₹2.7 Crore job not enough: 22-year-old CMO quits, cites loss of personal life

Washington (The Uttam Hindu): Amidst the glitz and glamour of startup culture and hefty salary packages, news has emerged from the US that has sparked a new debate on work-life balance. Daniel Min, the 22-year-old Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Cluly, an American AI startup, quit his multi-million dollar job because he was fed up with the 12-hour daily work schedule. His decision is now making headlines on social media and a topic of discussion among young people.

Happiness cannot be bought with money

Daniel Min shared a video on Instagram explaining the reason behind his shocking decision. He revealed that the company was offering him a salary of $300,000 annually, or approximately Rs 2.7 crore. Despite this significant salary, he felt his personal life was being completely destroyed by the workload. According to Daniel, he was missing out on small but important pleasures like dining out with friends, spending time with family, and even surprising his younger brother on his birthday.

Disillusionment within four months

When Daniel joined Cluly in May 2025, he was just 21 years old and had just completed his studies at the prestigious Wharton School. Initially, the enormous responsibility and fast pace of a startup thrilled him. He believed working day and night was the only path to success. But within just four months, the picture began to change. Daniel began to find his work monotonous and boring. As a leader, he was giving his all, but the 12-hour shifts and constant pressure gradually took their toll.

Pain spilled out in front of the CEO

When the company's CEO, Roy Lee, noticed Daniel's dwindling energy and sadness, he initiated a conversation. Daniel said that when he brought up the idea of ​​resigning, he couldn't help but cry. He told the CEO that he had been considering leaving his job for a long time. Fortunately, the CEO understood his mental state and offered his full support. He told Daniel that he should choose the path that would bring him true happiness.

Now I understand the meaning of life

Daniel Min said that Cluley wasn't just an office for him, but a fraternal environment, where he spent about 12 hours a day. Despite this, he eventually realized that this wasn't the path he wanted to pursue. After leaving his multi-million dollar salary, Daniel believes he now understands the kind of life he wants, one where peace of mind and comfort are more important than money.