15 Years Doing What I Hated… 8-Figure Exit. Worth It?

Ronan Burder shares his current lifestyle in Singapore, where he's temporarily based as he prepares to move to the US. He's motivated by the US market's vibrancy, innovation, and opportunities for growth. He discusses his family life, including his experiences with minimalism and living abroad, and details his financials, such as his $30-35K monthly burn rate, and his approach to segregating assets in different types of investments, including stocks, Bitcoin, and fixed income.

After selling his business for eight figures, Ronan highlights his renewed passion for coding and building products. Despite not initially loving his work in consulting, he now dedicates himself to open-source projects and learning technology, aiming to prototype and assess new opportunities. His focus has shifted toward go-to-market strategies and personal growth, seeking to balance his passion with mental health.

Ronan shares his background as an army brat and his early fascination with computers and coding. His career began with side projects and freelance work that eventually grew into a consulting business in China, driven by necessity from an early financial crisis. Despite his engagement in various early tech projects, he admits his initial approach lacked discipline and focus, which he later recognized as key to success.

He recounts the scaling of his consulting agency to eight figures, fueled by strategic focus and a careful scaling approach. Despite the success, Ronan admits his dissatisfaction with the work itself, driven more by the challenge and pressure, which keep him feeling alive. He discusses his views on entrepreneurship, emphasizing grit and discipline over innate talent or strategy.

Ronan describes his minimalist lifestyle, which he chose to focus on work and personal passions rather than material possessions. His motivation for building businesses was rooted in duty to his team and a desire to create impact, not personal wealth. This section explores his perspective on why he persists in entrepreneurship, even amid burnout, fueled by a need for challenge and problem-solving.

Ronan details the turbulent times during the COVID-19 pandemic, including failed acquisitions, the emotional toll of burnout, and strategic pivots like staying in China to retain his team. He emphasizes the energizing nature of crisis management and the relentless pressure that keeps him engaged, despite personal exhaustion and significant life events like expecting children.

He describes his exit strategy and the feelings—initially anticlimactic—upon selling his business. Ronan talks about his investments, portfolio management, and plans to focus on AI and new ventures. Despite the success, he reflects on the ongoing challenge of balancing pressure, lifestyle, and mental health, and his desire to find meaning and steadiness in his next phase of life.