From Software Engineer to Entrepreneur: The Inspiring Journey of Rooth Mittal
Introduction
In a world where many are oftentimes shrouded in corporate roles, Roota Mittal stands out as a shining example of courage and reinvention. Originally a software engineer, Roota took a leap of faith to pursue her passion for entrepreneurship when she felt creatively unfulfilled. Today, she is the proud founder of LearnWithRoota.com, a consulting company dedicated to helping individuals achieve financial freedom through digital education and strategic marketing.
The Early Days: Education and First Job
Roota’s journey began in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology. Right after college, she received two job offers: one from Deloitte and another from a New York-based tech startup. Despite the allure of a larger name, she chose the startup for its growth potential and innovative environment, starting with an annual salary of about 2 million Indian rupees (approximately $23,741) including stock options.
The Corporate Conundrum
An important turning point in Roota’s life came after nearly three years in the corporate world. She found herself at a crossroads; although her salary was commendable, she craved a sense of creative fulfillment. Reflecting on her future, she realized that the monotonous corporate routine wasn’t her calling. At just 23 years old and debt-free after repaying her education loans, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
The Entrepreneurial Leap
Roota started freelancing, providing marketing services to small business owners worldwide. Her first gig earned her just $280 a month, but it was a vital stepping stone that ignited her entrepreneurial spirit. She poured her energy into this new venture, allowing her creativity to flourish as she worked with clients to help them navigate the digital marketing landscape.
New Beginnings in Dubai
After successfully growing her business in Singapore for four years, Roota relocated to Dubai. This dynamic city offered a new backdrop for scaling her company and mentoring budding entrepreneurs. In an interview, she emphasized her commitment to teaching freelancers, service providers, and small business owners valuable skills such as social media marketing, technology integration, and brand development.
Financial Insights and Professional Growth
Salaried at Dh25,000 ($6,807) per month, Roota strategically takes a lean salary, choosing instead to reinvest most of her earnings back into her business. Managing a small team, she collaborates with agencies for public relations, marketing, and video production, continuously adapting to the fast-paced changes that technology brings, particularly with advancements in artificial intelligence.
Investing in the Future
Roota’s investment journey initially began in the Indian stock market, with shares in companies like Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank. She later diversified her portfolio, engaging with U.S. equities, making bold moves with stocks such as Nvidia, Amazon, and Apple. As she builds her wealth, she dreams of purchasing a villa in Dubai while currently renting a chic residence in Palm Jumeirah.
Financial Philosophy and Goals
Roota’s financial philosophy is simple yet powerful. She believes in investing in herself and her skills, perceiving financial education as a lifelong journey. She encourages a mindset of gratitude to attract abundance, asserting that worries about money can lead to more stress rather than solutions. As she seeks to double her savings and investments within the next couple of years, she also emphasizes the importance of setting her children up for success in education.
Daily Financial Management
Roota adopts an active approach to managing her finances. Daily reviews of her income and expenses are part of her routine, allowing her to stay agile in her decisions. She focuses on making smart purchases, weighing the option of investing instead of splurging on luxury items.
Future Aspirations and Passive Income
While her entrepreneur life demands diligence, Roota’s vision of financial freedom encompasses the ability to work from anywhere and on her terms. She aspires to consistently grow her passive income through investments, digital products, and upcoming rental properties that promise a steady return.
Personal Life and Values
Roota, alongside her husband—a technology entrepreneur—lives a balanced life in Dubai. She values experiences and often indulges in travel, preferring luxury when occasional splurges arise. Roota’s journey is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity required in the entrepreneurial world, serving as an inspiring model for those who seek to redefine success on their own terms.
In Conclusion
Roota Mittal’s transformative journey from the realms of software engineering to the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship is a rich narrative filled with insight, ambition, and an unwavering commitment to personal fulfillment and financial freedom. Her story invites us all to reflect on our own paths, explore our passions, and take courageous steps toward building a life that resonates deeply with our values and aspirations.
