‘Do What You Love, Papa’: Daughter’s Advice Inspires Laid-Off Father to Launch Startup at 44
‘Do What You Love, Papa’: Daughter’s Advice Inspires Laid-Off Father to Launch Startup at 44
June 13, 2026: A LinkedIn post by entrepreneur Himanshu Jha has captured the attention of social media users after he shared how a simple piece of advice from his daughter inspired him to start a business following a job loss.
Himanshu recently marked the first anniversary of being laid off from his job and described the experience as one of the most important turning points in his life. In his LinkedIn post, he revealed that although losing his job initially felt devastating, it eventually led him to discover a new purpose and begin his entrepreneurial journey.
Reflecting on the past year, he said that being laid off at the age of 44 pushed him to take a bold step and build something of his own. He added that he chose to pursue work that brought him happiness, meaning and a sense of fulfilment.
The entrepreneur also shared several lessons he learned during the difficult period. One of the most important was the value of family support. He expressed gratitude to his wife, Arzoo Jha, for standing by him throughout the challenges and believing in his abilities.
Among the lessons he shared, one particular moment stood out. He recalled a conversation with his daughter while they were playing Scrabble. During the game, she told him, “Do what you love, Papa.” He said those simple words had a deep impact on him and gave him the confidence to follow his dreams. He affectionately referred to his daughter as his “secret co-founder.”
He also reflected on how setbacks can teach valuable life lessons. According to Himanshu, losing a job does not define a person’s identity or future. Instead, it can become an opportunity to start fresh and pursue a more meaningful path.
He further noted that difficult times often reveal who truly supports you. While some relationships may fade during hardships, such experiences help people recognize the friends and family members who genuinely care for them.
Another key lesson, he said, was the importance of health. After spending years focused on professional goals, he realized that physical and mental well-being should always remain a top priority.
Looking back, Himanshu said he no longer views his layoff as a failure. Instead, he sees it as a turning point that allowed him to create something he truly believes in. He concluded his post by encouraging others facing layoffs or career setbacks to stay hopeful, reminding them that every difficult chapter can lead to new opportunities.
The post resonated with many social media users, who praised his resilience, optimism and the support he received from his family during a challenging phase of life.
