Meta Engineer Quits $250k Job to Coach Business Founders

Jason Shen's decision to leave Meta's comfortable salary of $250,000 annually reflects a growing trend among tech professionals seeking more fulfilling career paths. After departing the social media giant, Shen founded Refactor Labs, a business coaching firm designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs launching their ventures.

The venture has proven financially successful, generating approximately $369,000 in revenue. What sets Shen's approach apart is the efficiency of his business model—he manages the entire operation by dedicating roughly 20 hours per week, allowing him to maintain substantial work-life balance while building a thriving coaching practice.

Shen's transition underscores a broader shift in India's startup ecosystem, where experienced professionals from major technology companies are increasingly leveraging their expertise to mentor and guide the next generation of business founders. His success demonstrates that abandoning corporate security need not mean compromising financial returns, particularly when combining specialized knowledge with a scalable service-based business model.

The coaching platform has attracted attention from entrepreneurs seeking guidance on foundational business practices, capitalizing on the growing demand for accessible mentorship in India's competitive startup landscape.