Why I Ignored the Push to Quit Apple and Go All-In on My Startup

Zhu, who joined Apple in 2022, felt the weight of high-pressure corporate culture and a nagging sense of imposter syndrome. While peers insisted her resume would easily secure venture capital, she chose to ignore the pressure to pivot prematurely. Her priority was a calculated transition, ensuring she had a concrete business model, a trusted co-founder, and three to five years of financial runway before cutting ties with her steady paycheck.

After clearing her moonlighting activities with Apple’s business conduct team, Zhu launched Odd One In, an artist collectible company, in December 2024. Her daily routine became a grueling marathon: starting at 5:30 a.m. for gym and startup tasks, followed by a full shift at Apple, and concluding with late-night sessions for her own venture. By August 2025, the business demanded her full attention, and she finally felt the timing was right to resign. Today, the bootstrapped venture generates six-figure annual revenue, and Zhu credits her deliberate, dual-track approach for the confidence she now carries as a founder.