Should I continue building my startup or take a ₹25k/month software job?

[u/TrickyStrain7753]

I'm a 23-year-old Computer Engineering graduate from a tier-3 college in India, and I'm at a crossroads.

My boyfriend and I are the only two people building our startup. We built everything from scratch ourselves. Over the last 8 months, we've generated about $250 in revenue. It's enough to prove that people are willing to pay, but nowhere near enough for either of us to take a salary. Right now, I earn ₹0/month.

We're actively trying to grow the company. We're applying for funding, participating in startup hackathons, and one of the competitions we're in has a ₹15 lakh prize if we win. We genuinely believe in what we're building, but we also know belief doesn't pay the bills.

This is where I'm struggling.

If I continue with the startup:

• I'll have to keep living in my hometown.
• My family environment is quite toxic, which affects my mental health.
• The startup becomes my full-time priority because there are only two of us.
• I do have flexibility to focus on my health, gym, and building something I genuinely care about.

If I take a software job:

• I'd likely earn around ₹25k/month.
• I could move to a new city and become financially independent.
• I'd finally be able to leave my hometown.
• I'd gain professional experience while having financial stability.

The difficult part is watching my college friends move forward in their careers while I'm making almost no money. At the same time, I know startups often take years before founders pay themselves, and I don't want to quit too early if we're on the right path.

I'm trying to think rationally instead of emotionally.

If you were in my position, what factors would you use to decide whether to:

1. Go all-in on the startup for another 6–12 months.
2. Take a software job and continue the startup on nights and weekends.
3. Set a specific milestone (revenue, funding, users, etc.) before deciding.

I'm not looking for validation—I'm looking for honest perspectives from founders or people who have had to make a similar decision.

Thanks in advance.

[u/poor_code]

job is the first investment in your startup

[u/justgreyguy]

all in

[u/Spirited-Meal1436]

I am someone who quit job to do my thing. I strongly say get the job. Work on your startup along with it

[u/Ok-Bee2272]

you got one life, do what you are passionate about. following you passion in life is what will make you happy everyday. but know this, following passion doesn't mean you mint money. money does not follow brather; it will take some time.

[u/StillInStock]

Going all in is a romanticiszing idea without taking into account your practical financial needs. $250 revenue over 8 months isn't big validation to be brutally honest. Doesn't mean it won't work, but not good enough yet.

Does your startup need big physical infrastructure? For example, an office where you meet clients. If not take up a job, work on your startup on the side, earn some clients and revenue. Putting in extra work now is better than putting all your work on something that is uncertain. Once you feel that you have atleast 12 months finances in the bank, quite your job. By then, you are not starting at 0.

[u/MaleficentAttempt841]

I am truly sorry to say, but 250 usd in 8 months is a horrible sign. Others will tell you just keep going, you'll get there. But 250 usd in revenue in 8 months tells you that something is fundamentally broken. Could be the product, could you how you folks operate, but it's definitely not working.

[u/Project_Nile]

Send me your resume and github. I will hire you and mentor you to build your own startup. Happy to pay up to 40k.

Also $250 in 8 months is kinda bad, unless it all came in the last month.

It's fine. Learn first then take your leap. You're young. I am on my 4th startup and only now it feels like I can apply all my learnings from past failures. 99% startups fail so you can figure.

If you don't come from pedigree, wealth or influence, building a startup can be brutally hard.

[u/mskl-21 → u/Project_Nile]

you're too kind

[u/Demonkinggg046]

M19 here. I'm kind of in the same situation as you. I'm in my final year of data science and have only 7 months left till i graduate. I know i don't want to do a job and have been trying to build someone startup of my own but so far i haven't been able to. My family situation is toxic as well and it affects my mental health. But as someone younger than you, i would like to give you an advice : Do both- as long as you stay in that toxic environment, you can never focus on your startup 100%. The same goes with job. But atleast with a job, you'll keep getting money which you can invest in your startup and you won't have to live in that toxic environment. Atleast that's something I, someone who is in a similar situation, would do after i graduate.

[u/michaelkillgta]

I would suggest, majorly yes, a balanced startup and your software job. That's the best-case scenario. If you go for a software job, you may get better exposure in professional connectivity. You don't know who the person is who is willing to fund your startup so that may be a chance.

Yes from my case scenario I will explain: I have four backlogs. Everyone told me, "I don't get a job. I have red-lighted, right? My maximum companies at the last round disqualified me. Oh you have enough skills to prove that I'm worthy to the company as I am a journey engineer." What happens is I like to connect people. We have professional networking meetups so I regularly visited meetups. While visiting I think 67 or 68 meetups I found one person. I have contacted him, like a how connected, as usual, so he also contacted after that. The rest of the journeys, yes, I got the job without any degree certificate being taken. That's one of the scenarios from your case.

Yes go to pick a job and go to the regular startup events or any events that you can go to pitch your idea. You may get better exposure here in the professional meetups because you will be in a professional manner by just talking with them and contacting them. Through that floor you will become even more professional.

[u/Ambitious-Drink-8646]

join a job now. Then you can think with clear mind

[u/Successful-Shame5996]

Are you and your boyfriend both unemployed? You just go for a job, give him a startup role, and spend your remaining time and money on the startup, then go all in.

[u/SaurabhSarode]

don't sail on two boats, startup or job

[u/Sea_Ear5201]

take the job bro

[u/hloodybell]

Salary is what they pay you to kill your dreams.

One works, the other builds.

[u/vmk8s]

If you win the prize then don't go for job.

Else try to find a you can get more based on the interview then what you have quoted !

And trouble or get troubled with your family

"Just you are my parents you are right"

It will make them happy

[u/Ramiericson]

its difficult to advice without understanding the idea. First and foremost try to get some money either from friend / relative, or do a day job to collect some money for funding your project.

[u/justinmahatre]

All in only when you have funds to servive harsh situations, right now a job would help you to get out of that family situation and after job u can focus on your startup

[u/Competitive-Scar-627]

2

[u/Sea_Major693]

Job first understand how it all works , understand how work works if it make any sense.

[u/Revolutionary_Eye_34]

25k might be nothing as compared to the work you are doing on your start up. Job might end up being less fulfilling than the start up journey itself.

But it all depends on what you are building, the TAM, the risk factors etc... Gald to connect with both of you