'Feel like a failure': Indian who spent 12 years in Germany says her hard work 'bore no fruit'. Ankur Warikoo and netizens react

An Indian woman has shared the emotional toll of spending 12 years in Germany pursuing a career in biology and biotechnology, describing how her years of hard work “have borne no fruits” and left her feeling disappointed in herself. The message, sent in a mail to entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo, was later shared by him on X, sparking widespread discussion about career choices, self-worth, and the courage to pivot.

Dreams of Becoming a Scientist Fade

The woman moved to Germany at the age of 23 to pursue higher studies in biology and biotechnology. What began as a dream of becoming a scientist gradually turned into disappointment, as she lost her passion during her Master’s thesis and faced repeated professional setbacks.


“Being a foreigner is not easy at all,” she wrote. Despite learning German while in Bengaluru, she faced several toxic workplaces where she felt “overworked, underpaid, underappreciated, mentally harassed and even bore the physical brunt.”

Personal Struggles Intensify Career Challenges

Her struggles escalated in 2023 when her mother was diagnosed with cancer. While visiting Bengaluru, she extended her stay to support her family, only to be fired upon returning to Germany.

Highlighting the irony of her situation, she noted that her employer specialised in cancer immunotherapy. After more than a decade abroad, she said she still earned significantly less than peers in other fields and had not achieved her childhood dreams.

“I feel like a failure as I am unable to even reach the first step of my dreams from childhood. I live almost hand to mouth. No matter how many skills I acquire or how skilled I am, I seem to never go ahead in life,” she wrote, describing the situation as “utterly disappointing.”

Ankur Warikoo’s Advice: Imagine Life at 80

Responding to her mail, Ankur Warikoo encouraged her to imagine herself at the age of 80 looking back on her life. He urged her to consider whether she would regret staying in circumstances that no longer aligned with her values.

“You don’t want to say, ‘I wish I had not tolerated this life for longer than I did. I wish I had the courage to listen to myself,’” he wrote. “That would be a tragic life, isn’t it?”

Social Media Reacts: Rethinking Success and Career Pivots

The X post resonated with many users, prompting discussions on career pivots, self-worth, and the meaning of success.

One user commented, “We glorify ‘don’t give up.’ We rarely talk about ‘maybe this isn’t your path anymore.’ Pivoting isn’t quitting. It’s evolving.”

Another wrote, “If the soil hasn't yielded fruit after 12 years, it’s time to change the ground, not your self-worth. Go where you are valued, be with those you love, and stop trading your soul for a dream that no longer serves you.”

Others highlighted the value of international experience, noting that even challenging work abroad builds perspective, multitasking skills, and cultural sensitivity, even if the path ultimately does not fulfil personal goals.

The story revolves around the idea that success is not just about income or position, but about having the courage to change course when your current path no longer aligns with your values. It emphasises the importance of prioritising self-worth and embracing new opportunities when necessary.