'Cubicles to cliffs': Bengaluru woman quits unfulfilling corporate job; finds peace serving chai to strangers at her Himalayan cafe

For many people stuck in traffic, meetings and never-ending deadlines, the dream is familiar: quit the job, move somewhere quieter and start over. A recent Instagram post by Apeksha Jain has put that dream back into the spotlight.

The former Product Manager shared a video titled "quitting your corporate job in Bangalore to running cafe in the mountains", tagging Spiti Valley as the current location, offering a glimpse into a life that looks very different from the one she once lived.

In her caption, she reflected on walking away from corporate life after feeling disconnected from herself. "Somewhere between deadlines and deliverables in Bangalore, I stopped recognizing myself. So I left. Not for a 'perfect life'... but for a real one."

She went on to describe her new routine: "Now my mornings look like this—serving chai, talking to strangers, breathing a little deeper. It's not glamorous every day... but it finally feels like mine."

The post ended with a question: "Would you ever trade stability for peace?"

Bangalore Woman's Story Resonates With So Many People: User reactions

The video quickly attracted attention from users who saw their own aspirations reflected in the story.

Many comments came from people who said they often think about leaving corporate jobs to build something of their own.

One user wrote: "Many are still dreaming it but you made it, girl, you made dream of many ❤️ gooo girllll! ��"

Another commented: "Yes I am on verge of quitting my corporate life and build something of my own, that would be my pride ❤️"

'Running A Mountain Cafe Better Than Working A Corporate Job'

While many celebrated the decision, others questioned whether the reality is as simple as it appears online.

One commenter raised a point that quickly caught attention: "Many people have this dream, but I am curious about one thing. Loving mountain and living there is one thing, but running a cafe or restaurant or homestay is not the same headache as a job (or more)? Working in the city and going to mountain for few weeks vs staying in mountain and constant pressure of running a business and managing finance, which one is more enjoyable?"

Running a business comes with its own challenges, from managing finances and operations to dealing with uncertainty—issues many entrepreneurs know well.

Responding to the comment, the former corporate employee offered a simple perspective: "It depends on which phase of life one is at... so it is about choosing your hard at the moment."

More Professionals Dreaming Of Leaving Corporate Life

The comments section soon filled with personal stories from people either planning a similar move or already living it.

One user shared: "I quit my job in Mumbai and now I have coffee shop in Shimla, earning 1.50 lacs per month."

Others spoke about wanting to leave corporate careers someday, while some admitted they were still gathering the courage to take that step.

For some, success means stability and a predictable career path.

For others, it means building something of their own—even if it comes with uncertainty.

And that may explain why the post resonated so widely. Beneath the mountain views and cups of chai was a question many people quietly ask themselves after another long day at work:

If you had the chance, would you choose stability—or peace?

(Disclaimer: This article is based on a viral social media post and online reactions. The Economic Times cannot independently verify the authenticity of the content and does not claim or endorse it.)