Microsoft Engineer Redefines Success After Chronic Illness Diagnosis

Pronnoy Goswami shares how ulcerative colitis diagnosis shifted his perspective on work-life balance and achieving meaningful impact.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Pronnoy Goswami, a 31-year-old software engineer in the San Francisco Bay Area, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2022 while working at Microsoft. The chronic illness caused significant health challenges that forced Goswami to reevaluate his approach to work and success. He has since made lifestyle changes, found empathy from colleagues, and redefined his vision of achievement to prioritize his well-being.

Why it matters

Goswami's story highlights the struggles tech workers can face when dealing with chronic health conditions, and how a shift in mindset can help them find fulfillment and meaning in their careers despite adversity. His experience also underscores the importance of workplace flexibility and accommodations for employees managing chronic illnesses.

The details

After initially considering taking a career break, Goswami decided to continue working at Microsoft while making significant changes to his lifestyle and work routine. He now works remotely, is more selective about job opportunities, and is careful about how he spends his energy. Goswami has also found his voice through creative pursuits like writing a newsletter and technical blogs.

  • In 2021, Goswami first experienced symptoms of ulcerative colitis while on a trip with his partner before Thanksgiving.
  • By Independence Day 2022, Goswami's symptoms had worsened, and he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis after a colonoscopy.
  • Goswami took 3-4 weeks of sick leave from Microsoft after his diagnosis in 2022, then returned to work remotely for a year.
  • Goswami left Microsoft in 2023 and started working at a large enterprise software company in the San Francisco Bay Area.
  • Goswami and his wife went on their honeymoon in Hawaii in August 2025, where Goswami experienced a flare-up after eating something unplanned.

The players

Pronnoy Goswami

A 31-year-old software engineer living in the San Francisco Bay Area who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2022 while working at Microsoft.

Microsoft

The technology company where Goswami worked as a software engineer before his diagnosis and subsequent job change.

McKinsey

The consulting firm where Goswami previously worked as a software engineer for two years.

PayPal

The fintech company where Goswami interned for a few months.

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What they’re saying

“When I first got sick in 2021, I was working in Washington as a software engineer at Microsoft. Previously, I'd spent two years in software engineering at McKinsey, and a few months interning at PayPal.”

— Pronnoy Goswami, Software Engineer

“I'm used to putting 100% into my work, and when I was diagnosed in 2022, I'd been working on projects at Microsoft I felt were impactful. I took three to four weeks of sick leave, then returned to work, but I was completely remote for a year after my diagnosis.”

— Pronnoy Goswami, Software Engineer

The takeaway

Goswami's journey demonstrates the importance of workplace flexibility and accommodations for employees managing chronic illnesses. His story also highlights how a shift in mindset can help tech workers find fulfillment and meaning in their careers despite health challenges, by redefining success to prioritize well-being over pure productivity.