Software engineer quit a $250,000 job to open a matcha cafe in Manhattan: ‘I wanted purpose and meaning’ Michelle Yeung, a former software engineer earning $250,000 annually, left her career seeking purpose and opened Matcha House, a specialized matcha cafe in Manhattan. Despite a significant pay cut and a demanding startup phase involving extensive research, training, and construction challenges, Yeung finds fulfillment in her new venture. The cafe is projected to be profitable in its first year, with Yeung reinvesting profits to support its growth.

• Michelle Yeung transitioned from a $250,000 software engineering job to opening a matcha cafe called Matcha House.
• The decision was driven by a desire for purpose and meaning, feeling disconnected from her previous “fake work.”
• Yeung undertook extensive preparation, including researching matcha in Japan and working at Starbucks.
• Opening Matcha House involved significant personal investment, overcoming contractor issues, and relying on friends for help.
• Despite a drastic reduction in salary and long working hours, Yeung finds her current work more fulfilling.
• Matcha House is expected to be profitable in its first year, with Yeung reinvesting profits for business expansion.
• Her personal expenses have been significantly reduced to accommodate her new financial reality.