he pandemic has redefined the economic landscape in unprecedented ways. Traditionally, recessions have not been seen as fertile ground for new businesses. However, 2020 and the years following turned that idea on its head.

In 2022, Americans created 5 million new businesses, and the US continues to see a surge in entrepreneurship in the years after the pandemic. Research from Gusto highlights this shift, revealing that frustrations with the traditional 9-to-5 job structure, including inadequate wages and lack of flexibility, have driven many individuals to explore entrepreneurship. 

One inspiring example of pandemic-era entrepreneurship is Gabby Ianniello, creator, freelancer, and the face behind Corporate Quitter. After nearly a decade working in a corporate environment, Gabby quit her Wall Street job and founded Corporate Quitter, a podcast and platform aimed at helping others leave their 9-to-5 jobs. Now, three years later, Gabby has transformed her platform into a business that has helped thousands across the globe become and succeed as "Quitters."

Gabby started as a teacher, influenced by her parents to choose a stable career. She pivoted many times along the way and ended up in a corporate job until COVID-19 hit. That’s when she decided to quit: "There were too many glass ceilings, too many shut doors, and more particularly I had a toxic manager that I just wanted to move away from."

Her journey wasn’t (and hasn't been) easy, though. She faced many sleepless nights, financial losses, and tax season stresses while learning to manage her small business. Yet, her strategic approach, resilience, and access to the right tools kept her going.

If you’ve been thinking of finally taking the leap to leave your job and follow your passion, Gabby has some advice just for you.

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1. Plan Your Exit Strategy

A year before she handed in her resignation, Gabby looked for something that could get her through until she could quit. She found an ad on Craigslist inviting folks to share their stories on a podcast. There, she took her first few steps down a path she would end up following without looking back: "I had nothing to lose so I decided to try it, fell in love with it and then a couple of months later, I quit my job to then not only talk about my quitter story but talk to other people about their quitter stories too," Gabby shares. 

That initial experience provided Gabby with the confidence she needed to move forward with her decision since it helped her realize how much she enjoyed connecting with others through storytelling. Over the following months, she saved up enough money to comfortably leave her job. Armed with her newfound passion and financial cushion, she launched her podcast.

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2. Validate Your Business Idea

Your idea doesn’t have to be perfect from the start, but you need to make sure there’s a demand for it. "Either you create the offer and find the people, or you find the people and create the offer, so I went to the latter," Gabby reflects.

She leveraged TikTok's emerging platform to build her audience and listen to exactly what they were looking for. "Let me build the audience, get the community, let me get the people of my world and maybe they will tell me what they need and then I can create it."

As Gabby posted more consistent content, her audience grew to rely on her for pairing a welcoming, approachable attitude with strong advice. She was committed to uplifting her entrepreneurial community, holding space for challenges, and offering real support. In short, she offered all the things her audience told her they were looking for, which led to continuous business growth. 

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3. Build a Support Network

Transitioning to self-employment can be lonely, and having a strong support network is essential. Take some time to connect with other entrepreneurs, join business groups, and find mentors who can offer guidance and encouragement. Surround yourself with people who understand your journey and can provide practical advice—even if it means finding a new circle, as Gabby did.

One of her biggest challenges was not having a support system at the start: "I basically had a chop block, clear slate, and started over; but thankfully the podcast is something that's given me that network. Many guests that I've had on the show have become real-life good friends."

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4. Develop New Skills

Leaving the corporate world means you’ll need to wear many hats. Gabby highlights the importance of developing skills that are crucial for running a business, including savvy financial management.

She had to overcome a beginner’s knowledge of financial literacy to meet the opportunities presented to her and grow her nascent business: “Treat it like a hobby, get hobby results. Even though I was getting these real results, there was a part of me that was still hiding. It took me 11 months to create an LLC. It took me three years to finally choose a business bank account."

These decisions are where the right tools and professional support come into play for every business owner, especially at the start.

“Novo has been a great tool that I wish I took advantage of in the beginning,” she shares.

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5. Embrace the Mindset Shift

Moving from a corporate job to running your own business requires a significant mindset shift. Gabby emphasizes the need to embrace uncertainty and be comfortable with taking risks. She lights up when expressing the values of a “permission-less life,” where people can be both accountable and empowered, sensing and strategic, human and efficient, and ultimately able to grow and rest at their chosen pace. This is why if you’ve been thinking about quitting, Gabby would say there’s no better time than today.

Ready to take the leap? Novo is here to support you every step of the way. With our suite of banking tools designed specifically for small business owners, we can help you manage your finances and grow your business from day one.

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Want to Learn More About Gabby?‍

Listen to Corporate Quitter