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😞 The reality of building a startup is far more challenging, as revealed by a heartfelt confession from a founder who left a lucrative corporate job paying ₹50 LPA to chase his dream. 🚨 The entrepreneur, known as "GrizzledTrillion" on Grapevine, shared his candid journey of leaving a secure role as Vice President of Operations in 2021 to start his own business. Inspired by the allure of LinkedIn posts, podcasts, and success stories of massive valuations, he believed he was destined for greatness. “Job security, weekends off, life sorted. But no, that wasn’t enough. I thought I was wasting my life not building the next big thing,” he reflected. 🚀 💰 Despite raising ₹8.44 crore in seed funding and achieving operational profitability, he faced relentless pressures, sleepless nights, and the mental toll of leadership. 😩 The constant strain took a toll on his relationships 💔, mental health 🧠, and happiness. “I hadn’t slept properly in months. My relationships went to shambles. My mental health? I’ve seen better days,” he confessed. 🥺 Ultimately, he made the tough decision to shut down his startup, realizing that the cost of success was more than he was willing to pay. He admitted to being more enamored with the title of "founder" than with the actual process of entrepreneurship. “Turns out, I just wanted the idea of being a founder,” he wrote. 😔 In his reflection, he shared key lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. He highlighted that the title of "founder" is overrated 🏷️, while the value of stability is often underestimated. He also stressed the importance of prioritizing mental health 💆 and recognizing that entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. “Success doesn’t always mean happiness,” he concluded, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness. His candid story has resonated deeply with many online, sparking conversations about the often-overlooked costs of chasing entrepreneurial dreams. 💭✨ It serves as a powerful reminder that while ambition is important, the journey must align with personal values and well-being. 💡