Quitting a Job to Start a Business: Kelly Endres’s Story of Leaving Nursing

Thinking about quitting a job to start a business but paralyzed by fear and “what ifs”? You're not alone.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and former nurse-turned-entrepreneur Kelly Endres to talk about what it really looks like to go from employee to entrepreneur—especially when you're walking away from a job that felt like a calling.

Kelly’s story of leaving nursing to work side-by-side with her husband in their insurance agency is deeply honest, relatable, and full of the kind of real-talk we need more of in midlife entrepreneurship. If you're craving more freedom in business, more purpose in your work, and less hustle-for-the-sake-of-hustle, this episode is for you.

We’re pulling back the curtain on the messy middle—the doubt, the money fears, the identity shifts—and how Kelly built a business rooted in service, heart, and unapologetic alignment.

In this episode, we dive into:

• What no one tells you about quitting a job to start a business—and why Kelly almost didn’t
• The emotional rollercoaster of going from employee to entrepreneur (especially when the job you’re leaving is one you love)
• Why women often stay in “safe” careers too long—and how leaving nursing finally gave Kelly the freedom in business she was craving
• How to work with your spouse without losing your mind—or your boundaries
• What it really takes to find purpose again after walking away from a helping profession

Let’s chat: Are you thinking about quitting a job to start a business but feeling stuck in fear or guilt? DM me on Instagram @katyripp and tell me: What’s your biggest fear about going from employee to entrepreneur?

I’d love to hear your story.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

The Art of Hello

Actually, We Can Community

Female Founders Collective

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP: 

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

CONNECT WITH KELLY ENDRES:

Endres Insurance Agency Website

Endres Insurance Agency Facebook