When most are holding on to their jobs, some are voluntarily quitting, to follow their dreams

Mithun Kidambi, 26
Where: OgilvyOne
When: October 2008
Why: Is part of a three-member team who are launching their own startup a platform for online entertainment under the name http://www.projectoffguard.com/

Mithun (left) and Arnab hard at work on their startup an online entertainment portal

In the details: Mithun says, "There was a startup we were planning for a while. The company gave me a raise and promoted me to copy supervisor. But there were a lot of cut backs and compromises were being made. It made sense to leave. It was the right time to go into our bunkers and do our own thing."

Family matters: Mithun says that this was always his decision. However his family did caution him. "My sister is in the USu00a0said it's really bad there. It's not so big here."

Office office: Mithun's bosses were not keen on him leaving the company as he handled the bigger accounts. "From the beginning, my boss knew I would leave. He just did not know it would be this soon," laughs Mithun.

Game plan: "I have my finances lined up. If I had quit after the recession, then I would have to wait longer to begin the startup. I am confident enough," says Mithun.

Arnab Saha, 29
Where: Hungama
When: October 24, 2008 "Exactly 30 months after I joined," says Arnab acknowledging the irony.
Why: Mithun's partner in crime, Arnab says that even as a senior developer at Hungama, he was thinking of plunging into something new.

In the details: Arnab admits he had a few doubts but now is happy with his decision.

Family matters: He too had a supportive family but one that was cautions. "I convinced them," he says with a grin.

Office office: Arnab gives full credit to the management for being supportive.

Game plan: If the startup does not meet his expectations, Arnab states, "I have enough experience to move
on to the next job."

Words of wisdom: Arnab says that quitting a job and starting something on your own depends on the individual. "It's a matter of choice," he says, "if they can handle it, they should take the plunge. I would recommend they try it at least once."

Vijay Sharma, 27
Where: Unwilling to disclose
When: January 28, 2008
Why: Vijay claims that the company and he wanted very different things and so he decided to bow out.

In the details: Vijay is a freelance mobile game developer currently doing a project for Samsung, as their Mobile Innovator, after having won their international competition for mobile game innovation. "This is when I decided to give up my job and sell my games. I came up with a few ideas and hired a freelancer for a small amount to make the game," he says.u00a0u00a0

Family matters: Yes, his mother was a little hesitant but once he proved himself, she gave him her full support. He says, "Last year I just hired one person at a very low cost and won a lump sum from Samsung. Now she trusts me and told me I can do as I wish. This is because I proved my self."

Office office: Without disclosing much, Vijay says that he is happy with the final outcome.

Game plan: Vijay says that earlier it was difficult to publish your games but now every mobile company has their application store. "The market allows guys like me to think of ideas and hire art and programming guys and sell their work. I can reach a mass market (because of the nature of the medium) and the profits are high," adds Vijay with a glint in his eye. He is now developing games where four people can play at once as opposed to just two.

Words of wisdom: Vijay cautions, "Do not jump in to it. Make sure you have enough balance in your account to sustain you for a year."