‘The dumbest thing I’ve done’: Former Microsoft employee on quitting his Rs 1.9 crore job
Quitting a secure, well-paying job has become a popular topic on social media, with many creators talking about choosing passion over a corporate career. But behind those bold decisions are stories that are often far less glamorous. One such account is now drawing attention online after a former Microsoft employee shared how leaving his dream job brought uncertainty, setbacks, and constant self-doubt instead of instant success.Christian Harms, who previously worked at Microsoft in Switzerland, has spoken candidly about his journey after leaving a job that paid $200,000 a year, around Rs 1.9 crore. In a video, he reflected on the difficult months that followed and the lessons he learned while trying to build a new career from scratch.
“The dumbest thing I’ve done”
Harms shared his experience in a video titled My Museum of Failures as a 27-year-old who quit his dream job.Looking back at his decision, he admitted that leaving Microsoft may have been the “dumbest thing I’ve done.”Explaining why, he said the hardest part was not just giving up a high salary. It was also walking away from the stability and identity that came with the job.“Corporate life is designed to make leaving feel stupid,” he said.He added that although “self-doubt still feels suffocating” on some days, he still believes he made the right decision.
Starting over in a new country
After leaving Microsoft at the age of 26, Harms moved to Australia without a fixed plan. He gave himself five months to figure out his next step and spent that time creating content, working with brands and exploring online opportunities.However, things did not unfold the way he had hoped.“I thought I’d be a founder by now,” he said, adding that there are days when he feels he is failing the version of himself that chose to take the leap.
The deadline that finally pushed him
Harms also spoke about the moment he earned his first dollar online.According to him, it happened just one week before he was due to fly back home.Reflecting on that experience, he said, “The deadline did what months of planning couldn’t.”He also admitted, “I only move when my back is against the wall. I hate that.”
The biggest lesson from his journey
Looking back, Harms said one of his biggest mistakes was spending too much time working on an idea before questioning whether it was worth pursuing in the first place.“I spent months building a business before asking if I should build it at all,” he said.He explained that what he called due diligence later felt like “fear with a to-do list,” leaving him with months of directionless work and little to show for it.
Social media reacts
Harms said he is documenting his journey on Instagram to show people what leaving a stable corporate career really looks like.Many users appreciated his honesty and encouraged him to continue.One user commented, “You’re gonna get there brother.”Another wrote, “Sounds brave to me.”A third added, “It gets hard at times but it’s great that you followed your intuition and went for it anyway.”Disclaimer: This article is based on a viral social media post and publicly available comments. Individual experiences and opinions may vary. The Times of India has not independently verified the claims made by the individual featured in the video.Thumb image: Instagram
