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Ground Zero to Glory: What it feels like to start from zero?
“Starting from zero” often refers to beginning a process or endeavor without any previous advantages, knowledge, or resources.
It implies a fresh start or a new beginning, indicating that someone is commencing a journey or project with a clean slate and no pre-existing advantages.
Semicolon Developers, my first business out of college led me to work with local and foreign startups and companies which was a great learning.
My involvement in tech communities (like GDG & OWASP Nepal) in Kathmandu and throughout Nepal opened up me to a variety of experiences and I was a focal point for a thriving ecosystem of developers in Nepal around Google Technologies.
And then, I had a major reset in my career after I moved to the US following the 2015 Earthquake in Nepal.
The holy land of tech entrepreneurship, being in Silicon Valley for the next three years was a mesmerizing experience. I had no network to fall back to and I was starting from zero there.
I secured multiple contracts, one full-time role as a Web Developer, and built a circle of friends who were also looking to break into IT.
It was not all roses, but the struggle was worth it. It was short-lived though when I decided to return to Nepal and restart my business here.
I always appeared as a very social guy having 100s of friends and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs. But I consider myself a introvert and those 3 years changed everything.
The tech scene in Nepal was thriving. And I lost my hand in where I belong in the ecosystem.
18 out of my circle of 21 friends went out of the country for study or career opportunities.
I had a mild anxiety attack from not being able to find my ground back home.
And there, I had to start from zero again in 2019.
It’s almost 2024 now.
In these five years, I am still figuring out how to move the needle.
And, I have noticed from first-hand experience what starting from zero feels like.
You somehow have to restart your network. Connecting with others in the industry may be challenging initially, as relationships and networks often develop over time.
And, building trust and credibility in a new business or endeavor can be difficult.
You lack resources or capital which makes it challenging.
With new business, there is a steep learning curve that requires time and effort to gain expertise in that field.
There is financial strain especially if there’s no immediate revenue stream.
It’s emotional tearing. Facing uncertainty and setbacks can be emotionally challenging, requiring resilience and perseverance to overcome obstacles.
You are at a disadvantage because of the competition. Existing competitors have a head start, making it crucial to find unique value propositions or niches to compete effectively. Which is another mystery in itself.
But looking more rationally I see there are some positive sides to starting from zero.
Starting from zero can also bring innovation, a fresh perspective, and the opportunity to create something unique.
Starting from zero can be a compelling choice for various reasons.
It often signifies a fresh beginning unburdened by the constraints of existing structures or preconceived notions.
Whether pursuing a new business venture, a career change, or personal growth, beginning from scratch allows for unbridled creativity and innovation.
It provides an opportunity to redefine one’s path, unshackled by the limitations of past experiences or predefined trajectories.
Starting from zero fosters a sense of ownership, as individuals can shape their journey based on their unique vision and values.
Moreover, it necessitates resilience, resourcefulness, and a willingness to learn, fostering personal and professional development.
And the rewards of building something from the ground up are often deeply gratifying, creating a narrative of determination, self-discovery, and eventual triumph.
So here’s to those who are aiming to glory from the ground you are not alone.
Stay consistent.
And create!
That’s all for today.
-Bhupal
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Ground Zero to Glory: What it feels like to start from zero?
https://bhupalsapkota.com/zero/
Wow! Your journey is truly inspiring. From building a business in Nepal to navigating Silicon Valley and then returning to restart in Nepal, You are quite tough. The challenges you faced and the emotional toll of starting from zero are relatable.
I don’t know if there is true “starting from zero” exist or not.
I just remember a joke that someone tell about quitting smoking. “It’s easy to quit smoking, I’d quitted many times”. Is it relatable ?
Inherited knowledge, experience and insight from every second of life makes easier to start from zero again, may be some times it’s opposite but not the same.
Anyway, I would eagerly waiting for some revolutionaly idea from you, a new start and a fresh perspective that could spark positive change and innovation. I’m always with you to bring a wave of creativity that transforms challenges into opportunities. We can create a brighter future and make a lasting impact.
Best Wishes
Thanks for dropping the comment Matrika.
And let me make it clear to you that I’m on a different journey.
As Justin Welsh puts forward:
We are living in an age of solopreneurship.
Easy access to knowledge, low barrier to entry, and AI-driven automation free up time and energy to focus on the specific craft that sets you apart.
And, Solopreneurship isn’t about disrupting an industry, building the next unicorn, or being featured on some silly Forbes list.
It’s about doing things you enjoy, with people you enjoy, and doing very little of what you don’t like.
Don’t expect a revolutionary idea from me, that’d be a over-promise but expect more on the trenches blog posts like this where I write about my solopreneur journey.
Cheers!