I used to feel like a caged bird, longing to be set free and soar to new heights.
I faced a similar struggle, not during my PhD, but when I worked under the H1b visa.
After obtaining my green card, I made the decision to quit and start a company. However, I soon realized that running a startup was not suitable for me.
Running a startup is akin to playing the game of Monopoly; it revolves around resource management, and resources can be diverse in nature.
While personal skills do matter to some extent, the most crucial resource is finding good people who are willing to collaborate with you. Unfortunately, many of us lack such connections and struggle with scaling productivity.
After my startup journey ended in failure, I returned to being a programmer. However, the experience of entrepreneurship has brought about a positive change in me: I have become mentally settled. I still have the desire to build something, but I am now content with working on it gradually and alongside other commitments.
My advice to you is not to quit your PhD and avoid rushing into a situation in a country that may not be supportive (as I also came from a similar background). Whatever path you choose, it's essential to have the right environment to nurture your aspirations. While an unsupportive family might seem like a minor obstacle, factors such as justice, legal frameworks, and the spirit of contracts play a crucial role.
Instead, consider building your ideas on the side. Take time to reflect on and refine your product ideas.
some good reads for you
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=31327219
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26012189