These 3 founders hated their 9-to-5 jobs so much they launched their own companies

For some entrepreneurs, the spark to start a business doesn’t come from a grand vision—it comes from sheer dissatisfaction with the daily grind. Three founders, now leading multimillion-dollar ventures, walked away from traditional careers not because they had a perfect plan, but because they couldn’t stand another day in a job that didn’t inspire them.

Loren Castle: From cancer recovery to cookie dough queen
Loren Castle, founder and CEO of Sweet Loren’s, turned a life-altering cancer diagnosis into a mission to create healthier sweets. Fresh out of college and juggling jobs in PR and the restaurant industry, Castle realized she wasn’t fulfilled working for someone else. “Life is short. I don’t want regrets,” she told Fortune. That clarity pushed her to quit her “real” job and launch a cookie dough brand that now dominates shelves at Target, Whole Foods, and Costco, valued at $120 million.

Bryant Gingerich: Engineer-turned-rental mogul

Bryant Gingerich found himself similarly uninspired in his engineering role. His turning point came with the discovery of a wooded land parcel for sale. That discovery changed everything. Alongside his wife Amy, he built Dunlap Hollow, a short-term rental business that brought in over $700,000 in 2024 alone. With $350,000 in net profits, Gingerich finally left his 9-to-5 behind. “I don’t think I ever want a 9-to-5 again. I honestly haven’t even missed it one time,” he told the publication.