FluffyWalrus
FluffyWalrus

How I Hit 1Cr Net Worth at TCS Without the Startup Hype (and no, I don’t want to retire early)

Saw the new FIRE community here on Grapevine, thought of sharing my story here.

Let's talk about money, startups, and the misleading "get rich quick" mentality that's captivating our generation.

I'm 32, and I've been with TCS for 11 years. Yes, TCS. Not a trendy startup, not a unicorn, just good old Tata Consultancy Services.

And I've just reached a 1Cr net worth.

Before you assume I'm a senior executive or had family wealth, let me clarify. I started as a fresh graduate earning 3.5 LPA. My parents are middle-class government employees. I had no special advantages or lucky breaks.

What I did have was discipline. Pure, unglamorous discipline.

While my college friends hopped between startups, chasing ESOPs and IPO dreams, I stayed put. I lived modestly, invested consistently, and focused on steady growth.

Here's the unvarnished truth:

  1. Most startups fail. Your ESOPs are worthless if the company doesn't succeed.
  2. Even if your startup thrives, the chances of making life-changing money are slim. You're more likely to end up overworked and burnt out.
  3. FIRE is unrealistic for most people, especially through startup gambles.
  4. Slow and steady really does win the race.

My journey wasn't exciting. It looked like this:

  • Lived with roommates until 28
  • Drove a second-hand Alto while peers financed luxury cars
  • Invested 50% of my salary monthly, without exception
  • Educated myself about index funds, debt funds, and asset allocation
  • Declined expensive trips and unnecessary luxuries
  • Focused on upskilling and steady promotions at TCS

Was it always enjoyable? No. Did I sometimes feel left behind when friends posted about startup funding or fancy perks? Absolutely.

But you know what's truly satisfying? Reaching 1Cr net worth at 32 through consistent, unexciting progress.

I'm not saying everyone should work at TCS or that startups are bad. If you genuinely love the startup world, pursue it. But do it because you love the work, not because you think it's your ticket to early retirement.

The startup world has sold us a fantasy. They've glorified overwork, made "hustle" a personality trait, and convinced a generation that success only comes through a miraculous exit.

That's simply not true.

Success often looks like showing up daily, living below your means, and making smart, consistent choices with your money.

To the 20-somethings chasing startup dreams and thinking ESOPs will enable early retirement - reconsider. The odds aren't in your favor.

Instead, think about this:

  • Find a stable, fulfilling job
  • Live well below your means
  • Invest aggressively and consistently
  • Focus on steady career growth
  • Ignore flashy social media lifestyles

It's not exciting. It won't get you media attention. But it works.

Here's the best part: this path has allowed me to have a balanced life. I'm married with a young child, and I get to spend quality time with them every day. I play with my kid after work, I'm present for family dinners, and I even have time for my hobbies on weekends.

I'm not constantly stressed about the next funding round or pulling all-nighters to meet impossible deadlines. I have the mental space to be fully present with my family, and that's priceless.

I'm not planning to retire soon. I actually enjoy my job and the stability it provides. But reaching this milestone has given me options and peace of mind that no startup gamble could offer.

So, is anyone else out there quietly building wealth without the drama? Let's hear your stories.

And to those still pursuing the startup dream - I wish you the best. But consider that the less exciting path might be the one that actually leads to both financial success and a fulfilling personal life.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast :)

11mo ago
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Round 1 by Grapevine
FloatingMarshmallow
FloatingMarshmallow
EY11mo

What's the point if you don't spend any money in your 20's, just saving mentality will only have the money in your account and now you won't be able to spend or enjoy just like your 20's, I appreciate the stability and patience but what's the point of having this all?

FluffyWalrus
FluffyWalrus
TCS11mo

Intention is not to say don’t spend money, just putting across my pov on why I don’t believe in FIRE.

It’s a marathon, not a race - the person who wins is the person who survives till the end

JazzyWalrus
JazzyWalrus

@Erlich_Bachman what are you missing if you are razor focussed on saving/investing in your 20s. And what's your idea of how 20s should be?

SwirlyDumpling
SwirlyDumpling
Alstom11mo

Finally a non-hustler here!

I thought everyone wants to be a founder and I am the loser here🥲

Thanks for sharing @AmpleBlackbird !

QuirkyPotato
QuirkyPotato

Most people don’t realise that money is just a carrier of value. It’s not the end itself.
Hitting 1Cr / 5Cr / 10 Cr milestones mean nothing if you haven’t deployed money to realise its value where it matters for you. Investment is great but also spend your money when you have the health and energy to enjoy the various experiences life gives you.
Meaning no disrespect to your feat here, but this doesn’t sound very appealing to me.

FluffyWalrus
FluffyWalrus
TCS11mo

There’s no flex with the 1cr figure - it does little in this time for a family of three

The point is startups aren’t the only place to make money, I wasn’t the fastest in my team/friend circle to hit this - know enough people who’ve done this a lot sooner; ofcourse I had enough fun along the way and spent where I wanted to spend.

If you want a tldr of my post - it’s plainly that FIRE is not a reality for most of us, period.

QuirkyPotato
QuirkyPotato

FI can be a reality though, if not FIRE.

ZestyDonut
ZestyDonut

This post was long overdue in this platform. Well written ✌️

GoofyDonut
GoofyDonut

I started as a fresh graduate earning 3.5 LPA.

Problem is that was 11 years ago, folks starting with these companies now also start at 3.5 LPA. The difference is massive even considering official conservative inflation figures.

SquishyMarshmallow
SquishyMarshmallow

quite true. plus the inflation is 3x from 11 yrs ago

DancingQuokka
DancingQuokka
TCS11mo

Current package around?

SparklyCupcake
SparklyCupcake

You could have told your story without shitting on startup’s! TCS was a Startup once.

FluffyWalrus
FluffyWalrus
TCS11mo

Service sector has taken enough shit here, not shitting on startups - all I am saying is it’s not as bad a career choice to stay put and optimise for other facets of life :)

TwirlyWaffle
TwirlyWaffle

How of much of this was via tcs onsite earning?? And whats ur current level in tcs

QuirkyPotato
QuirkyPotato

Haha such an important question.

ZoomyNarwhal
ZoomyNarwhal

@AmpleBlackbird

CosmicBiscuit
CosmicBiscuit
TCS11mo

Nice one. What’s the rough breakup of the net worth like stock/real estate/savings etc

SparklyBiscuit
SparklyBiscuit
Tekion11mo

Staying at the same place for so long was your choice or you don't want to put extra effort for the switch?

FluffyWalrus
FluffyWalrus
TCS11mo

Choice, always been happy - enjoyed my work, got to work with good people in team, parents have always instilled this virtue of patience and compounding so that also helped

Also, got to travel internationally on company money - maybe that was a hook too in retrospect

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