Jean Kang never imagined she’d be running her own business. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, she always saw herself working for a big tech company. Inspired by shows like Shark Tank, she thought entrepreneurship was fascinating, but it seemed far from her reality.

After graduating in 2014, Jean dove into the tech world. Over the next decade, she faced ups and downs—being fired twice and changing jobs six times. But in 2020, she found her niche as a program manager, realizing she had a talent for it.

Spotting an Opportunity

As she excelled in her role, people began to reach out to her for mentorship. Jean recognized a gap in the market for aspiring program managers who needed guidance. So, in October 2022, she made a bold move: she announced her coaching business, “Path to PM,” with a simple post on LinkedIn.

“Hey, I’m launching a coaching business for aspiring program managers! Book a call with me,” she wrote. The response was overwhelming.

Growing Her Side Hustle

While juggling a full-time tech job, Jean dedicated an additional 15 to 20 hours a week to her side hustle. By the end of 2023, she had generated around $30,000 in revenue and helped 10 clients land new jobs.

“I was shocked to supplement my income from my tech job with another $30,000,” she said. It was a thrilling realization that her passion project could be financially rewarding.

The Leap of Faith

However, as 2024 approached, Jean began to feel burnt out. Working two full-time jobs was exhausting, and she started questioning whether she should fully commit to her business. Then, the opportunity came when her startup offered employees a voluntary exit package.

After discussions with her husband and careful consideration of her finances, Jean decided to take the leap and quit her corporate job in February 2024.

“I didn’t want to wait for perfect conditions. I’d rather dive in and figure it out as I go,” she explained. Since then, she’s been on track to replace her former salary, bringing in about $160,000 in just eight months.

Expanding the Business

Today, Jean has expanded her business model, incorporating brand deals and a LinkedIn Learning course, while also growing her following to about 100,000 on the platform. She transitioned from one-on-one coaching to running 5-week group programs, allowing her to reach more clients efficiently.

Jean’s Four Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

1. Identify a Need: Focus on what you’re uniquely equipped to help solve. Jean emphasizes the importance of understanding both market demand and your own strengths.
2. Create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Start small with something simple, like one-on-one coaching. Jean launched her business without waiting for everything to be perfect.
3. Iterate and Scale: Continuously improve your product or service. Jean focused on execution over perfection, allowing her to refine her business as she grew.
4. Stay Disciplined: Execution is key. Jean devoted about 35 to 45 hours a week to her business and learned to manage her time effectively.

Jean’s story is a testament to the idea that you can turn your side hustle into a thriving business with the right mindset and dedication. Now, she enjoys more freedom and fulfillment than ever before, proving that when you work for yourself, the sky’s the limit.

Conclusion

Jean Kang’s journey from a corporate tech job to running a successful coaching business is both inspiring and attainable. With her practical tips and determination, aspiring entrepreneurs can carve their own paths to success.