Burned out and quit building my startup

#career #learning #startup #discuss

When Burnout Hits: My Journey With OxyFoxy.in

I started OxyFoxy.in with big dreams. As someone passionate about IT, digital marketing, and helping businesses grow online, launching an IT services and consulting startup felt like the perfect move. OxyFoxy.in offered web development, SEO, and social media management—solutions aimed at empowering other businesses to make their mark in a digital world.

But somewhere along the way, things changed.

The Rise (and Grind) of a Startup

The early days were filled with optimism. Every new client felt like a validation of my vision.
There were late nights tweaking websites, running campaigns, and brainstorming branding ideas.
Every challenge, at first, felt like a puzzle I could solve—as long as I worked hard enough.

Hitting the Wall: Burnout

As weeks turned into months, the excitement started to dim. The constant demand to hustle, land new projects, and keep clients happy became overwhelming. Instead of feeling energized, I felt drained—creatively and emotionally.

Here’s what burnout looked like for me:

Fatigue that no amount of sleep could fix.
Struggling to find motivation even for things I once loved doing.
Constantly questioning if I was on the right path.
Feeling isolated, even though I was building something for others.

Eventually, I found myself stepping back, unable to keep up with the demands I’d set for myself. I wasn’t just tired—I was burnt out.

The Shame of Stopping

Quitting, or even just pausing, felt like failure. The startup world glorifies perseverance—“never give up!”—and stepping back can feel like admitting defeat. I worried about how I’d be perceived by my team,friends, clients, and even myself.

What I Learned

Burnout is real and valid. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign you’re pushing too hard, maybe without enough support.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself—mentally and physically—isn’t optional. The business can’t thrive if you’re struggling.
Pausing isn’t failing. Sometimes, stepping back is the bravest choice, especially if it means you can return with fresh ideas or re-evaluate your direction.
Your worth isn’t tied to your startup’s success or failure.

Moving Forward

Maybe I’ll return to OxyFoxy.in one day, or maybe I’ll start something new with the lessons I’ve learned. What matters now is acknowledging how far I came, and forgiving myself for needing to stop.

If you’re building something and feeling lost, know that it’s okay—really okay—to pause. You’re not alone, and you’re not a failure for putting your well-being first.

Written by a founder who’s learning that sometimes, the best way forward is to take a step back.

https://in.linkedin.com/company/oxyfoxy
https://oxyfoxy.in/