Apple Employee Juggled 13-Hour Days to Launch Startup Before Quitting
Julie Zhu balanced her full-time role at Apple with building her startup for eight months. She worked long hours to get her company off the ground. She explains why she chose to wait before committing fully to the venture.
Julie Zhu spent eight months maintaining her position at Apple while simultaneously developing her own business venture. The demanding schedule required her to work extremely long days, often stretching to thirteen hours, as she managed both her corporate responsibilities and her entrepreneurial ambitions. During this period, she deliberately kept her startup work separate from her employer, building the foundation of her company during evenings and weekends.
Her decision to wait before leaving Apple was strategic rather than impulsive. By keeping her full-time job while the startup was still in its early stages, she reduced financial risk and gave herself time to validate her business concept. Only after this extended preparation period did she feel confident enough to resign and dedicate herself entirely to her new venture.
This story could resonate with the growing number of professionals considering side ventures while employed. It may encourage workers to view their current jobs as launchpads rather than obstacles, though it also highlights the personal toll of extended overwork. For small-business ecosystems, such stories could normalize the "slow launch" approach, potentially influencing how aspiring founders structure their transitions. Employers may also take note, as talented staff balancing dual commitments could signal broader workplace engagement issues.