Why: I know that with all the job layoffs happening, it's kinda stupid to quit but I just can't. After almost a decade in the startup scene I'm taking a break, probably for good.
From AI to B2C to ed-tech and more I have worked with startups at every stage of growth and across sectors. Almost in every one of these w/o exception, I have experienced burnout, mindless pressure, and being underpaid because I'm not from an IIT or IIM.
Context: I love technology, I have been a sci-fi nerd since school and I threw myself into the stories of startups changing the world. But because of family finances and the overall culture of startups I haven't taken a break in about 10 years and it's starting to show.
I don't have savings to last me more than 3-4 months but at this rate I'll end up checking out of society.
Unsolicited advice:
Finally, Fuck all you hustle bro CEOs, they have done more to damage the mentor health of a generation more than any politician. I feel stupid and useless because you can't help posturing and creating panic in the name of disruption. Hope AI takes your jobs too.
PS: See you on the other side.
Sorry to hear about your experience. Specially the underpaid part sucks being from non target IIT IIM. Trust me the bias exists in Big tech companies too. I’m surprised that startups still carry this bias.
All the best to you and have fun with the break
Interesting and enlightening post. Thanks for putting your heart out for everyone to see.
I am a bit surprised though about the underpaid part, and for savings of just 4-5 months. I had heard about Tier3 College guys in Bangalore earning 65+ lpa at just 6-7 yrs experience. Was all that a rumour? Because that package at that experience, for a Tier 3 guys, looks fabulous to me. Is it not so for others?
65+ lpa is not the package of 1 lac people out of say 40L techies in Bengaluru
They are handful, may be few 100 and into niche tech where demand supply mismatch is huge...once economics get balanced...the salary correction will come in place just like php, java, html etc.
@Sherlock007 I know I know, but that was not the point. This person worked with startups (supposed to be paying more, specially in Bangalore), and worked for 10 yrs with full zeal and interest, and still feels underpaid. And then there are some others being paid humongous money, that’s why I wondered.
After 10y of workex...only 3 month runaway...
Bro/Sis, you screwed up your financial health atleast.
Please work on this... mental health and physical health can only be attained if u have healthy cash flow or runway
I too wondered about this part. May be he took heavy loans, otherwise just 3-4 months of money, is quite surprising. People easily have 1 yrs money in FD/Liquid/Savings.
I have a runaway of 10y in metro and 30y in my village
You were underpaid cause you settled for that job and more over worked overtime for that lower pay. Employers are businessmen, they will want to extract max out of you with as little pay as possible. Its up to you to not let them do that. Its a dog eat dog world my friend. My advice will be look for remote US/SEA opportunities, they pay alot and work load is way less.
Ideally, yes. After my break I'll either find a fully remote role or join a boring big company where sanity will survive even if it's boring.
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