I quit my $390K tech job to start my own business. I still question my decision, but this is the first time in years I've woken up excited for life.

Shiyao Tang says she spent 5 months planning her exit from her $390K job.

Shiyao Tang

• Shiyao Tang quit her $390,000 job at DoorDash to build Soir Si, a silk womenswear brand.
• Tang says she spent 5 months planning her corporate exit and was scared to leave a stable job.
• While she experiences moments of self-doubt, Tang says the risk is worth it to pursue her dream.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Shiyao Tang, a 34-year-old business owner based in New York City and Paris.