No boss, more stress: Entrepreneur says quitting job wasn't worth it
Leaving a stable job for entrepreneurship is often seen as the ultimate dream. But one entrepreneur's candid reflection shows how quickly that dream can turn into pressure, uncertainty, and self-doubt.
“I quit my job for freedom and regretted it in 11 minutes,” says entrepreneur and digital creator Mehul Agrawal, in a candid Instagram video that has sparked wide discussion about the reality of leaving stable employment to build a startup.
According to Mehul Agrawal, what looked like freedom from a corporate job quickly turned into something far more intense. While there was no boss assigning tasks any more, he joked that he somehow ended up with even more responsibility than before.
The video, as shared by the creator on Instagram, captures the emotional rollercoaster of his early days as a founder.
He explained that on his first day after quitting, he woke up early and spent hours planning the next three months of his venture.
On the second day, he revised the entire plan again. By the third day, however, he admitted he began feeling anxious and questioning many of his decisions.
WHEN FREEDOM FEELS HEAVY
Mehul described how the idea of “freedom” changed quickly once reality set in.
Instead of structured office work, he was suddenly responsible for everything at once: planning, execution, and uncertainty about the future.
Despite this, he said he does not regret leaving his job. As he shared, he had stepped away from what he described as a draining corporate environment to build something he truly cares about: his venture, Ilara.
In the video, he reflected on the irony of entrepreneurship.
While employees often imagine founders as being free, he pointed out that the workload does not reduce after quitting a job. In fact, it often increases significantly because every decision now depends on the founder alone.
BUILDING IN PUBLIC, SHARING THE REALITY
Mehul also said he uses Instagram as a space to document his journey openly.
He shares both achievements and failures, along with difficult days and moments of doubt. He encouraged his followers to stay connected as he continues building his company.
WHY THE VIDEO CONNECTED WITH MANY
The post has resonated with young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs who relate to the emotional uncertainty of career transitions. Many viewers commented that they had experienced similar feelings after making big career decisions.
The video reflects a growing trend among young founders and creators who are openly discussing mental health, pressure, and the realities behind starting a business, beyond the polished success stories often seen online.
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