How Ulcerative Colitis Redefined One Tech Worker's Career and Priorities

Pronnoy Goswami's life changed in 2022 when doctors diagnosed him with ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. The condition forced him to rethink his career, health priorities, and even how he defines success. After leaving Microsoft 365 last year, he now works for a major enterprise software provider—where stability and well-being come first.

Goswami's symptoms began with rectal bleeding, extreme weakness, and frequent trips to the bathroom. Despite treatment, his condition worsened until a colonoscopy confirmed ulcerative colitis. The disease causes severe abdominal pain, bleeding, and unpredictable flare-ups.

For a full year after his diagnosis, he worked remotely while adjusting his diet to manage symptoms. Initially, he hesitated to discuss his illness openly. But when he did, colleagues responded with understanding and support.

Before his diagnosis, Goswami had built a career in tech. He spent two years as a software engineer at McKinsey, briefly interned at PayPal, and later worked as a developer at Microsoft in Washington. His health struggles, however, shifted his focus. He left Microsoft in 2023, joining an enterprise software company where job stability became a priority.

The diagnosis also gave him a new voice. He started writing a newsletter and blog, exploring creative passions he had previously set aside. Now, he measures success by his well-being—believing that good health lets him deliver stronger work solutions.

Even now, about 20% of his time is affected by bad health days. Some days require stepping back for medical tests or appointments.

Goswami's journey highlights how chronic illness can reshape a career. He now balances work with health needs while pursuing writing projects on the side. His story reflects a growing conversation about well-being in high-pressure industries like tech.