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In an Instagram post accompanying a video, Harms opened up about the setbacks, self-doubt, and lessons he’s gained since leaving Microsoft to pursue his own path.
Harms also indicated his move to Australia without a job or concrete plan (Instagram)
For many professionals, a high-paying job at a global technology company is the ultimate symbol of career success and financial security. Stepping away from such a role is a decision few are willing to make. But for 27-year-old Christian Harms, leaving Microsoft for Switzerland, where he earned $200,000 (about Rs 1.9 crore) a year, marked the beginning of a journey he now calls the “Museum of Failure.”
In an Instagram post accompanying a video, Harms opened up about the setbacks, self-doubt, and lessons he’s gained since leaving Microsoft to pursue his own path.
He opened with the decision that changed his life, writing: “Leaving Microsoft may be the stupidest thing you’ve ever done. The paycheck, the stability, the person who makes you feel that way. The company was built to make leaving seem irrational. I know I’m doing the right thing. And yet, some days, the self-doubt is still suffocating.”
Harms also noted that he moved to Australia without a job or concrete plan, saying he only had five months to get things done.
“I moved to Australia with no job and no plan, and spent five months figuring it out. I made my first dollar online the week before I returned home; deadline did what months of planning couldn’t. Turns out I only act when my back is against the wall, and I hate it.”
The publication also took a look at his first Half Ironman, where he made the difficult decision to not complete the race due to injury.
“I showed up to my first Half Ironman and chose not to finish. I arrived injured, swam, biked, and then quit. Every part of me wanted to finish. But finishing would have ended my season. I swallowed the ego blow and went home.”
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Harms admitted that he spent months building a business before wondering if he should have started it in the first place.
“I built a business for months before asking if I should build it at all. I called it due diligence. It wasn’t. It was a fear of a to-do list. Months of work with no direction and nothing to prove.”
He also reconsidered the decision to leave Microsoft’s reported $200,000 compensation package.
“I left $200k at Microsoft when I was 26 to create videos for online brands. Nothing went as planned. I thought I would be a founder by now. Some days, I feel like I’m failing the version of myself that made that leap. Even though I know I’m on the right path.”
Harms concluded the post by explaining why he chose to share these experiences publicly.
“Now I’m documenting what leaving stability actually looks like — making my own money, building my own thing, and figuring it out as I go. If you’re in a company wondering if there’s another way, go for it.”
Social media interaction
The post resonated with many social media users, who shared words of encouragement related to Harms’ journey. “Remember there is no failure in life, it’s all about learning new ways to do something,” one user wrote.
Another said they had gone through a similar experience, commenting: “Dude, I feel your pain. I left my dream job, a good position and stability at a great school in Vietnam to return to rainy Ireland to try and build something of my own. It wasn’t easy 😂. Glad I found you. Follow! Let’s connect!”
Others urged Harms to be patient, with one user writing: “Every experience teaches you something… give yourself some time to regroup.”
Another simply added: “You’ll get there bro.”
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