With just Rs 500 in hand and three uncertain dreams, they chose to walk away from secure engineering jobs.
A young boy just out of engineering college. A group of three friends. All three had secured jobs in good government engineering firms. Everyone around them expected them to take the most obvious path ahead of them, but they had other plans. Greater plans. They chose to take the road not taken.
Fresh out of college, they were celebrating the jobs they had secured. Not just jobs but good jobs. During this celebration, is when they had their eureka moment. When they thought to themselves, why did they have to work for someone else instead of starting something of their own? It was a brave thought and a bold dream. Tom brought this up, but to his surprise, his other two friends had been thinking the same. They were just scared to bring it up. Fear of judgment and probably even fear of failure, but after Tom’s courageous step of starting this conversation, they were immediately on board. At first, there was complete silence. Then, shared glances started between Jack and Harry. Then came the laughter. All this was beginning to make Tom extremely nervous and anxious. But then they both finally spoke and explained how they’ve been thinking the same thing for a while now.
They decided to forego their jobs and start their own business. They ventured into the business of education. Without experience, guidance or money, they relied on sheer determination.
Tom, Jack and Harry all came from families who did government jobs. Their families just earned enough for survival. The family was very apprehensive in the beginning, and they faced a lot of opposition. Not because they didn’t believe in their kids. Not because their kids didn’t have the required potential. Only because they were worried. They believed in job security. Business involved multiple risk factors.
Tom’s father was the most apprehensive. For starters, he wanted Tom to be a doctor, which never happened. Tom wanted to be an engineer. It took Tom’s father a long time to accept even this, and now not taking up a secure job and starting his own business. He felt Tom was not being practical. After a lot of persuasion from Tom, though, he finally got on board as well.
They borrowed just Rs 500 from their respective parents. Please note, “borrowed”, which means in due time, they eventually returned that money. With this total of Rs 1500, they did the paperwork/documentation of registering their company.
They used to rent 2 computers on a daily basis and carry these computers on their bike and move from school to school to teach computers to school kids. Three friends and two computers, along with all the parts on a single bike, oh what a ride! Back then, computers were an optional subject, which meant these classes happened early in the morning before school hours and late evenings after school hours. On multiple occasions, they were not even allowed to enter said schools. They waited long hours for an appointment with the principals. These waiting hours were the hardest. Perfect place for negative thoughts to start sprouting. Will she really meet us? Will it be worth the wait? Will we really get the contract? The internal struggle was the hardest battle. The harder the struggle, the sweeter the taste of success. The joy they all had, especially when they got their first YES! The moment the principal finally said ‘Yes,’ their hearts leapt — all the waiting and struggle had finally paid off. Only much later, after multiple rejections, did these early morning and late evening optional computer classes even begin.
Then came the time to actually handle or teach the class. This was no easy job. Teaching children, being young yourselves. Oftentimes, the students would not take you seriously, and the subject was also entirely new for them. The theory, they would still somehow manage. When it came to practicals, it became a little harder. Managing the students’ constant attention required them to be quick, alert, and often one step ahead. Plus, the first class always comes with a lot of nervousness. The same nerves you feel before starting anything new. The first few classes were a learning experience for them as well. Learning how to teach.
With these constant rejections from school principals, there were moments when the three friends felt it was time to quit. This was felt most especially by Harry. Often, Harry would sit back and imagine how life would have been had he taken the job. I mean, one couldn’t really blame him. These three were no longer just single friends. They were all married and had to consider and take care of their spouses now.
Eventually, from renting two computers, they reached a stage where they earned enough to buy two computers. After their school sessions, they would connect the systems at Tom’s home and take tuitions or prepare reports (do the typing work) for engineering students. Tom had a vacant terrace, and so Tom’s home was chosen for these evening endeavours.
Through dedicated and relentless hard work, they reached where they are today and own well-established businesses for themselves. They eventually bought many more computers, and today, they might not even know the exact number they own. From two rented computers to building an empire of learning—that Rs 500 was never an expense. It was an investment in belief. Even today, many schools in Bangalore look up to these three tycoons. Especially Tom, since he continues to be in the field of education. He not only has tie-ups with different ICSE and CBSE schools but also owns his own preschool. Jack and Harry have also ventured into the business of construction. They’ve expanded their horizons.
Looking back on their journeys, there’s nothing they would change. Every moment, good or bad, taught them something and led them to where they are today. Every sleepless night, every struggle had been worth it in the end. This is a clear example of “If you believe, you can achieve!” Educating people is a noble job. The job that builds or lays the foundation for all other jobs. The career that makes all other careers.