Sometimes, it takes just one closed door to redirect you toward your purpose. For IIT Kanpur graduate Kanak Agrawal, that door was a job interview she didn’t get. What followed wasn’t a period of despair—it was a pivot that would change her life forever. In a recent Instagram post, Kanak shared how a single rejection led her to discover her passion, build a thriving personal brand, and design a life most only dream about.
After exiting her startup in 2022, Kanak craved stability and peace, so she decided to try her hand at a regular job. But after getting rejected in her very first interview, she took a step back to reassess what she really wanted. That moment of clarity pushed her to start writing on LinkedIn—initially as an experiment, and eventually, as a career.
Just four months in, she landed her first paid client for personal branding. Two years later, she’s created over 300 pieces of content, built a community of over 40,000 followers, and earns more than enough—all while living her dream life in scenic mountain towns and coastal havens.
The key turning point? Embracing storytelling and letting go of the fear of judgment. “I never regretted not trying harder for a job,” she said. “Because of that rejection, I found my love for storytelling, overcame fear, and lived my dream life.”
In her Instagram post, she captioned a slideshow with the question, “What stops you from starting something new?” urging others to just begin. “Whether it’s writing, designing, teaching, or building, the entry barrier has never been lower. Don’t wait for opportunities. Create them,” she added.
The response on social media was overwhelmingly supportive. Many praised Kanak for her perseverance and courage to follow a non-traditional path. Some applauded her hard work and consistency, while others found her story deeply inspiring. A few also highlighted the importance of slowing down and choosing a lifestyle that prioritises peace and personal growth.
After exiting her startup in 2022, Kanak craved stability and peace, so she decided to try her hand at a regular job. But after getting rejected in her very first interview, she took a step back to reassess what she really wanted. That moment of clarity pushed her to start writing on LinkedIn—initially as an experiment, and eventually, as a career.
Just four months in, she landed her first paid client for personal branding. Two years later, she’s created over 300 pieces of content, built a community of over 40,000 followers, and earns more than enough—all while living her dream life in scenic mountain towns and coastal havens.
The key turning point? Embracing storytelling and letting go of the fear of judgment. “I never regretted not trying harder for a job,” she said. “Because of that rejection, I found my love for storytelling, overcame fear, and lived my dream life.”
In her Instagram post, she captioned a slideshow with the question, “What stops you from starting something new?” urging others to just begin. “Whether it’s writing, designing, teaching, or building, the entry barrier has never been lower. Don’t wait for opportunities. Create them,” she added.
The response on social media was overwhelmingly supportive. Many praised Kanak for her perseverance and courage to follow a non-traditional path. Some applauded her hard work and consistency, while others found her story deeply inspiring. A few also highlighted the importance of slowing down and choosing a lifestyle that prioritises peace and personal growth.
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