Young Bengaluru techie just quit his high-paying Google job. His next one-year plan is not to work anywhere or set up a startup. 'Hats off to you', say netizens

A software professional from Bengaluru has drawn widespread attention online after revealing that he chose to step away from his role at Google to spend a year exploring life outside the traditional corporate framework. The decision, both bold and unconventional, has sparked conversations about career paths and personal fulfillment.

Harshit Sharma, who had been employed at the tech giant for two years, shared a thoughtful reflection on LinkedIn outlining why he decided to leave a week agao. He described the choice as emotionally mixed, explaining that walking away meant parting not only from a stable position but also from meaningful relationships and memorable experiences built during his time there.

He reminisced about the everyday joys that made his workplace special—casual games, lively Friday gatherings, frequent coffee breaks, and spontaneous moments of laughter with colleagues. Evenings spent socializing after work and the camaraderie shared with teammates were among the things he admitted would be hardest to leave behind.


At the same time, he expressed a deep sense of liberation. Reflecting on his life so far, he acknowledged that he had been following a structured and predictable route—focusing on academics, pursuing engineering, securing a well-paying tech role, and striving for societal validation. While he had fulfilled these expectations successfully, he felt the need to break away from this linear journey and introduce a new direction into his life story.

To make this transition possible, Sharma revealed that he had been saving money consistently over the past four years. This financial planning allowed him to take a calculated risk. After discussing his plans with his parents, he committed to a one-year period dedicated to exploration. The understanding was clear: if he failed to transform any of his interests into a sustainable career within that timeframe, he would return to the technology sector.

During this sabbatical, he intends to travel, immerse himself in creative pursuits such as music and dance, guide students, and reconnect with people beyond professional circles. He emphasized that even if his experiment does not lead to a new vocation, the experiences gained would be invaluable. On the other hand, discovering a deeper sense of purpose would be an ideal outcome.

His story resonated strongly with online audiences. Many admired his willingness to step away from security in pursuit of self-discovery. Several users highlighted the courage required to take such a leap, while others encouraged those with similar opportunities to explore life beyond routine careers. Some also noted that while not every experiment leads to a breakthrough, the journey itself can offer clarity, growth, and a renewed sense of direction.

"It takes lot of courage to take this step so hats off to you... Wishing you all the luck in journey ahead," read one comment.

As per his LinkedIn profile, he is a graduate from Jamia Millia Islamia and worked as a Software Engineer at Google.