An Indian software engineer, after nearly a decade in tech and a couple of years in Dubai, is weighing one of the biggest life decisions yet: quitting his corporate job, leaving the high-paced city abroad, and returning to Dehradun to start a small business. With a 32-year-old age, a young family, and ₹50–60 lakh in savings, he isn’t chasing glamour or quick riches. Instead, he seeks stability, autonomy, and more time with his spouse and child—a life where work fuels freedom rather than anxiety.
The techie has considered multiple avenues: a boutique run by his wife, EV charging stations along the Delhi–Dehradun corridor, rental properties near educational hubs, service-based ventures, or software and SaaS on the side. He emphasises he isn’t locked into one idea, aiming instead for a consistent cash flow that could replace his salary.
The push to leave Dubai isn’t impulsive. Corporate fatigue, mounting layoffs fueled by AI-driven disruptions, and a high cost of living have made job security feel fragile. Long work hours leave little time for family, and the fear of “wasting” years waiting for the right moment adds urgency.
His concernsDespite his planning, the techie is cautious. His biggest concerns include business failure, underestimating the effort needed to generate a stable income, and the possibility of being unable to return to corporate life at the same level if the venture doesn’t work out.
He’s turning to the internet for grounded advice from people who have left tech for entrepreneurship, returned to India after working abroad, or run businesses in tier-2 cities. He is especially keen on hearing stories of failure, as well as critical perspectives on whether his plan is naive, whether ₹50–60 lakh is enough for a family of three, which businesses are viable in Dehradun, and whether he should start something on the side before quitting.
Netizens weigh inOnline responses to the techie’s plan were a mix of practical advice and cautionary tales. Many suggested securing a remote tech job in India first while testing a side business, leveraging his decade of experience to maintain a stable income. Others recommended building a side hustle that generates at least 20–30% of current earnings before going full-time, emphasising the importance of having at least a year’s financial runway and factoring in inflation and family expenses.
Several commenters highlighted that “boring” businesses—like rental properties, PGs near educational hubs, or service-oriented ventures—often generate reliable cash flow, unlike flashy startups or apps. Testing smaller operations first, such as renting out a room on Airbnb, can help gauge readiness for larger ventures while minimising risk. The consensus was that careful planning, financial buffer, and realistic expectations are critical before making a full transition.
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