion for keeping fit and making others’ lives healthier.
The turning point was at a corporate wellness program where I saw the life-changing power of fitness. I saw colleagues changing their lives through active living, and something hit me.
Quitting the security of a corporate job was possible only through standing firm in my belief in the mission and support of a community that shared my vision. I had really planned the transition, saved a good amount to ensure financial stability, and really dug deep into learning about the sportswear industry.
Knowing that I can produce products that will help people feel more confident in order to chase their fitness targets gave me the courage to step into the unknown. My experience in corporate America brought management and strategy skills, along with resilience—all essential in building my business.
Jay Barton, CEO & Founder, ASRV
Desire to Serve Drove Career Change
The main reason why I left corporate America was a desire to serve people in my area of passion. I had always desired to be a life coach or pursue a career that gives people a reason to become better. Where I worked formerly, I did not have this opportunity, and I felt greatly unsatisfied by my 8-5 job.
Once I saved enough to sustain me outside the corporate world, I stepped out to begin my life-coaching business. What gave me the courage to leave was a strong support system from my family. They always knew what I desired to do with my life, and once I informed them of my intended move, they gave me their approval and support, and that is all I needed to hear from them.
My father went on to loan me some amount with an agreement that I would give him back once my business had stabilized. I have since done that, and I cannot be happier with my work life as I am today.
Adrienne Allaway, Founder & Life Coach, Adrienne Allaway
Autonomy and Innovation Fueled Departure
The decision to leave corporate America stemmed from a deep desire for autonomy and a passion for innovation. I remember sitting in a meeting, feeling stifled by bureaucracy and the rigid structures that often slow down progress. I realized that my true drive was to build something from the ground up, where creativity and agility were the norms rather than the exceptions.
Starting a business was indeed the next step, driven by the belief that I could make a more significant impact by bringing my own ideas to life. The courage to leave came from a combination of frustration with the status quo and a strong conviction in my vision. I saw a gap in the market that wasn’t being addressed and knew I had the skills and experience to fill it. The excitement of charting my own course and the potential to create something meaningful far outweighed the comfort of a steady paycheck. It wasn’t just about escaping the 9-to-5; it was about pursuing a purpose that felt truly fulfilling.
Rodney Steele, CEO, Dinsmore Steele
Empowering Small Businesses Inspired Leap
I left the corporate world because I craved more meaning and impact. The rigid schedules and bureaucracy stifled my vision for empowering small businesses.
After a decade climbing the corporate ladder, I realized my purpose was to help entrepreneurs access capital and scale their impact.
So I founded my company to provide streamlined funding for SMEs, especially women-owned businesses, which face disproportionate obstacles.
Though leaving my cushy job was terrifying, the vision of enabling growth and innovation gave me courage. With technology, we’ve funded over 5,000 businesses at rates and terms custom to their needs. Seeing their success stories reminds me why I took the leap.
For anyone seeking purpose, find what ignites your passion, then pursue it relentlessly. There’s more to work and life than conformity—take risks and build something that matters.
Lauryn Grayes, Founder, Wealth Gems Financial
Vision for Better Life Led to Exit
In 2017, I made a bold decision to leave corporate America, driven by a vision to create a different life for myself and others. The relentless climb up the corporate ladder felt unsustainable, prompting me to resign and launch my own company. I decided to keep the elements I enjoyed and eliminate those I didn’t.
From day one, my company has embraced a remote-workforce model, providing my team and me with the flexibility to seamlessly integrate work and life. This approach has eliminated the constant struggle to balance the two.
Taking this leap of faith was terrifying, but I was fortunate to have the unwavering support of my husband. Together, we embarked on this transformative journey, redefining what it means to work and live.
Heather Eason, Founder, President & CEO, SELECT Power Systems
Calculated Rebellion Against Corporate Constraints
My decision to leave the corporate world wasn’t a mere whim but a calculated rebellion against the suffocating confines of the 9-to-5 grind. It was a thirst for autonomy, a burning desire to transform my innovative ideas into tangible reality, and an unyielding conviction that my true potential lay beyond the gilded cage of corporate America.
The catalyst for this audacious leap was the relentless pursuit of my entrepreneurial vision. Fueled by an unwavering belief in my business idea and encouraged by the prospect of shaping my destiny, I severed the corporate shackles.
This decision was fraught with uncertainty and risk, yet the allure of unbridled creativity, limitless growth, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact far outweighed the perceived security of a traditional career path. My courage stemmed from a deep-seated conviction that the entrepreneurial journey, while arduous, would ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and impactful life.
Chris Yang, Co-founder & CEO, Coins Value
Pandemic Burnout Prompted Business Start
I’ve always been a creative person, but the pandemic left me in an office job working for someone else. I was completely burnt out. I barely had any energy left for the things I was passionate about.
Starting a business was more of an emergency-exit route out of my corporate job than a true expression of my creativity. Over time, I’ve been able to grow my business into a true creative outlet, as well as a way to support myself. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s 100% been the right decision for me.
I think a lot of people get overwhelmed by the vast opportunities you have access to through entrepreneurship and getting out of the 9-5 world. However, if you can narrow down your focus to what you love to do (not just what other people say you should do), you can create true freedom and fulfillment in your life.
Delaney Rietveld, Website Copywriter, Dark Roast Copy Co.
