She bought her first car at 24, started investing early, and then quit work. Ankur Warikoo on how his wife, Ruchi, redefined success
Ankur Warikoo's LinkedIn post highlights his wife Ruchi's unconventional definition of success, emphasizing control, choice, and emotional wellbeing over traditional metrics. Her journey showcases a deliberate path of career shifts, motherhood, an...
By ET Online | Updated:
Success is often measured in promotions, pay hikes, and long career ladders. But Ankur Warikoo’s recent LinkedIn post challenges that idea in a quiet, powerful way. Through the story of his wife, Ruchi, he shares a different definition of success, one rooted in control, choice, and emotional well-being. Her journey is not about constant upward movement, but about knowing when to move, when to pause, and when to change direction without guilt.
Ankur Warikoo shared that he first met Ruchi when they were both just 19. At the time, he believed they were complete opposites. While he had clearly defined goals and plans for his future, she appeared to be someone who went with the flow. Over time, however, he realised that this perception was wrong. Ruchi was never drifting through life. She was always in control of it.
She began earning money while still in school by giving tuition classes. Instead of depending on others, she funded her own college education and continued working throughout her college years. She went on to complete a Master’s degree, secured a strong job, and reached several financial milestones early in life. She bought her first car at the age of 24 and began investing at the same age, laying the foundation for long-term financial independence.
Ruchi worked professionally for 8 years before making a decision many people fear: she quit. She took a month to travel, then embraced motherhood. For the next three years, she chose to fully devote herself to raising her child. Later, when she felt ready, she returned to work, but on her own terms. Instead of chasing high salaries, she worked as a sales agent for creative outfits and also contributed to an organic farm that helped people build sustainable livelihoods.
Ankur Warikoo shared that he first met Ruchi when they were both just 19. At the time, he believed they were complete opposites. While he had clearly defined goals and plans for his future, she appeared to be someone who went with the flow. Over time, however, he realised that this perception was wrong. Ruchi was never drifting through life. She was always in control of it.
She began earning money while still in school by giving tuition classes. Instead of depending on others, she funded her own college education and continued working throughout her college years. She went on to complete a Master’s degree, secured a strong job, and reached several financial milestones early in life. She bought her first car at the age of 24 and began investing at the same age, laying the foundation for long-term financial independence.
Ruchi worked professionally for 8 years before making a decision many people fear: she quit. She took a month to travel, then embraced motherhood. For the next three years, she chose to fully devote herself to raising her child. Later, when she felt ready, she returned to work, but on her own terms. Instead of chasing high salaries, she worked as a sales agent for creative outfits and also contributed to an organic farm that helped people build sustainable livelihoods.
At that stage, she earned around Rs 20,000 a month, nearly one-tenth of what she had earned a decade earlier. But the drop in income did not bother her. According to Ankur Warikoo, she chose work that aligned with what she wanted at that point in her life, not what society expected her to want.
Three years ago, Ankur asked Ruchi if she would manage his professional work. She agreed. He shared that he remains in awe of the control she has always exercised over her life, not the other way around. They have been together for over two decades, and through every phase, her core goal has stayed unchanged.
In his LinkedIn caption, Ankur Warikoo described Ruchi as the happiest person he knows. He reflected on how her happiness remained constant whether she was growing up without money or living comfortably today. Whether life felt hopeless or full of opportunity, she consciously chose happiness. For her, success was never defined by titles or income, but by staying aligned with her values.
Ankur Warikoo wrote that Ruchi always knew what success meant to her and never lost sight of it, regardless of external opinions. Watching her journey taught him that a life lived in pursuit of one’s own definition of success is a life well lived.
Three years ago, Ankur asked Ruchi if she would manage his professional work. She agreed. He shared that he remains in awe of the control she has always exercised over her life, not the other way around. They have been together for over two decades, and through every phase, her core goal has stayed unchanged.
In his LinkedIn caption, Ankur Warikoo described Ruchi as the happiest person he knows. He reflected on how her happiness remained constant whether she was growing up without money or living comfortably today. Whether life felt hopeless or full of opportunity, she consciously chose happiness. For her, success was never defined by titles or income, but by staying aligned with her values.
Ankur Warikoo wrote that Ruchi always knew what success meant to her and never lost sight of it, regardless of external opinions. Watching her journey taught him that a life lived in pursuit of one’s own definition of success is a life well lived.
Internet reacts
The post sparked thoughtful reactions online. Many users said defining success on one’s own terms brings deep peace and clarity. Some felt that choosing happiness regardless of circumstances is a rare and underrated skill. Others pointed out that real success lies in outcomes like joy, not outputs such as salary or titles, and praised Ruchi’s journey as a lesson in staying committed to what truly matters. A few even described her approach as mastering life by setting her own rules.Download
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