'The money was great' — Jason Shen left his Rs 2.3 crore Meta job; now works 20 hours a week coaching startup founders, earning $369,000

Jason Shen, 40, left his lucrative Meta job in June 2023, where he earned about $250,000 annually, to pursue a passion for coaching startup founders. He founded Refactor Labs, generating $369,000 in revenue over the past year while working just 20 hours a week.¹²⁵⁶⁷⁸

"The money was great," Shen said, reflecting on his time at Meta, but he felt the need for a change. He realized that the work he enjoyed most was not what he was being paid to do. His role at Meta became increasingly stressful, filled with meetings and constant changes, prompting him to seek a more fulfilling career.

Shen had already begun coaching on the side before making the leap to full-time. He set aside $150,000 to support himself during the transition. His clients typically pay monthly retainers, while those facing co-founder conflicts often sign up for three-month packages. Despite the potential to earn millions more at Meta, he values the flexibility and time with family that his new role provides. Shen is also writing a book about ambition and living a meaningful life, further enriching his new lifestyle.

Shen's journey illustrates a growing trend among professionals seeking balance and fulfillment over traditional corporate success, as he aims to surpass his previous earnings while enjoying a more flexible schedule.