BY VANI GAJBHIYE – FOUNDER OF NEURAL DESIGN WORK LLP | 10th July 2025
From Corporate Cubicle to Creative Classrooms:
Why I Left a 10-Year IT Career to Become an Entrepreneur
“Change is scary. But regret is worse.”
After spending a decade climbing the corporate ladder in top multinational companies, I made a decision that many considered irrational, I walked away from the comfort, stability, and predictability of the IT world.
What awaited me was uncertainty, risk, and a completely uncharted territory: entrepreneurship in creative education.
This post is not just about career change — it’s about listening to your inner voice, choosing impact over income (at least initially) and finding fulfilment beyond job title.
My Life in the IT World
My corporate journey began with ambition and curiosity. I had the privilege of working with some of the world’s top MNCs, where I gained:
- Technical Expertise
- Project Management Skills
- Experience with global teams and high-stakes deadlines
The pay check was good, the perks were better, and the path was clear.
Yet, something was missing.
There was a part of me that longed to do more to work closer with people, to make a difference in their lives, and to build something of my own.
The Moment Everything Shifted
"Is this really how I want to spend the next 10, 20 years of my life?"
I started noticing how much I enjoyed mentoring interns, guiding freshers, and helping people find their path. That spark of guidance of watching someone transform because of your input was powerful.
And I wanted more of it.
The Leap Into Entrepreneurship
Leaving my job wasn’t easy. It meant:
- Giving up a stable income
- Facing scepticism from friends and family
- Stepping into a completely new industry creative education
But I had a vision.
I wanted to create a space where students of all ages could explore the worlds of animation, VFX, gaming, graphics and web designing, photography, editing and more — guided by mentors, not just manuals.
I founded a professional education institute. It wasn’t just a business — it was a mission to build confidence, foster creativity, and shape careers.
8 Years Later: Lessons From the Frontline
As an entrepreneur and mentor, I’ve now worked with over 400 students.
Here’s what I focused on beyond teaching tools and software:
✅ Career Counselling
✅ Portfolio Building
✅ Personal Development and Grooming
✅ Interview Readiness and Placement Support
What began as an education centre has evolved into a launchpad for life transformation.
Every student’s journey reminded me why I left the comfort of corporate life — to create real impact.
A New Chapter Begins: Sharing My Story
Today, I’m starting this blog for two reasons:
- To Share My Journey
The wins, the mistakes, the insights all of it. - To Help Others
If you’re stuck in a job that doesn’t fulfil you or dream of starting something of your own, I want to offer you a roadmap, raw truths, and encouragement.
Final Thoughts: It's Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself
Leaving the IT world to become an entrepreneur was the hardest — and best decision I’ve ever made.
It reconnected me with purpose, gave me control over my time, and allowed me to impact lives not just systems.
This blog is my way of mentoring at scale. I’ll be writing about:
✨ Career Reinvention
✨ Personal Development
✨ Creative Entrepreneurship
✨ Lessons from the classroom and beyond
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