I’d be lying if I say I never thought that being unemployed is something that would happen with me. Having worked in startups my entire life, one of the fears or rather, the realities, has always been that you could lose your job at any moment. It’s an inherent risk in the startup ecosystem where fluctuations in the market can lead to swift changes in personnel. As fate would have it, that’s precisely what happened to me.

Now, given the current situation, the context feels even more precarious. The markets are historically low, casting a shadow over the economic landscape. The United States is grappling with a recession, which has far-reaching implications not only for consumers but for businesses as well. The Indian market, once a beacon of hope for many investors, doesn’t seem to be on a path to recovery either. It feels like we are caught in a storm where startup fundings are at an all-time low, and the enthusiasm that once surrounded new ventures has waned considerably.

Startups are now finding it increasingly challenging to raise new funding rounds, often doing so at lower valuations than before. This shift forces many emerging companies to rethink their strategies and operations, frequently leading to layoffs and restructuring. The very essence of innovation—a hallmark of the startup environment—seems to be under threat. As someone deeply entrenched in this world, it is a sobering realization that the landscape has shifted so dramatically, and I find myself navigating the uncertain waters of unemployment, which, until recently, felt like an abstract fear rather than a tangible reality I would have to face. The future feels uncertain, and it compels me to reassess my path forward in these turbulent times.

So what did I do once I lost my job?

I invited friends over and left for a vacation. This is the first time in ages that I was on a vacation where there were no slack pings, no late night emails, and no war room discussions while on a hike. The serenity of the mountains and the rhythm of the waves at the beach were truly liberating, a stark contrast to the constant buzz of my usual routine. I now feel that all the other vacations I took weren’t really a vacation since I was always occupied mentally with something related to work.

It dawned on me that I had been using vacations as mere breaks rather than genuine escapes. This time, the absence of distractions allowed me to fully immerse myself in the present moment, reconnecting with my surroundings and enjoying the simple pleasures of life, like good food, laughter with friends, and breathtaking views.

Whenever one is in between jobs, I would highly recommend taking some time off. It’s an opportunity for self-reflection and realignment, allowing oneself to recharge without the shadow of work obligations. This break not only rejuvenates the body and mind but also enhances creativity and perspective. So many of us forget the importance of stepping away, and this experience has reinforced how valuable it is to disconnect and just live fully, if only for a little while.

Why was I not worried?

What’s next?

I will, of course, start hunting for a new job – I already have set up a few interviews and am in the final stages of discussion. If things are aligned, the next time I post here, I should already have a job. I am still okay with not having a regular income for the next three months, though I remain confident that I would be employed pretty soon.

However, here’s what’s exciting. I have been contemplating getting into farming for the last five years. There have been numerous challenges along the way. For instance, I have faced financial constraints that made it difficult to afford to buy land. Moreover, acquiring farming land often requires having a farming license, which added another layer of complexity to my plans. Additionally, the idea of jumping into full-time farming without a steady income has also been daunting.

After reflecting on these challenges, I’ve decided to approach my dream of farming gradually and carefully. Instead of waiting until I can fully commit to it, I plan to start small, experimenting with various aspects of farming in a way that fits my current lifestyle and financial situation. I believe this method will allow me to learn the ropes without overwhelming myself.

To document this adventure, I will post about my journey on the blog. I look forward to sharing my experiences, from the hurdles I face to the successes I achieve, and hopefully inspire others who are considering a similar path. Through this blog, I aim to foster a community around aspiring farmers, sharing tips, resources, and encouragement along the way. As I navigate through this exciting yet challenging transition, I hope to connect with like-minded individuals who can provide insights and support.