IIM grad quits ₹60 LPA job with no further offer, says 'no regrets'; the internet reacts: 'I need guts like that'

An alumnus of one of India’s oldest IIMs has sparked an online debate after revealing he resigned from a high-paying corporate role without another opportunity. A professional in his 30s, he said he retired for ₹60,000,000,000 per annum package after becoming increasingly disillusioned with corporate life.

Sharing his experience on Reddit, he reflected on the emotional challenges that followed his decision, admitting that the freedom he initially enjoyed gave way to insecurity and restlessness.

“What happens when you finally escape the rat race and still feel restless?” the person wrote.

Why did he decide to quit?

The Reddit user provided more background, explaining that he is married with a young son and has spent more than a decade building his career through promotions and job changes.

“I resigned with nothing else in hand. Today, a few months later, I’m not sure how I feel about it. For context, I’m in my mid-30s, married, and have a young child (about a 1.5-year-old boy). I’ve spent over 10 years climbing the corporate ladder – both vertical and horizontal moves. I graduated from 2 companies between 3 and 3 senior groups. 60 LPA when I quit, and I was more frustrated at the pointlessness of it all.’

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According to the post, the decision was not driven by a business idea or a new job offer, but by a growing desire to leave a lifestyle that was no longer fulfilling.

“About 4 months ago I decided I had had enough. No grand plan. No launch idea. No waiting for an offer. Just a strong urge to get off the treadmill. I handed in my paperwork by March 26th and got my 2 months notice that I was resigning.”

Freedom turns into uncertainty

The former company director said the first weeks after leaving the job were refreshing. Better sleep, independent travel and more time with his family helped him enjoy a sense of freedom that had long been missing from his routine.

However, he noted that the experience eventually took an “unexpected turn”, with the excitement of leaving work replaced by feelings of emptiness.

“It’s still early days, but I’m taking my own sweet time. No breakthrough yet in my job search. Exploring several business plans and meeting people to improve my understanding. Also learned to use AI in a better way. My routine has become less structured. I’ve gained weight. My son is still very young, my wife works, and even though I have more time than ever, I sometimes feel trapped in my own thoughts.”

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He added that this experience changed his outlook on employment and professional life.

“It’s weird. For years I believed that work was the source of my stress. Now I realize that it was also the source of structure, identity, momentum and social interaction. I don’t regret quitting. I needed a break. I needed distance. But now I’m in this weird in-between phase where I’m not who I was at my old job and I’m not yet who I’m going to be.”

A screenshot from a viral post. (Reddit)

How social media users reacted:

The post resonated with many users, some of whom described facing similar issues after leaving their jobs.

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One person wrote: “1.5 years ago when my company’s operations suddenly stopped, I was free for 2.5 months. It was a stress-free life for the first month, but then responsibilities started coming and I also became unstructured for 2.5 months.”

Another user, who also identified as an IIM graduate, said he went through a similar phase after leaving a well-paid role.

“Hi. Same boat. Out of the corporate world for the past 3 months. Graduated from one of the top 3 IIMs. 8 years of total work experience, including a well paying job that I left 3 months ago. I didn’t have a specific plan then but was interested in starting something of my own. In a very similar situation where I don’t regret quitting but at the time I feel extremely broke and broke at the same time. I’m at a loss and thinking how it would be easy/difficult to go back to a well paying job, I’ve been trying to create a routine for myself that includes working on my business, hobbies and exercise Things aren’t rosy when it comes to sticking to a routine, being me I often think and end up doing nothing on a regular basis, I push myself hard it helps a lot, I’ve also started reading and writing which helps me deal with panic.

Another wrote: “I need similar courage too.”

(Disclaimer: This report is based on user generated content from social media. Livemint has not independently verified and does not endorse these claims.)