What Happens When You Quit the Corporate Job? This Man’s Story Will Inspire You

Synopsis: After being laid off from his job at Google a day before his 38th birthday, Shao Chun Chen turned a major setback into an opportunity for freedom and fulfillment. Instead of returning to corporate life, he moved to a scenic, low-cost city in northern Thailand with his wife. There, he began teaching digital marketing for just three hours a week at the National University of Singapore, supplemented by private sessions and a YouTube channel. Today, Shao earns around Rs 2.5 lakh per month while enjoying a life of travel, peace of mind, and personal freedom, proving that sometimes, losing a job can be the beginning of something far better.

Earning Rs 2.5-Lakh a Month by Working Just 3 Hours: The Story of Shao Chun Chen After Being Fired from Google

The day before his 38th birthday, Shao Chun Chen was laid off from his job at Google. For him, it felt like the world had come crashing down. But within a year, everything changed. Shao, who turned his job loss into a path to freedom, now earns around Rs 2.5 lakh per month, while working just three hours a week.

In February 2024, Shao lost his position at Google's Singapore office during a mass layoff. He had been with the company for eight years and had accumulated substantial savings from his salary and stock market investments.

After being let go, Shao decided he didn’t want to return to the corporate world. Instead, he packed up his life and moved with his wife to a scenic and affordable city in northern Thailand. They settled into a luxurious apartment for just USD450 a month. Despite living comfortably, including weekly travel back and forth to Singapore, their monthly expenses are only about USD1,500.

Shao now teaches digital marketing at the National University of Singapore. He only needs to conduct classes for three hours a week, earning between USD1,500 and USD3,000 per month. He also offers private training sessions at a rate of USD500 per hour. Additionally, Shao runs his own YouTube channel. Altogether, he earns around Rs 2.5 lakh per month.

Although he enjoys his newfound freedom, Shao admits that life after Google comes with its own challenges. The weekly flights to Singapore can be exhausting, and without a strict daily schedule, maintaining self-discipline is essential. Still, Shao says the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. For him, it's about having freedom, time, and peace of mind -- things he did not have before.