By Startup Story Team
Steven Menking had what many people dream of – a high-paying job on Wall Street. As an equities trader, he was earning a six-figure salary, living in one of the world’s financial capitals. But behind the scenes, the stress, pressure, and long hours were quietly draining him. In 2014, he reached a point of burnout and decided to make a life-changing decision. He quit his prestigious job and stepped into an entirely different world – online tutoring.
The Start of a New Journey
At first, Steven didn’t have a solid plan. What he did have was a love for teaching and a strong desire to do something meaningful. He began tutoring online with a starting rate of around $50 to $100 per hour. Slowly and steadily, he started gaining traction. He worked with agencies, joined tutoring platforms, and built his reputation one student at a time.
As his confidence grew, so did his hourly rate. Today, Steven charges as much as $1,000 per hour – roughly ₹86,000 – for his one-on-one tutoring sessions, all done virtually from his home in New York.
Quality Over Quantity
Despite the massive jump in income, Steven doesn’t work endless hours. In fact, he tutors just 20 to 25 hours a week. This balance allows him to maintain his mental health, enjoy personal time, and still earn what many top corporate professionals make with full-time jobs.
What’s more impressive is that he feels far more fulfilled now. He’s no longer stuck in the high-stress cycle of finance, constantly chasing numbers. Instead, he’s helping students, making a real impact, and enjoying the work he does every day.
A Shift in Mindset
Steven openly shares that the most difficult part of his journey wasn’t financial, but psychological. He had to let go of the idea that he was “just a finance guy.” For a long time, he believed that quitting Wall Street meant failure. But once he accepted that true success is personal and doesn’t have to follow a traditional path, things changed.
He stopped looking for validation from others. He focused on building something for himself. He redefined what it means to be successful.
His Advice to Others
Steven believes that anyone thinking of switching careers should do three things:
1. Understand your skills and where they can be used.
2. Don’t worry about what others think – follow what brings you peace and satisfaction.
3. Be ready to take a risk, even if it means starting from scratch.
What We Can Learn
Steven’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to change your path. Success doesn’t always come from job titles or big companies. Sometimes, it comes from finding work that aligns with your values and allows you to live the life you truly want.
He didn’t take shortcuts. He worked his way up again, but this time on his own terms. And in doing so, he not only rebuilt his income, but also found purpose, freedom, and happiness.
