Daniel Min Leaves Cluely
Daniel Min, 22, resigned as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of AI startup Cluely, citing long work hours. The New York-based company hired him in May 2025, shortly after he graduated from The Wharton School. Min gave up a salary of over $300,000 per year (₹2.7 crore approx.). He explained that 12-hour workdays made him miss personal moments, such as dinners with friends and his brother’s 12th birthday.
From Excitement to Monotony
At first, Min enjoyed the work and felt motivated. However, over a few months, the routine became monotonous. He described a sense of boredom and emotional exhaustion. “I wanted to put my all into it, and initially, it was fun. But slowly, it became repetitive,” Min said in an Instagram video. The long hours and pressure made him reconsider his priorities.
Supportive CEO and Tough Choices
Cluely’s CEO Roy Lee noticed Min’s dissatisfaction and spoke with him privately. “I told Roy I was thinking of leaving, and I started crying,” Min revealed. He added that Lee encouraged him to choose what makes him happy. Min expressed gratitude: “No one has looked out for me more than Roy. But I realized Cluely, where I spent 12 hours a day, wasn’t the ladder I wanted to climb.”
Prioritizing Life Over Money
Min’s story highlights the importance of work-life balance, especially in high-paying startups. Moreover, it shows the mental and emotional toll of long hours, even for young professionals. He emphasized that career success should not come at the cost of personal happiness. Consequently, quitting a ₹2.7 crore job sparked discussions on how startups and employees can balance productivity with well-being. to leave the position, giving up a lucrative salary of over $300,000 per year (₹2.7 crore approx.). He explained that grinding 12-hour workdays caused him to miss personal moments, like dinner with friends and his brother’s 12th birthday.
From Excitement to Monotony
Initially, Min enjoyed his work and found it engaging. However, over a few months, the routine started to feel monotonous. He described a sense of ennui that made the long hours emotionally draining. “As a leader at the company, I wanted to put my all into it, and in the beginning, the work was super fun. But slowly, it became more monotonous,” Min said in an Instagram video. The constant pressure and repetitive tasks pushed him to reconsider his priorities.
Supportive CEO and Difficult Decisions
When Min expressed dissatisfaction, Cluely’s CEO Roy Lee noticed and pulled him aside. “I mustered up the courage to tell Roy I was thinking of leaving, and I proceeded to start crying,” Min revealed. He added that Lee was supportive and encouraged him to choose what made him happy. Min expressed gratitude toward the CEO: “There’s probably no one else who has looked out for me more than Roy. But it broke me to realize that being at Cluely, this little brotherhood I spent 12 hours a day with, wasn’t the ladder I wanted to climb.”
Prioritizing Life Over Money
Min’s story highlights the growing debate over work-life balance, especially in high-paying startups. Moreover, it underscores the mental and emotional toll of long hours, even for young, ambitious professionals. Min emphasized that career success should not come at the cost of personal happiness. Consequently, his decision to quit a ₹2.7 crore job has inspired discussions on how startups and employees can balance productivity with well-being.
