In today’s competitive job market, turning down a high-paying corporate offer to pursue entrepreneurship is often seen as a bold move. Many young professionals dream of building companies that generate wealth and independence, but the reality behind those ambitions is often more complex. A Reddit user recently shared his journey of leaving behind a lucrative Rs 40 lakh annual package to build his own company. Around two and a half years ago, he turned down the corporate path and launched a startup in the services sector. The venture initially showed promise, recording a turnover of Rs 5 crore within just six months. Encouraged by early success, the founder aimed to scale it up to Rs 50 crore.The Challenges of ScalingAccording to his post, the business model is operations-heavy and dependent on customer satisfaction. To pursue expansion, the company raised nearly Rs 1 crore, largely through debt. However, managing operations proved difficult, and the business could not achieve the rapid scale envisioned. Presently, it records about Rs 6 crore in annual revenue but carries the burden of over a crore in debt.
The entrepreneur pointed out that, unlike the early phase when losses were severe with a negative profit margin, the business has now turned slightly profitable, generating around 3–4% positive net margins. Despite this, his personal earnings remain modest, around Rs 1 lakh per month, which he admits is just enough to cover living expenses in Mumbai. Multiple personal loans and lack of asset-building have added to the pressure.
Regret and Comparison with PeersAt 31, the founder confessed feeling envious of his peers, many of whom earn over Rs 50 lakh annually through corporate jobs. While his business shows long-term potential, he acknowledged that repayment obligations and uncertainty will continue for at least another two to three years. He described the grind of entrepreneurship as overwhelming, mentioning that he often ends his days late at night, exhausted, while trying to stay positive.Mixed Reactions OnlineHis candid post drew strong responses from Reddit users. Several encouraged him to stay the course, calling his journey inspiring and reminding him that many peers might envy his freedom and courage. One user suggested he consider raising equity funding to ease financial stress, while another pointed out that stability sometimes matters more than chasing scale, even recommending selling part of the business while keeping some equity.Others advised him not to fall for comparisons, with one commenter cautioning against the “green grass syndrome.” Some suggested exploring mentorship, angel investments, or even a less demanding job to balance finances. A few users also highlighted that achieving Rs 6 crore in annual revenue itself is a milestone many startups never reach.
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