About Favoriot — Part IX: Leaving the Comfort Zone

How Leaving a 30-Year Career to Build FAVORIOT Taught Me the True Meaning of Resilience, Adaptability, and Personal Growth.

I never thought the day would come when I’d leave behind the comfort of a stable paycheck and a corporate career spanned over three decades. For over 30 years, I climbed the ladder, navigating the structured world of management, cushioned by the perks that came with it.

It was a good life.

I had the luxury of business-class flights, expensive hotel stays, and the security of a regular, sizeable income. Yet, despite the success, something gnawed at me.

For years, I had nurtured a vision, an idea to revolutionize industries with the Internet of Things (IoT). FAVORIOT was the manifestation of that dream.

But, like many dreams, the reality of turning it into a viable business came with sacrifices that I hadn’t fully anticipated.

And boy, there have been plenty of those.

The Financial Rollercoaster

The first thing that hits you when you leap into entrepreneurship after decades in the corporate world is the financial shock. Imagine trading in the safety of a consistent income for the erratic, unpredictable rollercoaster of a startup’s finances.

One month, you might have some cash flow; the next, you’re staring at empty accounts, unsure how you’ll cover basic expenses.

It wasn’t long before the reality of the situation sunk in. I wasn’t drawing a salary. The reliable, monthly inflow I had been accustomed to was replaced by uncertainty.

This wasn’t the life I had envisioned. “What have I done?” I’d mutter to myself, looking at the financial spreadsheets in disbelief.

There were days I wondered if I had made the right decision if I had underestimated the financial challenges of running a startup.

But it was too late to turn back.

FAVORIOT had become my mission.

I was no longer just Mazlan Abbas, the corporate executive. I was now Mazlan Abbas, the entrepreneur responsible for my team and the vision we had set out to achieve.

Adjusting to New Realities

With the financial uncertainty came a drastic shift in my lifestyle. Gone were the days of business-class flights and luxury hotels. My new reality involved budgeting carefully, stretching every ringgit, and reconsidering what I once deemed essential.

I vividly remember a moment when I was about to upgrade my laptop. It was something I wouldn’t have thought twice about before.

But now, standing in the store, I had to pause. “Do I need this?” I asked myself.

The answer was no.

I could make do with the one I had for a little longer. Every ringgit saved could go back into the business.

Vacations became a thing of the past, too.

We scaled back overseas trips and made do with local getaways when possible. I had to remind myself that these sacrifices were temporary, all part of the bigger picture.

But that didn’t make it any easier.

When you’ve spent years living a certain way, adjusting to a more frugal lifestyle can be difficult.

Cutting Back on Personal Luxuries

Starting a business from scratch means cutting back on personal luxuries. I had to say goodbye to spontaneous upgrades of gadgets like phones and computers.

The days of regularly splurging on the latest tech were behind me. Instead, I evaluated every potential purchase, asking, “Is this essential?” more times than I could count.

I missed the freedom I once had to spend money on what I wanted when I wanted. But there is something humbling about scaling back. It teaches you discipline and forces you to focus on what truly matters.

My priorities shifted.

Gadgets and luxuries became less important as I poured my energy, time, and resources into growing FAVORIOT.

It wasn’t easy. I won’t lie.

There were moments of frustration when I wanted to throw my hands in the air and shout, “Why am I doing this?” But deep down, I knew why. I believe in FAVORIOT and its potential to make a significant impact.

And that belief was enough to keep me going.

Navigating Uncertainty and Isolation

The sacrifices weren’t just financial or material. Entrepreneurship has an emotional toll, one that I hadn’t fully anticipated.

You’re constantly navigating uncertainty, making decisions with no guarantees of success. Every day felt like a tightrope, and you were unsure if the next step would bring progress or disaster.

And then there’s the isolation.

Running a startup can be a lonely endeavor. Sure, I had a team, but responsibility was mine to carry. There were moments when I felt utterly alone, questioning whether the sacrifices were worth it.

“Is this what I want?” I’d ask myself during sleepless nights, staring at the ceiling. The answer wasn’t always straightforward.

But in those moments of doubt, you learn the most about yourself.

You discover your resilience, your ability to push through even when the path ahead seems uncertain. I slowly realized that this journey wasn’t just about building a business. It was about building myself, too.

Perseverance and Growth

Over time, I started to see the challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth. Each setback, every moment of doubt, taught me something.

I learned to adapt, persevere, and trust in the process.

I remember one particular instance when we struggled to secure a deal that could have made a vast difference for FAVORIOT. Days turned into weeks, and the uncertainty weighed heavily on me.

I was frustrated and anxious and started to second-guess everything. But then, a colleague said something that stuck with me: “Mazlan, every ‘no’ gets us one step closer to the right ‘yes.’”

That shifted my perspective.

I stopped seeing rejections and setbacks as failures and started seeing them as part of the journey.

They were lessons in disguise, pushing me to refine our approach, strengthen our offerings, and grow as a leader.

Reflecting on the Sacrifices

So, is it worth it? The financial uncertainty, the lifestyle changes, the emotional toll — is the entrepreneurial journey worth the sacrifices?

For me, the answer is yes.

But it’s a profoundly personal question every entrepreneur must answer for themselves.

I’ve had to give up more than I ever anticipated.

But in return, I’ve gained something far more valuable. I’ve learned resilience, adaptability, and the importance of perseverance. I’ve experienced personal growth in ways I never imagined possible. And I’ve had the privilege of building something from the ground up, watching FAVORIOT evolve from an idea into a reality.

But more than that, I’ve realized entrepreneurship isn’t just about financial success or personal achievement. It’s about impacting, creating something that matters, and leaving a legacy beyond yourself.

FAVORIOT is more than just a business to me.

It’s a mission, a purpose, and a testament to what’s possible when you’re willing to take risks and make sacrifices.

The Entrepreneur’s Mindset

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on this journey is the importance of embracing uncertainty.

As an entrepreneur, you step into a world where nothing is guaranteed. Success is not promised, and failure is always lurking around the corner.

But that’s what makes it so exciting.

Every day is a new challenge and opportunity to grow, learn, and adapt. It’s not always easy, but it’s gratifying. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, resilience is the backbone of entrepreneurship.

You must pick yourself up after every setback, learn from your mistakes, and keep moving forward.

The Power of Community and Support

On this journey, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the importance of community and support. Entrepreneurship can be isolating, but it doesn’t have to be.

Surrounding yourself with mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, friends, and family who believe in your vision is crucial.

They provide not only emotional support but also fresh perspectives and opportunities.

I’ve been fortunate to have a robust support system, and it’s made all the difference.

They’ve been there to celebrate the victories, no matter how small, and to offer a listening ear during the tough times.

It’s a reminder that while entrepreneurship can feel like a solo journey, it’s a collective effort.

The Entrepreneurial Journey is Yours to Define

As I reflect on my journey with FAVORIOT, I recognize the sacrifices I’ve made and the immense growth I’ve experienced. It’s been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

The challenges, the setbacks, and the sacrifices have all shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today.

For those considering this path, know that it’s not easy.

The sacrifices are real, and the journey is fraught with uncertainty.

But if you’re willing to embrace the challenges, learn from every experience, and keep pushing forward, the personal and professional rewards are worth it.

Entrepreneurship is more than just a career choice.

It’s a mindset, a way of life, and a journey of self-discovery.

Despite all the sacrifices, it’s been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

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