Aksht Jain, founder of AI startup Eklyai, recently posted on X that he left his well-paying corporate job in Bengaluru about a year ago to build his own venture. His candid reflections quickly gained attention online, sparking widespread debate about money, burnout, job satisfaction, and the real cost of chasing independence.
In his post, Jain admitted the financial consequences of his decision, writing, “I left my 75LPA job in BLR 1 year ago to pursue entrepreneurship. Right now I am kinda broke, but I would still say that it was the best thing I could have done.”
Despite the economic uncertainty, he said the transition gave him something he valued more than stability: freedom, constant learning, and a stronger sense of purpose.
He further explained that startup life allowed him to step away from what he described as “zero sum office politics.” According to him, each day now feels different, as he is constantly solving new problems and learning while building his company from the ground up.
In follow-up posts, Jain also reflected on how corporate environments often began to feel “performative,” particularly in relation to meetings, workplace behavior, and office dynamics. While acknowledging that entrepreneurship comes with stress and unpredictability, he said the process of building something from scratch continues to feel meaningful.
His post resonated widely, prompting many users to share their own career decisions and thoughts on quitting stable jobs.
One user commented that they had recently left their job and were now struggling after the initial excitement faded, asking for advice on navigating early-stage uncertainty. Another shared their own unconventional path, claiming they had never taken a traditional job and were now running multiple ventures while living in their hometown, expressing satisfaction with their lifestyle choice.
Others described Jain’s decision as both “scary” and “courageous,” while some noted that entrepreneurship can feel addictive due to the sense of ownership and freedom it offers. One commenter added that although the path is uncertain, “time is on your side,” calling it a key advantage for young professionals.
The viral post has since become part of a broader online conversation about burnout, toxic workplace culture, and shifting priorities among young professionals—many of whom appear to be weighing financial security against personal fulfillment, autonomy, and mental well-being.
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