Stories of people chasing their passion and building something of their own often dominate social media feeds. But behind the spotlight, there are also stories that serve as cautionary tales—stories where dreams cost more than expected, and where the return to stability feels like the only way forward. A recent post on Reddit offered one such perspective, recounting the real-life account of a man who lost Rs 40 lakh trying to build his business and is now ready to accept even a Rs 15,000 job to get back on his feet.
A Chance Encounter at a Tapri
The incident came to light when a Reddit user shared an experience during a casual tea break at a roadside stall. The tea vendor approached him with a request for help regarding a friend who had fallen on hard times. That friend turned out to be a former telesales employee who once earned Rs 26,000 a month with incentives. Hoping to do better, he had quit his job to start a mobile phone shop in a well-known locality.
Backed by big dreams, he invested heavily—hiring staff, setting up a fully-equipped shop, and buying costly tools. But despite all efforts, the business failed to pick up. In two years, he had lost Rs 40 lakh, with no staff left and his savings wiped out. The only thing he now had to show for the effort was a résumé, which he handed over in hopes of landing any job, even if it paid just Rs 15,000–Rs 20,000.
The Other Side of ‘Follow Your Dreams’
The Reddit user, who was taken aback by the story, decided to share it not to discourage ambition, but to highlight the risks that often go unspoken. While social media is filled with phrases like “go big or go home,” stories of loss and financial ruin rarely find a voice. He emphasised that taking risks is not wrong, but going all-in without proper planning or backup can have lasting consequences.
In his reflection, the Reddit user stressed that it’s okay to move slowly, especially when one is the sole earning member of the family. He pointed out that if the man had limited his investment to Rs 5–6 lakh, there may have been room for recovery. But by putting everything into the venture, the margin for error disappeared.
A Chance Encounter at a Tapri
The incident came to light when a Reddit user shared an experience during a casual tea break at a roadside stall. The tea vendor approached him with a request for help regarding a friend who had fallen on hard times. That friend turned out to be a former telesales employee who once earned Rs 26,000 a month with incentives. Hoping to do better, he had quit his job to start a mobile phone shop in a well-known locality.
Backed by big dreams, he invested heavily—hiring staff, setting up a fully-equipped shop, and buying costly tools. But despite all efforts, the business failed to pick up. In two years, he had lost Rs 40 lakh, with no staff left and his savings wiped out. The only thing he now had to show for the effort was a résumé, which he handed over in hopes of landing any job, even if it paid just Rs 15,000–Rs 20,000.
The Other Side of ‘Follow Your Dreams’
The Reddit user, who was taken aback by the story, decided to share it not to discourage ambition, but to highlight the risks that often go unspoken. While social media is filled with phrases like “go big or go home,” stories of loss and financial ruin rarely find a voice. He emphasised that taking risks is not wrong, but going all-in without proper planning or backup can have lasting consequences.
In his reflection, the Reddit user stressed that it’s okay to move slowly, especially when one is the sole earning member of the family. He pointed out that if the man had limited his investment to Rs 5–6 lakh, there may have been room for recovery. But by putting everything into the venture, the margin for error disappeared.
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