Bengaluru-based engineer Varun Hasija, who quit his high-paying product management job that fetched him over ₹1 crore a year, has gone viral online. What makes his story different is that he has taken a break from his decade-long career without having another job lined up. Hasija’s journey on X (formerly Twitter) has struck a chord with many, triggering a widespread debate.
In October, Hasija walked away from what he called a “cushy, high-paying” job, a move that might seem impulsive to many. However, he clarified, “This was not a rash decision. It was the result of a structured framework I’ve followed throughout my career.” He emphasized the importance of taking a real break, something he had never done in his 10 years of professional life.
Planning For The Leap
Before taking this big leap, Hasija involved his wife, a professor, in his decision-making process. “We sat down together and carefully assessed our financial situation over two to three months,” he recalls. “We created a basic Excel sheet to track all expenses—rent, groceries, insurance, eating out, travel, and more. Each month, we categorized them into ‘must-haves’ and ‘good-to-haves’,” he explained.
After months of tracking, the couple finally settled on a comfortable monthly budget to sustain their lifestyle. In order to be ready for the uncertain job market, they multiplied this budget by 12 and saved the amount for at least one year’s expense.
Remain Financially Secure
“We have saved enough to support our basic lifestyle without sacrificing comfort. No unnecessary trips or impulse buys, but if something big comes up, we have our investments as a cushion,” Hasija said. His practicality ensured that the couple could take the break without constantly fretting about money.
Hasija revealed that the job failed to fulfill two of his three career priorities: happiness, impact, and wealth creation. The job was financially rewarding but lacked emotional and intellectual satisfaction. “Sending that resignation email wasn’t easy, but sometimes moving on is necessary,” he said.
Practical Tips For Millennials Who Want To Take Career Break
Hasija has practical advice for those who want to make the same move:
- Avoid Major Expenses: “Ensure you’re not planning a significant purchase like a house that would strain your finances without a steady salary.”
- Involve Your Family: “Taking them into confidence makes the process smoother and reduces stress.”
- Plan a Financial Buffer: “Save enough to fully enjoy your break without constant money worries.”
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