A job loss can leave people unsure about what comes next. But for Maria Harshitha, an unexpected career break eventually opened the door to a completely different kind of work.Her story, shared on LinkedIn, has drawn attention because of the unusual link between her former corporate career and what she does today. A conversation at home led to a small experiment that gradually turned into an egg-selling venture.
Her next job did not come through
Harshitha said she was laid off from Amazon in March 2026. She recalled smiling when her manager shared the news, believing another opportunity would come her way.She began applying for jobs and reached out to seniors and family members for recommendations. However, she said the offers did not arrive.She was also interested in Product Management and wanted to improve her skills in the field.“My entire career had been about a product. And I got very interested in Product Management. I wanted to upskill myself, but it didn’t happen either,” she wrote.
A chicken coop changed the plan
During this period, her husband, Khanishka David, encouraged her to consider becoming her own boss.The couple built a chicken coop and bought six chicks. Harshitha continued with her job search while looking after them.The first batch brought an unexpected surprise: all six were roosters.She then convinced her husband to bring in hens because she wanted her children to have fresh eggs. The family expanded the coop and added more chickens.
She found demand for the eggs
As the number of chickens grew, the family began collecting eggs. Harshitha eventually started selling them.For her, the business also created an interesting connection with her earlier career. The eggs became the product, while the people buying them became the demand she wanted to meet.“I have my Product, the eggs, and I’m selling them. I have a demand and I’m trying to meet it with the supply,” she wrote.She joked that she was now doing Product Management with eggs. She also said she was using Power BI for something she had never expected to use it for.
Her problems now come from a different place
The contrast with her former office routine did not stop there.Harshitha said her current concerns include bandicoots and snakes rather than the meetings and work calls she previously dealt with.“You know what my problems are now, they are bandicoots and snakes. Not an impromptu meeting on a weekend. Not a Chime call. Not a Quip sheet,” she wrote.
People on LinkedIn share their thoughts
The post received several supportive responses.One user suggested the terms “Tech Refugee” for people struggling to find jobs after layoffs and “Tech Expat” for those who have moved into entirely different fields.Another commenter wrote, “Getting chickens for regenerative farming and eggs is beautiful.”A different user praised Harshitha for creating something of her own:“You built your own product, met the demand, and became your own boss in the process.”Other comments included, “Uncertainty is the mother of all creations” and “Turning a setback into an opportunity takes real courage.”
‘Grateful for the redirection’
Harshitha ended her post by expressing gratitude for the unexpected direction her life had taken.“All things happen for the good of those who believe in Christ. Grateful for the redirection.”Disclaimer: This article is based on information shared publicly by the individual on LinkedIn. The views and statements quoted are attributed to the respective person. Details have been presented as shared and have not been independently verified.Thumb image: LinkedIn