I made my first million at 18… and that’s becoming normal
I made my first million when I was 18 years old, and that's not normal by any stretch of imagination. I will say it's more and more common these days. I dropped out of school when I was 17. When I was 17, I was making 20, 25 grand a month. I just hired my first employee. And back then that was impressive. Now it's like, I swear like someone's gonna make their first million dollars while they're still in the womb at some point. Like that's the way things are trending at this point. You feel old now, like the younger kids are doing stuff that you weren't doing, right? 100%.
I made my first million at 18… and that’s becoming normal
I made my first million when I was 18 years old, and that's not normal by any stretch of imagination. I will say it's more and more common these days. I dropped out of school when I was 17. When I was 17, I was making 20, 25 grand a month. I just hired my first employee. And back then that was impressive. Now it's like, I swear like someone's gonna make their first million dollars while they're still in the womb at some point. Like that's the way things are trending at this point. You feel old now, like the younger kids are doing stuff that you weren't doing, right? 100%.
In this TikTok, Iman Gadzhi reflects on hitting his first major financial milestone — earning his first million dollars at the age of 18. He openly admits that while this achievement was once rare and impressive, it’s now becoming increasingly common, especially in the digital age. He jokes that we’re approaching a time when “someone’s going to make their first million dollars while still in the womb,” highlighting how fast the landscape is evolving for young entrepreneurs. The tone of the video is part humorous, part observational, and entirely self-aware.
The strength of this video lies in how it captures a cultural shift: the democratization of wealth through digital tools, online business models, and creator-driven economies. Iman’s story serves both as a benchmark and a mirror — a benchmark of what's possible and a mirror reflecting how fast the expectations around success are changing. He’s not bragging; he’s noting how what was once exceptional is now, in many circles, almost expected.
His delivery is casual, self-deprecating, and relatable — he references his own journey while subtly acknowledging the pressure that today’s younger generation may feel seeing 16- or 17-year-olds building businesses and earning six or seven figures.
That’s one of the key reasons this video went viral: it taps into a deep, generational sentiment — a mix of inspiration and anxiety. On one hand, it motivates aspiring entrepreneurs by showing what’s possible. On the other, it validates the quiet insecurity that some people feel when they see others succeeding so early in life.
The relatability factor is massive. Everyone scrolling TikTok has come across videos of teens with businesses, side hustles, YouTube channels, or Shopify stores. Iman’s commentary provides much-needed perspective: yes, it’s impressive, but it’s also part of a new wave — one that comes with both opportunity and pressure.
In summary, the video exploded in reach because it blends humor, realism, and inspiration, while addressing the elephant in the room: success is happening earlier than ever, and while that’s exciting, it can also be intimidating. Iman’s delivery makes it feel like a conversation, not a lecture — and that’s what makes people stop, listen, and share.
Did you enjoy this video?
Leave your email address and we’ll deliver the best content from top business minds in the world — in the category you choose.