India: Unhappy with his work, a software engineer leaves his job, becomes a ‘Chaiwala' (tea seller)

His pursuit for happiness in his work, and love for "extraordinary tea" inspired a software engineer in India, to leave his well-paying job and become a 'chaiwala' or a tea seller. His photo went viral on Twitter, yesterday, after it was shared by an IAS (Indian Administrative Services) official, on August 30. While the location of his now viral tea stall is not clear in the photo, many people in the comments said that the man was from the Indian city of Nagpur.

According to a sign that he put up on the tea stall, the man, whose name is not known yet, has worked as a software engineer with reputed companies. Though the job paid him well, he had no satisfaction and peace in his life, and that’s when he decided to open his own business, and became a tea-seller. He now sells tea and poha, a breakfast dish made out of flattened rice.

On the board, he wrote in Hindi: "Essentially, I am a software engineer. I have worked in many companies... where I did get paid well but had no peace. I always wanted to do business. Every day, a cup of tea used to be kept on my table. However, I never had the kind of tea which can be called extraordinary. I have always been an enthusiast for tea. I wanted there to be a place where people could have amazing tea. Which is why I started my business with tea and became… Engineer Chaiwala.”

Many Twitter users appreciated him for following his heart and doing something that he actually enjoys. A few even said, his story inspired them, to think of doing things they love.

Tweep @DKumar43314968 posted: "Great work, self satisfaction is the ultimate key of hapiness."

And, @SubratP24275196 tweeted: "I also want to do something unusual, as bored with banking life."

Would you leave a high paying job if it meant doing something you love? Have you ever done so? Tell us on readers@gulfnews.com.