“24-Year-Old Entrepreneur Earns ₹2.15 Crore Working 30 Hours a Week in Bali”

Steven Guo, a 24-year-old entrepreneur, has figured out the ultimate work-life balance while earning a remarkable ₹2.15 crore annually. Despite only working 30 hours a week, Guo has built a thriving business empire that spans multiple countries, including the United States, Philippines, UK, and India. His secret? A combination of entrepreneurship, market research, and leveraging his passion for lifestyle and travel.

Guo moved from the United States to Bali, Indonesia, in search of a better work-life balance. In a recent interview with CNBC Make It, Guo shared how his life has transformed in the tropical paradise. “Bali really is a place where my work-life balance finally makes sense,” he said. “Mornings are mostly for running my business, and afternoons are for surfing, exploring the landscapes, or enjoying the vibrant culture here.”

A Journey of Early Entrepreneurial Ventures

Guo’s entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 12 when he started hosting Minecraft servers. What started as a simple hobby turned into an unexpected source of income when a player offered him $50 to access his server. This small win ignited his interest in the potential of making money online, and he went on to earn $10,000 in just a few months.

His passion for gaming led him to try launching a game development company, but he quickly learned valuable lessons about marketing after the venture failed and he lost all his initial investment. “I learned a really valuable lesson, which was: marketing is extremely important for any business,” he noted.

A New Focus on Business

Determined to improve his skills, Guo enrolled at the University of California, where he pursued a business economics degree. However, his academic journey wasn’t without challenges, as he struggled with his GPA, earning just a 2.7. Despite the setback, Guo used it as motivation to focus more on his entrepreneurial endeavors. “Because my GPA was so bad, I knew that getting a high-paying job was probably unlikely, and that pushed me to work even harder on my own businesses,” he reflected.

Today, he runs a successful company employing 19 people, with ventures in a variety of sectors. Among his successful businesses are an online retailer selling dates, a K-pop-inspired merchandise store, and a company specializing in premium car covers for luxury vehicles.

A Balanced Life in Bali

In addition to his business ventures, Guo’s lifestyle in Bali has been a significant part of his success. He shares a four-bedroom villa with fellow entrepreneurs and friends, enjoying Bali’s affordability and its tight-knit, supportive community. “I’m definitely much happier in Bali because of how great the lifestyle is,” he said.

Guo also values the ability to indulge in his passion for traveling. He has visited 15 countries, with Bali ultimately becoming his base of operations due to its quality of life at a fraction of the cost compared to California. “I get to spend tons of time with my friends. I also get to spend a lot of time doing the activities that I like, such as surfing,” he shared.

How He Manages His Work

A typical day for Guo involves working Monday to Friday, for about six hours a day, or 30 hours a week. His focus is on market research, which occupies roughly 40% of his time. Guo attributes much of his success to staying informed about his clients and their needs. By maintaining a hands-on approach to business and prioritizing research, he has been able to scale his businesses while maintaining a fulfilling lifestyle.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Steven Guo’s story is a testament to how balancing passion with entrepreneurship can lead to incredible success. For those looking to emulate his journey, Guo’s advice centers on the importance of learning, staying adaptable, and focusing on the long-term picture. His ability to merge work with personal interests—whether that’s running a business or surfing in Bali—has played a pivotal role in his entrepreneurial achievements.

For Guo, it’s not just about the money—it’s about building a life that aligns with his values. “Bali offers the lifestyle I dreamed of, and it’s the perfect environment to grow both personally and professionally,” he said.

Sources By Agencies

About The Author