I completed my chemical engineering degree in 2016. I worked as a trainee in ITC-PSPD paper industry for over a year. Now I am looking for a new job. I always feel that something is missing in my life and feel low when I think about others who chose a different career path, or are earning more and successful. I am into fitness and a gym enthusiast; so I have always wanted to pursue a career in the fitness industry but I am confused about what course to take, what to do, and how to grow financially in this industry. — Srikanth
Dear Srikanth,
“Passion is the difference between having a job and a career”. I think that you feel ‘stuck’ in a mundane job — it is not a career that you are pursuing! There will always be people who will be better than us but what will bring you joy? What will make you want to jump out of the bed every single morning, looking forward to your day with joy and excitement? It is never too late to get started on what you would want to do in your life.
Of course, you will need to equip yourself and ensure that you are certified and rightly trained for the job. You seem to be a fitness enthusiast who is unfortunately ‘trapped’ in a boring office, regular desk job! Also, be aware that fitness trainers today are the new MBA graduates — personal trainers, tai chi, zumba, yoga and gym instructors who live a more fulfilled, well balanced life than many with a fancy white collared job. Go chase your passion!
I am 31 years old and have been working as a software engineer at an MNC for the last seven years. Since my college days I have nurtured a passion towards becoming an IPS officer. But due to family responsibilities and financial constraints, I had to force myself to pursue IT. Now, I want to seriously put efforts into preparation for UPSC exams. Here comes the confusion: one of my friends suggested I should pursue chartered accountancy rather than UPSC. The friend says it could yield more money if I move to Dubai as a CA. I am confused about what to do now: 1. Excel in my current profession, 2. Start preparing seriously for UPSC, or 3. Become a CA with a plan to move to Dubai. — Bharath
Dear Bharath,
Congratulations for looking out for your family. You did well. If your heart is still stuck on taking the UPSC exam, you just might be lucky as the age limit for Civil Services now is 32 years under the general category. Kindly go though the UPSC website for further details. If IPS is not ‘it’ for you, then you will need to decide between how much you love what you are currently doing to upgrade your current skill sets and/or if you would have the courage to re-invent yourself with something completely new and different (CA) to make more money and move to Dubai. But be realistic about the time and effort that the CA course generally demands. What will it take for you to get an international skill certification in your current job, to be able to get a promotion, move to another company with better prospects for you — both, financially and with respect to role responsibilities? Good luck!
I have a civil engineering degree and secured a job in a PSU after good performance in GATE. I later got to know PSUs aren’t good for career growth — at least for civil engineering graduates. Moreover, the job is repetitive and taxing. Now I am in a desk job, but I am in constant fear of being shifted to the field. So in a very short span of time, I decided to go into the finance sector. I have started preparing for competitive exams. But I can’t leave my job because my family is dependent on me. They have also forced me to take a home loan. So leaving the job and then preparing for my choice of the exam is a long shot!
Adding to my woes are egoistic bosses and not-so-friendly work environment. Being an introvert, I can’t even communicate properly or talk to my boss if I feel something isn’t right. I am unable to reach targets I had set for myself in preparing for the competitive exam. I am losing hope, I feel lonely and suicidal! I think I am slowly embracing depression. I want to leave this PSU at any cost this year by cracking that competitive exam. But I feel I am not able to give it my all. — Ajay
Dear Ajay,
You need to b-r-e-a-t-h-e, my dear!
You are heading for a clear burnout. You are so aware of your entire situation and I see that you are feeling trapped and helpless. Quitting this job till you find something else that is interesting and well-paying is not an option at all, right now. I am just wondering what you were thinking during your degree if you didn’t want to be on the ‘field’?
I hope the move to pursue a job in the financial sector is not a knee-jerk reaction, and that you have given it some serious thought! I wouldn’t want you to be a case of ‘out of the frying pan into the fire’. How often do you get the suicidal thoughts? It would be best for you to meet a psychiatrist who will help you assess your mood swings and check for depression. In addition, regular counselling and therapy will benefit you greatly as you seem to be passive with colleagues and family members, and unable to be assertive at work with your boss. Take care!
Disclaimer: This column is not a substitute for long-term therapy. It is merely a guiding voice. Some issues may need medical intervention.
The author is a practising counsellor and a trainer. She has worked extensively with students and young adults across a range of issues. She will answer questions sent to eduplus.thehindu@gmail.com. The subject line should be: ‘Off the edge’.
