Man Leaves Tech Job for Dog Waste Removal Business

4 hours ago7 min read3 comments

Ryan Lund's career pivot reads like a chapter straight out of a modern personal finance bible, the kind of radical realignment that 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' enthusiasts dream about but rarely execute. Lund was pulling down nearly $200,000 annually in a high-pressure tech sales role, the epitome of a seemingly successful side hustle within the corporate machine, yet he found himself spiritually bankrupt, endlessly chasing clients who provided no fulfillment.His decision to trade spreadsheet forecasts for a pooper-scooper wasn't a lapse in judgment; it was a calculated bet on autonomy and mental well-being over a golden handcuff salary. This narrative resonates deeply in today's gig economy, where the definition of a valuable 'asset' is rapidly evolving from stock options and titles to time freedom and personal satisfaction.Lund’s new venture, a dog waste removal service, operates on a subscription model—predictable, recurring revenue that any fintech startup would envy. He’s essentially built a local, hyper-niche SaaS business (Scoop-as-a-Service, if you will), dealing in a commodity that, frankly, never runs out.While the initial smell was a stark contrast to the sterile, scentless office environment, the trade-off was immediate: no more soul-crushing performance reviews, no more arbitrary KPIs, just the tangible, immediate satisfaction of a job completed. Financially, the math is fascinating.While his income dipped initially, the low overhead and direct customer relationship create a high-margin business with immense potential for scaling through franchising or geographic expansion. It’s a masterclass in identifying an underserved market need, a fundamental principle of entrepreneurship often lost in the tech world's pursuit of billion-dollar 'disruptive' platforms. Lund’s story is a powerful reminder that the most profitable investment you can make is in your own happiness, and sometimes, the path to financial independence and a richer life doesn't lead to a corner office, but to a well-maintained backyard.

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#career change

#job dissatisfaction

#tech industry

#dog waste removal

#personal freedom

#work-life balance