'Software engineering is boring': Meta employee quits to run a noodle stand with girlfriend

A former software engineer at Meta has gone viral after choosing a completely different career path. Instead of continuing in the tech industry, Alvin Tan now runs a Hokkien Mee stall at a local food market in Singapore.

The career change drew attention online as Tan left behind a job that paid significantly more than his current firm. However, he said that he was no longer interested in his job as a software engineer.

“In a society that favors practicality over passion, does following your passion make sense, or is it ever the most practical thing to follow what you truly believe in?” wrote financial advisor and content creator Louisa Tay on Instagram.

What led to his career change?

Tay introduced Tan in a video titled “Meta software engineer for Hokkien Mee hawker”.

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During their conversation, she asked why he decided to leave Meta. Tan replied, “Because software engineering is boring.”

When Tay pointed out that many people dream of working at Meta, Tan explained that his perspective changed after joining the company.

“A lot of people dream of getting into the Meta. You get in and you decide to leave,” Tay said.

Tan replied, “All big companies are restructuring. My team actually restructured several times. It’s everyone’s dream, but once you get into it, you think about it as what other things you can do in life.”

Tan admitted that his earnings have dropped significantly since leaving the tech sector.

When asked how his current income compares to his Meta salary, he replied: “I don’t think I can compare. That’s easily 2-3X higher.”

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The video also showed her making Hokkien Mee, a popular noodle dish that is widely popular in Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia.

Tan revealed that his girlfriend works next to him at the stall. He explained that hiring more staff is difficult due to financial constraints.

He also expressed gratitude to his partner for supporting the business and helping with day-to-day operations.

What advice does she have for others?

Asked what he would say to people considering a similar leap of faith, Tan encouraged them to remain optimistic.

“Don’t give up so easily. The door will always be open for you. You know, one day if it doesn’t work out, I’ll always find some other things to do,” he said.

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He also stressed the importance of maintaining good health.

“A break is important, too. If the cooking makes me sick, as it very often does, I’ll prioritize my health.”

How did social networks react?

The story quickly drew reactions from viewers.

One person commented: “AI can replace the job of a software engineer, but it cannot replace a Hokkien Mee hawker.”

Another wrote: “I’m the chef-owner of a BBQ restaurant on the beach but I still have my lab behind the restaurant and I do hardware engineering, you can do both boy.”

A third user said: “Just saying this has got to be one of the best Hokkien mee I’ve ever tasted.”

A fourth added: “I think you’re doing well because you’re one of the most sincere and honest vendors in Singapore! It probably shows in your food. Go ahead and be kind to your girlfriend too.”

In a previous interview with Business Insider, Tan said his parents supported his decision, but they weren’t sure how long he would continue.

“My parents were supportive, but they had doubts about how long I could last. They said, ‘You’ve worked in air-conditioned spaces all your life. Can you actually handle the heat?’

Although his parents believed he might quit after three months, Tan has been running his Umami Bomb food stall in Singapore’s Geylang district for more than a year.

How has his lifestyle changed?

Leaving a high-paying tech job required some adjustments.

“I had to reduce my lifestyle because my earnings are lower than when I was doing software work. I cut down on food expenses and mainly cook at home,” Tan said.

He also admitted that running a small business affected his personal life.

“I have much less time for my friends and family and my social life has been affected because I work every day. If I decide to go on holiday I have to sacrifice my income.”