When most people dream of stability, one young man from Rajasthan decided to chase something different — freedom.
At just 26, he walked away from a comfortable corporate job that paid him around ₹1.3 lakh every month. Today, a year later, he earns more than ₹2.5 lakh a month running homestays across Rajasthan. But as he says, “it wasn’t an overnight success.”
His journey — full of self-doubt, trial and error, and eventually triumph — has inspired thousands online after he shared it on Reddit.
Leaving A Comfortable Job For Something Uncertain
The Rajasthan man’s story started with a decision that most people would find terrifying — quitting a stable, high-paying job without having a guaranteed plan.
He shared that he wasn’t unhappy in his career, but something inside him wanted more. He wanted the freedom to travel, to meet new people, and to build something of his own rather than sit behind a desk every day.
“I didn’t have a grand plan,” he wrote. “Just a desire to build something on my own and travel more.”
That simple dream became the foundation for what would later turn into a thriving business.
The Scary Beginning
Leaving a monthly salary behind is easier said than done.
The first few months were difficult for him. There were times when he barely made enough to cover his expenses. Some weeks were good, others were painfully quiet. He admitted that he often questioned his decision.
“The first few months were full of doubt and uneven income. Honestly, it was very scary at times,” he wrote.
But instead of giving up, he used that phase to learn — how to manage bookings, handle guests, maintain properties, and price his stays competitively. Every mistake taught him something new.
He relied on his savings to get through those tough early days and focused on making each guest’s stay memorable. Slowly, his efforts began to pay off.
Success After A Year Of Hard Work
After about a year of consistent effort, things began to change. His listings on Airbnb started to get attention. Guests left positive reviews, and bookings began to increase.
This month, he earned around ₹2.18 lakh from Airbnb bookings alone. His total income, including other platforms, crossed ₹2.5 lakh — nearly double what he earned in his previous job.
The best part? He did it on his own terms, doing something he truly enjoys.
“Not an Overnight Success”
He was quick to clarify that his success didn’t happen instantly.
“It took savings, patience, slow months, and learning everything the hard way,” he shared. “Posting here as a milestone because a year ago I was scared and uncertain, and reading posts like these helped me believe it was possible.”
His honesty struck a chord with thousands of readers who saw his post. Many said his story gave them courage to follow their own passions.
What Made His Business Work
Rajasthan is one of India’s most popular travel destinations, known for its forts, palaces, desert landscapes, and vibrant culture. For a creative and hardworking person, it’s the perfect place to start a hospitality business.
Here’s what worked for him:
- Tourism potential: Rajasthan attracts millions of tourists every year. Good homestays with authentic local experiences are always in demand.
- Personal touch: Guests appreciated his friendly nature, attention to detail, and the local charm of his properties.
- Online platforms: Airbnb and similar sites helped him reach guests easily without needing expensive marketing.
- Continuous improvement: He kept improving his homestays — better decor, better service, and more transparency.
These small but steady improvements helped him build credibility and a loyal customer base.
Lessons from His Journey
His experience offers valuable takeaways for anyone who’s ever thought of quitting their job to follow a dream:
- Have some savings first. The first few months may be slow, so financial backup is essential.
- Be patient. It took him a year to see real growth. Don’t expect quick results.
- Keep learning. Running a business means handling everything — from marketing to maintenance.
- Start small. Begin with one property or one project. Expand when you’re ready.
- Don’t fear failure. Mistakes are part of learning.
- Focus on quality. Good service and happy guests are the best marketing you can have.
Social Media Reactions
His post quickly became popular online. People from across the country congratulated him for having the courage to leave the corporate grind and create something meaningful.
“Congratulations on avoiding the rat race. You proved that hard work and self-belief can pay off,” one user commented.
Another wrote, “It takes courage to give up a paying job and start fresh. You deserve every bit of this success.”
Many said his journey reminded them that it’s okay to take risks if it means living a more fulfilling life.
Life After Quitting The 9-to-5
Today, his routine looks very different from the one he had a year ago. He wakes up without the pressure of office deadlines, spends his days managing his properties, meeting travellers, and exploring new destinations.
He admits the business has its own challenges — seasonal dips in bookings, maintenance issues, and the constant effort to keep guests happy. But for him, it’s worth it.
Now, his income is not just higher — it’s also more meaningful. Every rupee he earns is the result of his own work, creativity, and persistence.
What Others Can Learn From Him
If you’ve ever dreamed of leaving your job to start something of your own, his story offers a realistic roadmap.
- Prepare before you leap. Don’t quit in a hurry. Save enough and understand what you’re getting into.
- Choose something you truly enjoy. Passion matters when times get tough.
- Be ready for ups and downs. Business income can be unpredictable, but consistency helps.
- Don’t compare your journey. Success comes at different times for different people.
- Believe in yourself. Confidence and patience are your biggest assets.
The Bigger Picture
His story reflects a growing trend among India’s youth — many professionals are rethinking the idea of success. More people are realizing that money alone isn’t enough; flexibility, freedom, and happiness matter too.
Homestays and small travel businesses have become a great option for those who love hosting and meeting new people. Platforms like Airbnb have made it easier for individuals to turn homes into income-generating assets.
In a state like Rajasthan, where tourism is always strong, his decision makes perfect sense. What started as a personal experiment has now turned into a sustainable business — and maybe even a source of inspiration for many others.
The Meaning Of Success
A year ago, he was working long hours in a corporate office. Today, he’s his own boss, earning more money while doing something he loves.
But for him, success isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about the freedom to live life on his terms.
He says, “The best part is waking up every day knowing that I’m building something that’s mine.”
That’s what real success looks like — not just financial growth, but personal satisfaction, freedom, and peace of mind.
