In a world enamored by LinkedIn success stories, unicorn valuations, and startup culture, the idea of entrepreneurship often overshadows its harsh realities. This was the case for a corporate VP of Operations, earning a lucrative salary of Rs 50 lakh per annum. By most standards, he had a “sorted life”—job security, weekends off, and financial stability.
But like many professionals captivated by the glamorized image of founders gracing podcasts and headlines, he began to question his choices. “I felt like I was wasting my life not building the next big thing,” he admitted. The fire inside him ignited in 2021, urging him to leave it all behind and chase the dream of starting his own business.
Credits: The Economic Times
The Rise: Building a Successful Startup
Determined and inspired, he quit his high-paying job and secured Rs 8.44 crore in seed funding for his startup. The venture showed early promise, building a product that customers loved. By 2022, the startup was operationally profitable—something many startups struggle to achieve.
No crazy burn rates, no major disasters—it seemed like the dream was coming true. But beneath the surface, a different story was unfolding.
The Inner Struggle: When Success Isn’t Enough
Despite his startup’s success, the founder found himself unfulfilled. “While everyone else on the team was jazzed about solving the problem, I was just going through the motions,” he shared in a heartfelt post on the social media platform Grapevine.
He described waking up every morning with a gnawing sense of dissatisfaction. The grind of decision-making, the constant uncertainty, and the weight of leadership began to take their toll. “It’s about the grind… and I realised I wasn’t built for this. I wasn’t obsessed with the problem we were solving—I was just obsessed with the idea of being a founder,” he confessed.
The Breaking Point
Months of sleepless nights, relentless stress, and deteriorating relationships culminated in a panic attack. His mental health spiraled, and he faced a sobering realization: while he hadn’t failed at building a product, he had failed at being a founder.
The decision to shut down the company wasn’t easy. Yet, he chose to prioritize his well-being and acknowledged that the entrepreneurial journey wasn’t for him.
Key Takeaways from the Journey
In his honest and reflective post, the founder shared five profound lessons:
Entrepreneurship Isn’t for Everyone
He urged aspiring founders to evaluate their motivations deeply. “The title of ‘founder’ is overrated,” he wrote, cautioning against chasing the label without understanding the grind.
Success Doesn’t Guarantee Happiness
Despite operational profitability, the founder felt unfulfilled. He emphasized that external metrics of success mean little if they come at the cost of personal joy.
Mental Health Comes First
The toll on his mental health was immense. He encouraged others to prioritize their well-being over professional ambitions.
Stability is Underrated
Reflecting on his journey, he recognized the value of the stability he had once left behind—a realization many professionals overlook in their quest for something “bigger.”
Know Your Limits
Not everyone is cut out for the relentless demands of entrepreneurship, and that’s okay. The founder’s journey underscored the importance of self-awareness.
Credits: News18
The Response: A Mixed Bag
The founder’s candidness resonated with many. “Love it, and can resonate 100 per cent,” commented one reader. Another applauded his bravery: “Great story. Many face it but few have the guts to put it out in public.”
However, not all responses were sympathetic. A critical commenter noted, “Imagine being an investor… and then squandering everything because you invested in somebody like him.”
Closing the Chapter
Despite the challenges, the founder ensured that his employees were cared for and returned any remaining funds to investors. His story, while bittersweet, is a testament to the importance of self-reflection, mental health, and knowing when to step away.
In a world that glorifies success, this honest narrative is a stark reminder: the entrepreneurial path isn’t for everyone—and that’s perfectly okay.
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