Why stability is not external, but internal

The Decision That Changed the Curve

Looking back, the last decade did not just give me uncertainty, but clarity, and that is far more valuable.

Like many professionals, I had a simple mental model: work hard, stay disciplined, and progress will be predictable. Until 2014, Hyderabad was never an option. But life does not always follow our plans.

In July 2014, I moved to Hyderabad. The decision was driven by trust. The only reason was my former manager, who had moved to a small firm and invited me to join, with a shared belief that we could build something meaningful together. I said yes without much thinking.

In hindsight, I do not regret the decision. But what followed was a roller coaster, a sine wave.

A Phase That Changed My Thinking

I found myself alone in an unfamiliar environment as he had to leave in December 2014. Over time, the management began recognizing my work, and within ~15 months, I was offered his role.

On paper, it looked like growth and in reality, it was the beginning of a more complex phase.

I was constantly torn between three different directors, each with different priorities, geographies, and working styles. I ask questions, challenge, and struggle to execute when I am not convinced. Over time, this created friction and eventually led to my exit in June 2017.

While Financial commitments, family responsibilities, and EMIs do not give many options, this phase gave me something far more valuable. It made me realize that stability is often an illusion.

From then on, I made a few conscious decisions: build a financial buffer to sustain 12-18 months without income, try to be minimalistic and become debt-free by 2020.

This phase has not only built resilience and clarity, but also changed how I think about risk, security, and the future.

From Uncertainty to Creation

The startup journey began when an ex-teammate invited me to join. He was younger and had earlier reported to me, but that never mattered. What mattered was the opportunity to build.

Even though my formal shareholding was negligible, I treated the company as my own. I built the technology, delivery framework, and the India team almost from scratch, even without a legal entity.

I had the liberty, independence, and trust to experiment, make mistakes, and grow. That freedom was invaluable. Building from 0->1 is a rare experience. It will remain one of the most meaningful phases of my professional life. I will always remain grateful for that journey, the team, the trust and respect I received.

There was zero income for more than 12 months, followed by a fraction of my earlier compensation for nearly three years. Then came Covid. Yet, this phase remains one of the best in my career.

This phase was also deeply fulfilling on a personal level. I had the flexibility to spend time with my children, take them to sports, and be present for my family. That balance was priceless.

I also achieved my goal of becoming debt-free, although it happened in 2022.

April 2023 – May 2024 was the strongest financial phase and hope to see similar phases again in the future.

A Moment of Realization

With ~25 years of experience, I had developed strong instincts about risks and patterns. I had raised several concerns over time and many of them seemed to be ignored.

Then came June 2024, without a warning as the conversations had been positive until April 2024.

The decision itself did not disturb me as the businesses make financial and practical choices. What stayed with me was the way the decision was arrived at and communicated.

At a personal level, I realized that many interactions were largely transactional. The hours spent supporting, guiding, and navigating challenges seemed to carry little meaning when there was silence, without even a simple message after June 2024.

These experiences reinforced an important realization: offer support with sincerity, but without expectations.

An Unfinished Chapter

The journey after 2024 opened another phase of learning, rebuilding, and new beginnings. It pushed me further toward simplicity, preparedness, and clarity in ways I had not imagined.

This chapter is still being written. It deserves a reflection of its own. I will share those learnings in the next part.

This phase also strengthened my belief and gratitude toward the Greater Gods, whose guidance and blessings continue to shape my journey.

Until Next time… 🙏