A recent social media post by entrepreneur Kiranjit Das has ignited a widespread discussion online about the true financial realities of leaving a secure job to pursue business ventures. Das, who previously held a position paying ₹15 lakh per annum (LPA), revealed he now earns a mere ₹12,000 per month from his entrepreneurial efforts.
The Stark Reality of Entrepreneurship
Das's candid admission on X (formerly Twitter) quickly resonated with many users, prompting a wave of responses that underscored the significant risks involved in entrepreneurship, especially without a solid financial cushion. His experience highlights the often-glamorized notion of becoming an entrepreneur versus the practical challenges faced on the ground.
"Earning 12,000 a month from a business after leaving a 15 LPA job may not hurt you as an individual. The challenges grow when you have a family to look after, fees to pay, medicines to buy and many other responsibilities. Saying, 'Become an entrepreneur, not an employee,' is easy. Doing it isn't."
This quote from Das encapsulates the core of his message: while the idea of self-employment is appealing, the responsibility of supporting a family adds immense pressure to an unpredictable income stream.
Das's Crucial Advice on Quitting Stable Jobs
In a follow-up thread, Das offered direct advice to those contemplating a similar career shift, urging caution:
- "Don't leave the job till the job doesn't leave you."
- He stressed that resigning from stable employment should only be considered when there is absolutely no other option.
- Taking "unnecessary risk" by abandoning a healthy-paying job was described as a "cliff of stupidity."
Community Response Echoes Caution
The online discussion saw many users agreeing with Das's perspective. Several shared their own observations and warnings:
- One user advised against quitting a well-paying job solely for day trading, suggesting that such activities could be pursued alongside stable employment.
- Another commented on the foolishness of leaving a decent income job unless one has already lost it, emphasizing the prolonged struggle to even break even as an entrepreneur.
- A third user highlighted the unpredictable nature of business income and the critical lack of an informal business network for many employees transitioning to entrepreneurship.
The consensus among the online community reinforces that while entrepreneurship offers potential rewards, it demands careful planning, significant financial resilience, and an understanding of the long, often arduous path to stability. The experience shared by Kiranjit Das serves as a powerful reminder of the financial realities for individuals considering leaving a stable job for business.