From Rs 8 lakh to Rs 8 crore: Techie shares how career growth skyrocketed after divorce

A former Google employee has shared his experience of a significant financial transformation after her divorce in 2021. As per a ‘CNBC Make It’ report, 37-year-old software professional Venus Wang had taken a year off from work to care for her child and had savings of $10,000 (about Rs 8.7 lakh). But now, she earns $1 million (about Rs 8.7 crore) annually while working in the AI division of a major tech firm.

Career Shift After Personal Setback

Originally from China, Wang moved to the US in 2013 and built a stable career in tech. However, after her divorce, she had to rebuild her career and financial stability. She returned to the workforce by joining Google in San Francisco, managing software quality and operations for products such as Gmail and Google Drive.

Pursuing AI for Better Growth

Within a year at Google, Wang sought more career growth and transitioned into artificial intelligence. “When we were splitting up, I took a really hard look at my personal finances,” she told CNBC Make It. “I had less than $10,000 in cash… I started to realise that up until that point, I had managed my personal finances really terribly. I had to make a really drastic change in terms of my mindset. This is not only just about me anymore. This is also about me taking care of my daughter’s future as well.”

Multiple Job Changes Increased Earnings

Wang took on three different AI roles before quitting Google in 2024 to join a startup. Later, she moved to another major tech company, with these job switches nearly tripling her annual income.

Financial Stability and Career Satisfaction

While higher earnings were a benefit, Wang also found her work in AI rewarding. “When I walk into the office, I know I’m working on something really important to the future of this technology, and that most excites me,” she said.