In August 2023, I graduated from Humber College as an international student with no connections, no network, and no clear direction. The journey that followed was one of desperation, self-discovery, and ultimately, transformation.
The Desperate Hustle
Fresh out of college, I applied for every job I could find: Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Software Engineer, Front-End Developer, Web Developer, UI/UX Designer, and more. I tried it all. I was so desperate that I turned to email scraping, cold emailing, cold DMs, and commenting on posts to get noticed.
I forced myself to create new posts, showcase projects, and engage online—anything to grab a recruiter’s attention. I followed every guide from YouTube and LinkedIn “gurus” religiously, building projects, earning certifications, and learning new skills. Yet after four to five months of relentless effort, I landed only two or three interviews. Each demanded Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) expertise and years of experience—expectations that felt out of touch with reality.
Breaking Point: Questioning the Path
Having spent over five years in the industry, I knew that most roles didn’t actually require DSA or 10 years of experience. The job postings felt unrealistic, and my relentless hustle felt aimless. I started questioning: Is this even worth it?
The time I spent learning DSA, completing certifications, and preparing for Fortune 500 interviews felt like a waste. I realized that instead of chasing a corporate dream, I could use that time to build something of my own.
Choosing to Build
I pivoted. I decided to learn how to build software and create something meaningful. I joined indie hacker communities and immersed myself in the “build in public” movement. Surrounded by OG indie hackers, I launched my first software project.
But building wasn’t enough—I had to market it. Marketing was an uphill battle. My efforts on Reddit led to 13+ accounts getting suspended. Repeating the same explanations, replying to repetitive questions, and addressing critiques about my product’s use cases drained me. I doubted myself and questioned whether marketing was even for me.
The Turning Point: Embracing Feedback
At my lowest point, I realized I had nothing to lose. I leaned into storytelling and started sharing my journey authentically. I welcomed feedback from users, no matter how critical it was.
When someone asked, “Why would I use your product?” my reply shifted from defensive to curious: “I’d love to hear your feedback. What did you like or dislike? What would you like to see improved?” This approach changed everything.
I started prioritizing user feedback over my own ideas. Implementing suggestions from multiple users not only improved my product but also expanded my thinking. It felt like having an unpaid team—their insights doubled or tripled my brainpower.
The Payoff
Building my own startup has been the most rewarding experience of my life. I’ve grown in ways a 9-to-5 job never could have offered. I learned to:
Build software and create meaningful solutions.
Market effectively by embracing storytelling and authenticity.
Handle criticism constructively and turn it into a growth opportunity.
Bootstrap and take risks with confidence.
Value discomfort as a path to resilience and empathy.
Today, I’m a completely different individual. Even if I return to a 9-to-5 role, I’ll approach it with the mindset of a founder. I understand recruiters because I’ve hired for my own company. I empathize with users because I’ve built for them. I see challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities.
Learning from books, theories, and business school is valuable, but nothing beats real-world experience. Talking to real users, building products, and facing failure teaches you more than any classroom ever could. The more startups you build and the more discomfort you face, the more you grow—as a developer, as a founder, and as a person.
When I started, I sought learning above all else, and I still do. Money is a byproduct of passion and perseverance. For 2025, I wish you the courage to pursue your dreams unapologetically. Stop blaming circumstances. Start trying. Fail, learn, and grow.
Blaming is for the weak. Building is for the brave.
If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading. I share more about my journey, learnings, and strategies in my newsletter, That AI Tools Guy. Join my family of 400+ subscribers and let’s grow together.
Top comments (1)
Some good advice in here, thanks!