After over a decade immersed in the high-pressure world of startups, Ritesh made a life-changing decision. Alongside his wife, Nisha, a UX Designer, and their three-year-old daughter, Arisha, he embarked on a year-long sabbatical. Their mission: an epic overland journey from Singapore to Norway in a campervan. Chronicling their experiences on Instagram @sabbatical.living, the family set out to bridge the gap between professional achievement and personal fulfillment.
The Spark of Startups
Ritesh’s passion for startups ignited during his time at the National University of Singapore (NUS). A pivotal year at the NUS Overseas Colleges in Silicon Valley exposed him to a dynamic environment filled with ambitious individuals keen on changing the world. This experience drove him to launch his own startup at NUS Garag3, now rebranded as Hangar. “With initial funding from NUS, we built and launched Shutterpair, a photo-sharing app for creating shared photo albums,” Ritesh recalls. “We learned invaluable lessons about building websites and apps, pitching to investors, and overcoming our inexperience.”
Ritesh’s journey took him to RedMart, a Singaporean online grocery company, where he was the ninth engineer. This role significantly shaped his career, instilling the confidence to co-found Rovo, a sports tech company. However, the pandemic presented unforeseen challenges, leading Ritesh to Ox Street, a resale platform for branded sneakers and streetwear. When Ox Street was acquired by Carousell, Ritesh advanced to Group Product Manager, further honing his skills in product management and team expansion.
Life on the Road
The pandemic prompted Ritesh and Nisha to reassess their priorities. They both listed their top five goals for the next five to ten years, with traveling the world appearing on both lists. After years of contemplation, they finally committed to the idea of a sabbatical. Opting for a campervan journey made practical sense, especially with a toddler in tow. Their vehicle of choice, Durian—a 2002 Land Rover Defender converted into a motorhome—was sourced from Malaysia. The decision was driven by the convenience of a mobile home, eliminating the constant need to pack, unpack, and book accommodations.
Their adventure began with unforeseen challenges, including flat tires and dead batteries. Despite the initial setbacks and the intense heat wave in Asia, the family embraced the beauty of their surroundings and the joy of spending time together. We’ve been really enjoying being outdoors and constantly being on our feet,” Ritesh shares. While they miss the comforts of home, including Singaporean food, friends, and family, the support from the Overlander community has been a bright spot.
Lessons and Aspirations
Currently navigating the Thakhek Loop in Laos, the family has traversed Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia. Their ambitious route includes Mongolia, Russia, and various Central Asian countries, ultimately aiming to reach Norway. Through their journey, the family has learned valuable lessons in adaptability, patience, and problem-solving. They hope to create lasting memories and experiences, especially for Arisha, fostering her appreciation for diverse cultures and people. Ritesh advises those seeking a balance between career and personal life to integrate their goals into a single list and prioritize effectively.
He encourages Singaporeans to explore the digital nomad lifestyle, leveraging remote work opportunities and the proximity to digital nomad hubs like Bali and Chiang Mai. “Just give it a try,” Ritesh says. “COVID taught us that most jobs can be done remotely, and there are more remote employers than ever before.” As the family continues their journey, their story serves as an inspiring testament to the possibilities that arise when one dares to venture beyond the conventional path, blending professional aspirations with the pursuit of personal fulfillment.
To read more startup stories visit- thesingaporepress