Why I left my 5-figure job to be an entrepreneur?
I pivoted into tech during Covid because I felt that my career prospect in my previous job was too slow, and I wanted something more fast paced. Tech was booming then so I tried my best to get into tech, where people were climbing up the ranks quickly due to how fast the industry was moving. Thankfully a hiring manager took a chance on me and I started my first role in tech as an SDR.
I enjoyed the role because I was in tech (an industry I am very passionate about) as well as it’s a people-oriented role. It was fun and I learnt a lot, but I also realised that my strength was more in the ‘farming’ rather than the ‘hunting’. So after 1 year, I became a CSM.
Being in tech comes with its perks, and one of it is the pay. As long as I exceed my KPIs, I could be earning 5 figures on certain months. Needless to say we were enjoying the lifestyle that came with it - travelling long haul flights multiple times a year, eating out weekly, buying expensive things… it was a lifestyle that we could get used to.
So why did I leave all that behind to potentially not earning anything now? To me the main reason was purpose. In all my previous jobs, I felt that I had no purpose working there. I didn’t want to see a job as just a job. I wanted it to be something that I can be proud of, something that I can look back in the future and be satisfied that I’ve spent my time working on.
So earlier this year, my wife and I decided it was time for me to try out entrepreneurship. If it didn’t work out, I’ll go back to the corporate world. If it did, then it’ll be a story of a lifetime.
It’s definitely a tough and lonely road. No more asking a manager to clear a blocker for me, or asking another department to do their job. Everything needs to be done by myself, but that is actually my driving force - to get my hands dirty and build the product myself, so that one day I can look back without regrets.
Taking the leap from a secure 5-figure job into entrepreneurship is undeniably challenging, but it also opens doors to unparalleled growth and self-discovery. I still remember the mix of excitement and anxiety when I decided to leave my tech career, which offered great pay and lifestyle perks—long haul travels, fine dining, and the comfort of a steady income. What pushed me, though, was the feeling that my work lacked meaningful purpose. Despite the financial rewards, I craved a project where I could truly invest myself and see the tangible results of my efforts. The transition to entrepreneurship comes with a steep learning curve. You no longer have the safety net of managers or teammates to support you; every problem and task falls squarely on your shoulders. This can be daunting and lonely but also incredibly empowering. Getting my hands dirty and building something from the ground up has made every hurdle rewarding, giving me a sense of ownership and pride I hadn't experienced before. For anyone considering this jump, my advice is to prepare mentally and financially for uncertainty but also embrace the freedom to create your own path. Surround yourself with supportive people, break down big goals into achievable steps, and remain adaptable. Entrepreneurship is far from easy, but if you prioritize passion and purpose, it can become the most fulfilling career choice you make.
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