Kritika Verma
Founder of a sustainable fashion brand and advocate for conscious entrepreneurship among young professionals.
Everyone expected me to sit for campus placements, get a good package, and follow the traditional path. Instead, I chose to build my own venture. Here's why.
I looked at the job market and saw something concerning: thousands of qualified graduates competing for limited positions, starting with average salaries, and often doing work that didn't excite them. I wanted more control over my destiny.
No job could give me the breadth of experience I'd get from running my own business. In startups, you're forced to learn finance, marketing, operations, sales, product, tech—everything. That's education money can't buy.
I wanted to solve real problems and create something meaningful. Building a product that helps people gives satisfaction that a salary never could. The impact you create becomes your legacy.
Yes, jobs offer stability. But they also cap your earning potential. With a startup, there's unlimited upside. If you succeed, the rewards—financial and otherwise—are exponentially higher.
Being your own boss means setting your own schedule, choosing who you work with, and deciding what problems to solve. That freedom is priceless, even if it comes with uncertainty.
As a student or recent graduate, you have minimal responsibilities. No EMIs, no dependents, fewer financial obligations. If not now, when? This is the perfect time to take risks and experiment.
Even if my startup fails, the skills I'm building—resilience, problem-solving, leadership, sales, product thinking—are incredibly valuable. These skills will serve me whether I eventually join a company or start another venture.
The startup ecosystem is filled with passionate, driven people. Being part of communities like Leanpreneurs connects you with mentors, co-founders, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs. This network is invaluable.
I'm not saying everyone should skip jobs. For some, a job is the right path. But if you have an itch to build, a problem you're passionate about solving, or dreams bigger than a cubicle—take the leap.
You don't need perfect conditions, massive capital, or anyone's approval to start. Just resourcefulness, relentlessness, and the courage to begin. Start lean, think big, and turn your ambition into action.
Six months into building, I have no regrets. The journey is challenging but incredibly fulfilling. I'm learning, growing, and creating value every single day. That's what makes it worth it.
