Why This Indian Man Gave Up a $150K JPMorgan Job for a Startup—and Lost 70% of His Pay!

In a bold move that many might find hard to fathom, an Indian man named Semlani traded a lucrative career at **JPMorgan** for the uncertain but invigorating world of startups. This dramatic shift not only changed his professional trajectory but also eventually led him to establish his own business. Semlani's journey underscores the increasing trend of professionals seeking fulfillment over financial security in today’s dynamic job market.

His story began when he enrolled in a 10-day meditation retreat, a decision that came about “on a whim.” It was this retreat, organized by **JPMorgan**, that helped Semlani reevaluate his life choices. “I was two years into my time at **JPMorgan** when I realized how disillusioned I'd become with my life. It felt robotic,” Semlani shared in an interview with **Business Insider**.

After earning a degree in Commerce and Economics from **Sydenham College of Commerce & Economics** in Mumbai, Semlani moved to the United States on a temporary work visa. He started his career at **JPMorgan** in 2015 as an intern. Over the years, he climbed the corporate ladder to become an associate in the asset management department. However, by the age of 26, he found that the daily grind of a 9-to-5 job was no longer satisfying. While his peers aspired to reach vice-president roles by age 30, Semlani felt increasingly trapped in a monotonous routine.

“At 26, every day felt the same. I'd be in the office by 9 am, go to the same meetings, do the same actions, and leave at 7 pm. During that time, I lost friends and relationships,” he recalled. This realization prompted him to leave a world that, while comfortable, lacked personal satisfaction.

The Leap of Faith

During the meditation retreat, Semlani gained the clarity he needed to make a significant life change. He returned home with a resolute mindset that it was time to quit his job. However, this decision was not without its challenges. “I didn't see a future for myself at **JPMorgan**. I had just grown accustomed to the status, validation, and money it provided,” he admitted. The allure of a prestigious title at a globally recognized financial firm and a substantial salary made the thought of leaving even more daunting.

Despite the fear, Semlani decided to confront his doubts. He contemplated what the worst outcome of quitting might be and concluded that he could rebuild his life regardless of the challenges ahead. In February 2018, he handed in his resignation, stepping away from a comfortable corporate role with a hefty salary.

His next move was to join a startup that focused on helping Indian students study abroad, a significant shift that came with a staggering **70% pay cut**. “I took a 70% pay cut to work for a startup that fulfilled me,” he explained. While living with his parents helped him manage expenses, he still had to adjust his lifestyle drastically. Semlani occasionally considered returning to **JPMorgan**, but the personal fulfillment he found in his new role motivated him to persevere.

In late 2019, however, the unthinkable happened—Semlani was laid off from his startup position. Just as he was beginning to process this setback, the COVID-19 lockdown provided him with the unexpected opportunity to focus on an idea he had long contemplated: starting his own business. “I decided to go all in on my startup idea as a co-founder,” he said, reflecting on this pivotal moment.

The initial days of entrepreneurship were fraught with difficulties, including securing funding and navigating the uncertain landscape of a startup. Semlani described the emotional toll, saying, “There was a point in time about six months in where I went to bed crying every day, thinking, ‘When will this end?’ But I'd wake up the next morning and remember that this is what I signed up for. This is what I wanted to do.”

Fast forward to today, Semlani’s company, **Tartan**, has successfully raised **$6 million** in funding, a testament to his resilience and commitment to creating something meaningful. “I left my corporate job and moved cities to join a small-time startup to understand the nitty-gritty of running a business. With the COVID lockdown, I was able to focus in on the idea and build a business plan around it, finally launching **Tartan**,” Semlani explained in an interview with the **Mountbatten Program**.

Semlani's journey exemplifies a growing trend among professionals who prioritize personal fulfillment over corporate accolades. In an era where job satisfaction holds significant value, his story serves as an inspiration for those contemplating a leap toward a more meaningful career.