Discovering a New Path: Building a Life-First Business as an Entrepreneur

Discover how prioritizing well-being and redefining success can transform your entrepreneurial journey.

Why I moved to Austin from San Francisco....???

The Allure and Challenges of Silicon Valley

As a young, ambitious entrepreneur, I found myself drawn to the allure of Silicon Valley. The fast-paced, high-pressure environment seemed like the perfect place to bring my ideas to life and achieve success. I did so many of my firsts as a tech founder in SF: my first pitch and win at Startup Weekend, my first fundraiser, my first prototype, and my first user interview, my first rejection and my 100th, getting my alien of extraordinary ability visa for my work in entrepreneurship, and becoming a professor!

However, after years of pouring myself into my work, I began to feel the weight of burnout. The constant hustle and grind left me questioning if this was the only way to be an entrepreneur. The long hours, the never-ending deadlines, and the pressure to constantly innovate and disrupt started to take a toll on my physical and mental well-being. I found myself wondering if there was more to life than just building a successful startup.

Questioning the Hustle Culture

Questions I had never thought of before started swirling in my mind - What is Silicon Valley if not a state of mind, and why can't I have that in a world that is getting more and more remote? Can I question my hustle and see if there is a way to build a life-first business? Does hustle need to be part of my entire journey? Can I build something that is widely successful while living a fulfilling life?

Don't get me wrong; my time in Silicon Valley during my 20s was an incredible experience. The energy, innovation, and opportunities were unparalleled. I learned so much and grew both personally and professionally. The imagination, innovative tech, and hustle are truly honorable! The exposure to cutting-edge technologies, brilliant minds, and the opportunity to create something from scratch was exhilarating. I will always cherish the memories of late-night hackathons, the camaraderie with fellow entrepreneurs, and the thrill of seeing my ideas come to life.

Craving a Balanced Life

However, as I entered a new decade, I found myself craving something different. The fast-paced lifestyle, the constant pressure to scale and grow, and the never-ending race to be the next big thing started to feel less appealing. I began to question if this was the only path to success and fulfillment as an entrepreneur.

As an immigrant entrepreneur, I overcame numerous challenges and obstacles to get where I was. Visa uncertainties, not having family or community around, constantly running to get somewhere! The journey had been anything but easy, and the pressure to succeed was immense. But at what cost? I realized that my well-being and personal life had taken a backseat to my professional ambitions. In other words, Silicon Valley started to feel limited, and I always had to make a choice: either the entrepreneur life or a full life! And I don't think I have ever been someone to be stuck with limited choices or without the freedom to be unequivocally me! And experience everything that life has to offer.

Embracing a Life-First Approach

I began to yearn for a slower, more steady approach to entrepreneurship. One that would allow me to build something meaningful while still prioritizing my mental health and personal growth. I wanted to create a rejuvenating business that would support a more balanced lifestyle rather than draining. And something that would sustain me while I dreamt of living life, building a family, growing my food, and nourishing my soul. Austin was the answer. It has been 3 months, and I can truly say moving to a small city does wonders for an entrepreneurial mind! Try it!

The decision to move to Austin was not easy. It meant leaving behind the networks, resources, and opportunities that Silicon Valley had to offer. But it also meant embracing a new way of life, one that prioritized balance, sustainability, and personal fulfillment. I knew that if I wanted to build a life-first business, I needed to surround myself with an environment that supported that vision.

Finding a New Entrepreneurial Community

In Austin, I found a thriving entrepreneurial community that valued collaboration over competition, sustainability over rapid growth, and work-life balance over burnout culture. I discovered a network of like-minded individuals passionate about building businesses that positively impact the world while prioritizing their well-being and happiness.

This realization led me to explore alternative paths and redefine what success meant to me. I discovered the concept of "life-first" entrepreneurship, where personal fulfillment and well-being are just as important as professional achievements. Understanding that I could build a thriving business without sacrificing my health, relationships, or passions was a revelation. I realized that not everything has to be fast, rushed, or expensive. I could have a more significant piece of land to grow nourishing food, and I could do so without the expensive yet non-abundant life! Not everything had to be a calculation.

Redefining Success 

Embracing a life-first approach to entrepreneurship meant rethinking my priorities and values. It meant letting go of the idea that success was measured solely by financial metrics or the size of my company. Instead, I began to define success on my own terms - by the impact I was making, the relationships I was building, and the personal growth I was experiencing.

So yes, I made the choice to move in the middle of my first pregnancy with my partner so we could truly practice entrepreneurship and live a fulfilling life! It was a leap of faith, but one that I knew was necessary for my own well-being and the well-being of my growing family. I wanted to create a life that allowed me to be present for the important moments, to nurture my relationships, and to pursue my passions outside of work.

Making Intentional Changes

Slowly but surely, I began to make changes in my life and my approach to work. I set clearer boundaries, focused on projects aligned with my values, and surrounded myself with supportive individuals who shared my vision. I embraced the idea that a more balanced, intentional approach to entrepreneurship could still lead to impactful and successful ventures.

I started to prioritize self-care, making time for exercise, meditation, and hobbies that brought me joy. I invested in my relationships, both personal and professional, cultivating a supportive network of individuals who shared my values and vision. I became more intentional about the projects I took on, choosing to work on ventures that aligned with my passions and had a positive impact on the world.

Creating a New Paradigm for Entrepreneurship

As I reflect on my journey, I realize that my experience is not unique. Many entrepreneurs, especially those from immigrant backgrounds, face immense pressure to succeed and prove themselves. We often feel that we have to work twice as hard and sacrifice everything to make it. But it doesn't have to be this way.

By prioritizing our well-being and building businesses that support our desired lifestyles, we can create a new paradigm of entrepreneurship. One that values sustainability, fulfillment, and balance. It may not be the fastest path to success, but it is a path that allows us to thrive both personally and professionally.

An Invitation to Fellow Entrepreneurs

If you're an unconventional entrepreneur seeking to build a life-first business, I invite you to join the New Founder School community. This community is designed to support and empower entrepreneurs who want to create businesses that align with their values and desired lifestyles. By connecting with like-minded individuals, sharing resources, and learning from each other's experiences, we can redefine what it means to be successful entrepreneurs while prioritizing our well-being.

Together, let's challenge the status quo and create a new way of doing business – one that allows us to thrive both personally and professionally. Join the New Founder School community today and take the first step towards building a life-first business that truly resonates with you.

Building a Life-First Business

As I continue on my own journey, I am grateful for the lessons I learned in Silicon Valley and the resilience I gained as an immigrant entrepreneur. But I am equally grateful for the realization that there is another way – a way that prioritizes both personal and professional growth, a way that allows me to build a business and a life that I truly love. I hope to see you in the New Founder School community as we embark on this transformative journey together.

Building a life-first business is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It requires introspection, experimentation, and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. It means defining success on your own terms and creating a business that supports your desired lifestyle, values, and aspirations.

Embracing Flexibility and Adaptability

For some entrepreneurs, this may mean building a location-independent business that allows them to travel and work from anywhere in the world. For others, it may mean creating a business that prioritizes social impact and environmental sustainability over rapid growth and profits. For others, it may still mean building a business that allows them to pursue their passions and hobbies outside of work.

Whatever your vision of a life-first business may be, know that it is possible. It requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to forge your own path. But the rewards - both personal and professional - are well worth the effort.

As you embark on your own entrepreneurial journey, remember to prioritize your well-being and build a business that supports your desired lifestyle. Surround yourself with a supportive community of like-minded individuals who share your values and vision. And most importantly, don't be afraid to challenge the status quo and create a new way of doing business that truly resonates with you.

A Journey Worth Taking

The path to building a life-first business is not always easy, but it is a journey worth taking. It is a journey that allows you to create a life and a business that you truly love, one that is fulfilling, impactful, and sustainable in the long run.

So, to all the unconventional entrepreneurs out there - whether you're an immigrant, a parent, a creative, or simply someone who wants to do things differently - I invite you to join us in building a new paradigm.

Love and Light,

Arjita