The Empty Office & Combating Loneliness

When you dive into something new, like building a startup with a sense of innocence, and things start to take a tough turn—especially in the corporate world—you begin to doubt your abilities. Questions like, "Do we even deserve to be called founders?" start to creep in. 🤔

I had left my job with some savings, but as the company's finances dwindled, so did our confidence.

How we survived those nights is something tough to explain. The pain of feeling lost and delusional is just something else.😔

It didn’t take long for me to see the real faces of people and realize that their association with us often hinged on their own interests. Once those interests weren’t met, isolation was inevitable.

We were left with many unsettled dues. After that we hadn't hired anyone, other than we both co-founders (Me & Manas) and occasional ad hoc based association with consultants. The major financial repercussions had affected our lives & mental health in many ways.

That’s why struggling days are Special, in their own ways! You’re not bothered by anybody. Parties don’t lure you, social gatherings are the things you choose not to be a part of and on a shoe-string budget, travel becomes a matter of low priority.

Every morning is a call of duty to rise up to the occasion and try defeating anxiety one more time!🌅

In those days, a minimal life gets prioritized, whereas complaints & tantrums take a backseat. People mostly ignore & a few close friends and family back us as a defense.💪

Weeks & months pass in handling humiliations and a great dose of patience is expected in waiting for a breakthrough. On days of struggle, we’re forced to forget all our past achievements and let go of the ego.

I once reached out to a highly influential figure in the Bangalore startup circuit with the following message:

Hi Dear [Name-retracted]!

I’d like to share a brief experience with you. For the past two years, I’ve been working on building a business in the education space, based in Bhubaneswar.

It has been a challenging journey and now we are in the process of pivoting and restructuring. I realize it may feel unusual hearing this from someone you don't know personally.

The only connection I have with you comes from following your podcasts and blogs online.

Despite facing setbacks, I find myself driven by an even greater desire to create and build, yet this drive has also left me feeling uncertain and somewhat lost.

I’ve made the decision to focus on learning how to build products from the ground up, relearn the fundamentals of business, and find a clear direction for both myself and the company. 🚀

With that in mind, I wanted to ask if it might be possible to seek your mentorship. I understand this is a significant request, and while I may not be in a position to compensate you for your time, I am more than willing to offer something in exchange for your guidance.

Please let me know if this is something you would consider. Thank you for your time.🙏

Regards,

Sourav

Response I received:

This is perfectly normal, Sourav. Most businesses and projects face failure—99% of them don’t make it. The successful ones we see are often just the rare few that managed to survive.💡

As long as you're passionate and have the energy, you can continue experimenting and pushing forward. Unfortunately, my schedule is completely full, seven days a week.

While I can exchange emails 📩with you occasionally, I'm unable to commit any additional time at the moment.

My Response Back:

Absolutely fine, Dear [Name-retracted]!

I'd work on my core business strengths. Thanks for putting out good contents online at times, that helps.

In fact, I’ve gone to the extent of seeking apology from my earlier bosses at work, when I realized how difficult their jobs were! I assumed that was easy, till I actually appeared at their place!

The journey appears lonely at times, because everyone around me is either a commercial person or a professional colleague in a certain capacity in a different organization.

I don’t miss the past, but the challenges of identity crisis are behind me. I've come to terms with the realities of the path I’ve chosen.🛤️

I used to feel a sense of frustration about not having any in-person employees at the office, even though we operate with a small virtual team of mostly interns. It bothered me a lot in the past.

I’d look around and see other startups enjoying team lunches, celebrating festivals together, taking group photos, cutting cakes, and more. Meanwhile, I’d be sitting alone in my cabin, coordinating everything remotely. 📸

My perception shifted recently when I started paying closer attention. To my surprise, I realized my cabin is rarely empty! What I once saw as a weakness has actually turned out to be my strength.

Despite often being alone, I regularly get visits from other founders in the building who come by to share their emotions, thoughts, struggles and vulnerabilities.

Some have eventually become my mentors, while others simply share their business journey & challenges. I’ve gained valuable insights into deals, clients, meetings, rejections, employee management and more.

Early-phase founders need each other's support, much like struggling actors on the streets of Mumbai who are waiting for their big break.

During this pivotal time, a place like an incubation center or coworking space becomes a hub for networking, encouragement, and growth, helping them advance to the next phase of their journey.

At times, I see this phase as the Universe's way of training me, guiding me through these different scenarios.🤝

I feel fortunate that people trust me with their stories, reinforcing my belief in the power of silence.

It gets so easy to walk upto anyone or invite for a conversation, irrespective of their domain and get sneak into their world.

I also get visits from employees and colleagues of other companies, who share their own challenges.🗣️

These conversations keep me updated on how company decisions affect employees' lives and how empathy plays a crucial role in managing workload, holidays, remote work and pressure situations. Sometimes, it feels like they’re my extended work colleagues, just on a different company's payroll!

From the outside, it might seem strange—being a founder with no in-person team to lead. But I view this as a unique business scenario that I embrace with humility. Of course, there are moments when I feel lonely and I’ve written before about the darker side of a fully remote work culture.

Sometimes I encounter harsh criticisms and find myself unable to respond effectively in the moment. During these times, I deeply miss having someone to talk to right in front of me.😔

The earnings have been minimal, but the lessons have been profound. We've faced delusions, wrong directions and even financial challenges along the way. 📉

Sometimes, I find myself staring out of my glass door, wondering when something similar—like those team gatherings I often see—will happen in my life.

But it’s all a matter of time—you never know! 😊