Man Shared Business Plan with ChatGPT: In a surprising and widely shared online exchange, a Reddit user named Simon revealed he had shared a quirky business idea with ChatGPT. His plan? A company that matched people with jars that fit their lids—literally. The idea, though humorous, wasn’t exactly practical. But what made headlines was how ChatGPT, an AI tool, responded.
After briefly appreciating the poetic charm of the idea, ChatGPT offered a serious warning: “Simon, do not quit your job to pursue this idea. At least, not yet.” The AI then helped him retract his resignation email, offering a professional draft to undo the impulsive decision.
This incident gives us a lot to think about—especially about AI’s growing role in providing advice. Let’s dive into why this story resonated so widely and how AI might actually help you make smarter career and business decisions.
Man Shared Business Plan with ChatGPT
| Key Insight | Details |
|---|---|
| User’s Idea | Matching people with jars/lids—intended as a novelty or metaphorical business. |
| AI’s Response | Encouraging at first, but strongly advised not to quit the job. |
| User’s Action | Already emailed resignation; ChatGPT helped draft a retraction message. |
| Outcome | Simon reconsidered and took AI’s advice seriously. |
| Implications | AI can offer balanced, rational guidance in emotional moments. |
| Official Platform | OpenAI – ChatGPT |
When a man told ChatGPT about his odd business idea, the AI warned him not to quit his job—offering practical steps to reverse the damage. This article explores the full story, why ChatGPT’s advice worked, and how AI can help you make better career and business decisions. Learn from real examples, expert insights, and a smart checklist to avoid impulsive mistakes.
Simon’s story may be funny, but it reveals a powerful truth: AI, like ChatGPT, can be a calm and thoughtful guide in emotional moments. While it shouldn’t replace human mentors or career coaches, it can offer clarity, objectivity, and even practical help—like writing a resignation retraction email when you’ve gone too far.
So before you take the leap into entrepreneurship or leave that job out of frustration, ask yourself: What would AI say? Better yet—ask it directly.
Why This Business Idea Didn’t Work
Simon’s idea was imaginative, no doubt—but from a business standpoint, it lacked essential qualities. Here’s why ChatGPT was right to advise caution:
1. No Scalable Market
There’s minimal demand for a service that physically matches people with jars. It lacks mass appeal.
2. Logistical Nightmares
Sourcing, customizing, and delivering jars? That’s a high-cost, low-return model.
3. Lack of Unique Value
Unlike innovative services like Airbnb or Uber, this idea didn’t solve a major problem.
Emotional vs. Rational: Why People Quit Jobs Too Soon
Quitting a job is rarely just about money. Often, it’s about purpose, stress, boredom, or chasing a dream. But psychologists warn that impulsive career moves often stem from emotional fatigue rather than strategic planning.
Dr. Susan David, a Harvard psychologist and author of Emotional Agility, explains:
“Emotions are data, not directives.”
This means feeling “trapped” in your job doesn’t necessarily mean you should flee—it means you should listen to what your emotions are telling you, but act thoughtfully.
Why ChatGPT’s Advice Worked: AI as a Thinking Partner
Impartial Perspective
Unlike friends or coworkers, AI isn’t emotionally invested. That makes it an excellent sounding board.
Data-Driven Thinking
ChatGPT pulls from hundreds of thousands of examples, business models, and success/failure stories.
Ethical and Cautious
ChatGPT’s answer wasn’t just “yes” or “no.” It provided cautious optimism, with realistic steps forward.
Real Examples: Good vs. Bad Business Ideas
Bad Idea Example:
Pet Rock 2.0 – Reviving a 1970s fad without any digital or functional innovation.
Good Idea Example:
Duolingo – Used gamification to solve a global issue (language learning). It had need, scale, and repeat usage.
Lesson: A good business solves a real problem, serves a large audience, and offers long-term value.
How to Test a Business Idea (Before Quitting Your Job)
Use this simple AI + Human Checklist before making any big move:
Business Idea Checklist
| Question | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| Does your idea solve a real problem? | |
| Is there a paying market for it? | |
| Can it scale over time? | |
| Have you validated it with real users? | |
| Can you afford to fail safely? | |
| Have you consulted a mentor/coach? |
If you can’t say “yes” to at least 5 out of 6, don’t quit your day job—yet.
Expert Opinions: Human + AI Makes the Best Team
John Gruber, a Silicon Valley investor, notes:
“AI gives us speed and breadth. But it takes humans to provide depth, context, and accountability.”
The best path forward isn’t choosing between human advice or AI. It’s combining them.
Limitations of AI Advice
While ChatGPT was helpful in Simon’s case, it’s not perfect:
- It lacks emotional context – AI doesn’t “know” your mental health, family pressures, or dreams.
- It can misread niche contexts – Especially if the business idea involves hyper-local or emerging markets.
- It is only as good as your prompt – Garbage in, garbage out.
Always treat AI as a partner, not a replacement for critical thinking.
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FAQs About Man Shared Business Plan with ChatGPT
Can I trust ChatGPT to give reliable business advice?
Yes, for general strategy, validation, or brainstorming. But always cross-check with human experts.
What if I already quit my job like Simon?
Don’t panic. Use AI to strategize your next step: job retraction, freelancing, or pivoting to a tested idea.
How can I use ChatGPT effectively for planning?
Give it details. The more context you offer (target audience, budget, goals), the better its output.
