More than six years ago, I graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science and took a job at IBM. Today is my last day. So where am I going next? Good question…
When I was twelve years old, I came home from school one day and decided I wanted to create a video game. I found an application on our home computer called QBASIC and discovered that I could use it to program my game. After a few hours of looking at the built-in help file and scouring the list of commands, I had my first program. Over the next few years, I had an insatiable desire to create. I programmed everything from a 3D basketball shoot-out game to a utility that allowed you to copy large files using multiple floppy disks. I even created my own version of Microsoft Windows (minus the actual operating system) complete with a start menu, control panel, built-in screensavers, and the ability to install other applications.
At this point you should be picturing a little Indian boy with nerdy glasses and a fuzzy mustache. Yes – there was something that kept me glued to that computer. It wasn’t simply the satisfaction of being able to program; it was the opportunity to figure things out and turn ideas into reality. And somehow, over the years, I’ve lost touch with that.
Now don’t get me wrong: These past 6 years of working at IBM were extremely valuable. Working at a large company provided me with a tremendous amount of experience in terms of collaborating with a variety of teams and delivering complex software. I worked on a number of interesting projects and I am very proud of what I accomplished there. I also continue to have an enormous amount of respect and admiration for IBM as a company. That said, I always knew that I was not doing what I really wanted to be doing. I didn’t feel like I was exercising my full potential. And I constantly felt like I was waiting for something big to happen.
So back to the original question. Where am I going next? The answer is nowhere. I am going to start my own software company.
I can’t tell you exactly what my company is going to do because I don’t know yet. Like that 12-year-old kid, I just need to figure it out. Instead of geeky little games and utilities, though, I’m going to search for a real problem and solve it. Don’t expect the next Google or Facebook, or anything remotely close. I just want to create software that has a positive effect on peoples’ lives.
As you can imagine, the decision to leave my job was difficult. I must thank my wife, Varsha, for two reasons: 1) Being incredible in general, 2) Being incredibly supportive. The night before I announced my decision to leave IBM, I asked her if what I am doing is crazy. Her response:
“Yes, but it’s the crazy people who change the world.”
So here I am with the opportunity of a lifetime. To get back to what I love doing. To take control of my own destiny. And to change the world – even if only in some small and immeasurable way.
Wish me luck!
New blog post: Call me crazy. I just quit my job. http://bit.ly/elGQzp
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Best of luck to you!
@Sonja Thanks! I’ll need the luck π
Congratulations! Nothing but win: RT @anilchawla: New blog post: Call me crazy. I just quit my job. http://bit.ly/elGQzp
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Good luck Anil…. really admire the courage you have to take that step where we all get stuck at. I am sure whatever you do it will work out well ! Happy coding ! π
@Payal – I appreciate it! I’m glad I ran into you earlier this morning. I apologize because I was in a rush, but we should definitely get together sometime.
Woohoo! Good luck.
Awesome! Good luck to you with your company. I wish I can do that!
@Raghu Some day you will. Your blog is my inspiration!
Congrats! RT @anilchawla: New blog post: Call me crazy. I just quit my job. http://bit.ly/elGQzp
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Congratulations and good luck !
@Maitrie @Jimmy Thanks!!!
Congrats and good luck! Rooting for you. RT @anilchawla: New blog-Call me crazy. I just quit my job. http://bit.ly/elGQzp
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BEst of luck, man! I can’t wait to see what comes of this. Be sure to swing on the by the Argyle offices, you’re always welcome π
@Adam – thanks! I’ll be sure to crash Argyle headquarters in the near future
Congrats! Go build something great. RT @anilchawla New blog post: Call me crazy. I just quit my job. http://bit.ly/elGQzp
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SO proud of my geek! π RT @anilchawla: New blog post: Call me crazy. I just quit my job. http://bit.ly/elGQzp
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Go be extraordinary! RT @anilchawla: New blog post: Call me crazy. I just quit my job. http://bit.ly/elGQzp
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That is fantastic! Good luck! RT @anilchawla: New blog post: Call me crazy. I just quit my job. http://bit.ly/elGQzp
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Good luck!
Make smart, data driven choices and you’ll be just fine.
@Dan Totally agree – need to stay disciplined and make decisions based on data!
β@anilchawla: New blog post: Call me crazy. I just quit my job. http://bit.ly/elGQzpβ
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Congrats!!! And Varsha has sage knowledge: βYes, but itβs the crazy people who change the world.β <-love it.
@Marcie Yes – her response was instantaneous too. She is wise beyond her years!
Way to go Anil!!! so proud of you. Life is too short not to go crazy π Keep us updated on your next move
@Karine “Life is too short not to go crazy” – absolutely!
Best of luck in your new venture! Maybe we’ve started a crazy trend here in Raleigh, eh?
@Brian Yes sir – day jobs are overrated π Let’s hope this trend is one that lasts…
Call me crazy. I just quit my job. http://t.co/fmMvZ6M via @anilchawla
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Congrats! RT @anilchawla New blog post: Call me crazy. I just quit my job. http://bit.ly/elGQzp
This comment was originally posted onTwitter
Congrats Anil, takes a lot of courage to step into the unknown. Good Luck in the future, no matter what, the experience will make you a better person in the long run.
@Alan thanks – I am excited about what awaits. It will truly be a learning experience.
Goodluck brother in law, go for it…awesome
@rtchawla Yes, I did. Details here: http://bit.ly/elGQzp
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Good Luck Anil! I look forward to reading updates in your blog.
Damn!! Its a BIG decision, but I hope you become the next Mr. Gates!!
God Bless, bro!!
Good Luck Anil!
Be Happy, Be great!
Anil & Varsha–
Wow, that’s a big step. It’s great to see someone actually taking it.
Anil, it’s very cool to hear that you want to pursue what you care about. It’s a process, for sure, to find “it,” but when you do, there’s no going back. And Varsha, it’s awesome that you’re supporting Anil! That’s special.
I recommend Linchpin by Seth Godin, if you haven’t read it yet.
Dipika
@DK I have not read Linchpin but it looks like a great one to put on the reading list. Thanks!
Good for you! Like Marcie, your wife’s quote stuck out at me. I’m all about changing the world, making a difference. Go be that difference, Man. You CAN do it! Best wishes to you both! π
BIG Props & many congrats to @anilchawala for taking a HUGE leap & to his wife for supporting it.: http://ow.ly/3m1dc
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BIG Props & many congrats to @anilchawla for taking a HUGE leap & to his wife for supporting it.: http://ow.ly/3m1ip
This comment was originally posted onTwitter
Good Luck, and props for having the guts and drive to follow your dream!
That’s great. I solute you for having the courage to live the life you want. And you’re very fortunate (as you know) for having a supportive spouse. There’s no doing something this big without that. Hooray!
@Christine @Lisa Absolutely. Varsha is not only supporting *me* but she really is taking the journey with me. She has been my advisor for many years and I will be depending on her even more as I move ahead.
Life #Hustle > Corporate Work RT @anilchawla: New blog post: Call me crazy. I just quit my job. http://bit.ly/elGQzp
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Wow. That’s awesome!
Follow your Passion!
I’m crazy too b/c I did the same.
I kinda think Billy Joel understands me http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo9t5XK0FhA