Silicon Valley Exec Swaps Tech Career for Work-Life Balance in Portugal

Tech Executive Trades Silicon Valley for Portugal in Pursuit of Work-Life Balance

Roshan Gupta, a former Google executive with a traditional Silicon Valley pedigree, has made an unconventional career move by leaving his high-profile position to relocate to Portugal. This decision marks a significant shift from the fast-paced tech industry to a more balanced lifestyle.

Gupta, an MIT graduate with a computer science background, had followed a typical trajectory in the tech world. After starting his career at a startup, he climbed the corporate ladder to lead Google’s Messages team, managing a large team with substantial budget responsibilities.

However, a combination of factors led Gupta to reconsider his career path. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked thoughts of significant life changes, while ongoing struggles with work-life balance in the tech industry became increasingly apparent. “It wasn’t a single moment, but a collection of experiences that made me realize I needed a change,” Gupta explained.

The challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance in the tech industry were a primary concern for Gupta. High demands and global team management often led to exhaustion, with daily routines dominated by work calls and emails across multiple time zones. Despite attempts to manage his workload through various time management strategies, Gupta found the pace unsustainable and detrimental to his family life.

In response to these challenges, Gupta made the bold decision to leave Google and move to Portugal. This move was motivated by a desire for adventure and a deviation from the traditional career path. In Portugal, Gupta has established AmplifyPM, a business focused on mentoring product managers.

While still busy, Gupta reports a more sustainable pace of life. “The contrast between my previous work pace and current lifestyle is stark,” he noted. “I’m still working hard, but I have more control over my time and energy.”

Reflecting on his tech career, Gupta acknowledges the opportunities and benefits he gained from working in Big Tech. However, he emphasizes the importance of awareness about the industry’s demands. While not ruling out a return to tech in the future, Gupta is currently prioritizing balance in his professional and personal life.

Gupta’s story highlights a growing trend of tech professionals seeking alternatives to the intense work culture of Silicon Valley, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of current industry practices and the value of work-life balance in high-pressure careers.