How Reading and Writing Books Made Me Lose My Job—And Why It Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened

Have you ever felt so passionate about something that it consumes your thoughts and energy, pulling you away from everything else? For me, that something was books—both reading and writing them. It was a love so profound that it led me to leave a high-profile job in Silicon Valley and embark on an entirely new journey. If you think that sounds crazy, you’re not alone. But here’s the twist: losing my job to pursue my passion for books turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. It didn’t just change my life; it transformed how I approached business, mentorship, and entrepreneurship.

In this article, I’ll share how diving into the world of books—both as a reader and a writer—reshaped my life, guided me in my entrepreneurial ventures, and provided me with a sense of fulfillment that no corporate job ever could. I’ll also provide some practical advice for those who want to start their own writing journey.

The Beginning of an Obsession

Books have always been a part of my life, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that they became an obsession. I started spending more time reading than doing anything else. Whether it was business strategy, personal development, or fiction, I devoured books as if they were the lifeline to a more meaningful existence. And then, a thought struck me: Why not write my own book? I had years of experience in the tech industry, mentoring startups, and navigating career challenges. Why not share these insights?

That’s when I began working on my first book, Interview Alchemy. It was meant to be a side project, but it quickly turned into a consuming passion. I would stay up late writing, wake up early to edit, and even sneak in writing sessions during lunch breaks. My focus on work started to wane, and eventually, I found myself at a crossroads. I had to choose between the security of a high-paying job and the uncertainty of following my passion.

The Leap of Faith: Leaving My Job

Quitting my job wasn’t an easy decision. I had spent years building a successful career in Silicon Valley, working with top tech companies like Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft. But the more I wrote, the more I realized that my heart was no longer in the corporate world. I wanted to make an impact beyond the confines of my office. I wanted to create something meaningful, something that could help people transform their lives.

So, I made the leap. I left my job and dedicated myself full-time to writing. It was terrifying, exhilarating, and liberating all at once. I knew there were risks, but I also knew that I couldn’t live with the regret of not trying. And what happened next was beyond anything I could have imagined.

How Reading and Writing Shaped My Entrepreneurial Journey

Leaving my job didn’t just give me time to write; it also opened up new avenues for entrepreneurship. The process of writing a book teaches you skills that are invaluable in any startup environment. Here’s how reading and writing played a crucial role in my entrepreneurial ventures:

1. Clarity of Thought and Communication Writing a book forces you to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely. This skill is essential when pitching a startup, crafting a business plan, or communicating with your team. Interview Alchemy taught me how to break down difficult concepts into actionable steps, which proved invaluable when mentoring startups or coaching entrepreneurs.
2. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking When you write, you constantly engage in problem-solving—whether it’s developing a compelling narrative, structuring arguments, or addressing counterpoints. This mindset of finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems is crucial for any entrepreneur. My second book, Strategic Ventures, was all about applying strategic thinking to business challenges, and the process of writing it sharpened my ability to tackle real-world problems in my ventures.
3. Building a Personal Brand Writing a book establishes you as an authority in your field. It opens doors to speaking engagements, networking opportunities, and collaborations that you wouldn’t have access to otherwise. Return Journey, my third book, focused on the emotional and logistical complexities of NRIs moving back to India. The book not only connected me with a vast NRI community but also led to business partnerships and consulting opportunities related to cross-border entrepreneurship.
4. Creating a Legacy and Impact Books have a long shelf life. They continue to impact people long after they’re published. Through my books, I’ve been able to influence aspiring professionals, entrepreneurs, and NRIs facing life-changing decisions. It’s a legacy that goes beyond any single job or startup, and that’s something no traditional career can offer.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Own Book

If you’re inspired to start writing your own book but don’t know where to begin, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Choose a Topic You’re Passionate About

Start with something you’re deeply interested in or have extensive experience with. It could be your professional expertise, a personal experience, or even a hobby. For me, Interview Alchemy began as a way to share my insights into the interview process, something I had experienced from both sides of the table.

2. Create an Outline

Break your main topic into smaller sections or chapters. Think of your outline as the roadmap that will guide your writing. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should provide a clear structure for your book. Each chapter should cover a specific aspect of your topic.

3. Set Realistic Writing Goals

Writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint. Set aside dedicated time each day or week for writing. Even if you can only manage 500 words a day, it adds up. Consistency is key. When I was writing my books, I set a goal of completing one chapter every two weeks. This helped me maintain momentum without feeling overwhelmed.

4. Start Writing and Don’t Worry About Perfection

The first draft doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be written. Focus on getting your ideas down on paper without worrying too much about grammar, style, or flow. You can always edit later. The important thing is to keep writing.

5. Seek Feedback Early and Often

Once you have a few chapters written, share them with trusted friends, colleagues, or mentors. Constructive feedback is invaluable and can help you refine your message and style. I shared early drafts of Strategic Ventures with fellow entrepreneurs, and their insights were crucial in shaping the final version.

6. Revise and Edit

Writing is rewriting. Go through multiple drafts, refining your language, tightening your arguments, and ensuring your book flows logically. This is where your book truly takes shape, so don’t rush the editing process.

7. Consider Your Publishing Options

Decide whether you want to go the traditional publishing route or self-publish. Each has its pros and cons. Traditional publishing can provide more credibility and reach, but self-publishing gives you more control over the process and profits. For Return Journey, I chose to self-publish, which allowed me to maintain creative control and get the book out faster.

8. Promote Your Book

Writing a book is only half the battle. Marketing it is equally important. Leverage your personal and professional networks, social media, and any relevant platforms to promote your book. Engage with your readers, share your journey, and create content around your book’s themes to keep the conversation going.

Final Thoughts: The Ripple Effect of Reading and Writing

Writing my books didn’t just change my career path; it transformed my entire approach to life and business. It taught me the value of persistence, the importance of clear communication, and the impact one person can have on others through their words. It also opened doors I never knew existed—from mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs to building communities around shared experiences.

If you’ve ever considered writing a book, I urge you to start today. Begin with what you know, and let your passion guide you. The process will challenge you, push you out of your comfort zone, and maybe even make you question your career choices. But the rewards—both personal and professional—are beyond measure.

Reading and writing books might have made me lose my job, but they also helped me find a purpose that is far more fulfilling. And for that, I wouldn’t change a thing. So, pick up that pen, open that laptop, and start your own journey. Who knows? It might just change your life, too.

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