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Krishna

Krishna Kumar  |383 Answers  |Ask -

Workplace Expert - Answered on Feb 01, 2024

Krishna Kumar is the founder and CEO of GoMoTech, a company that provides strategic consulting in B2B sales, performance management and digital transformation.
Before branching out on his own, he worked with companies like Microsoft, Rediff, Flipkart and InMobi.
With over 25 years of experience under his belt, KK is a regular speaker at industry events and academic intuitions, both in India as well as abroad.
KK completed his MBA in marketing from the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning in Andhra Pradesh and his management development programme from XLRI, Jamshedpur.
He has also completed his LLB from Nagpur University and diploma in PR from Bhavan’s College of Management, Nagpur, where he was awarded a gold medal.... more
Gaffar Question by Gaffar on Oct 18, 2023Hindi
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Career

I have 10years in dot.com sales as team lead with B.A what I can do for my career growth and change my industry.

Ans: Dear Gaffar

From what you have shared it seems you have sales experience in internet industry. Sales in itself is a wide area. From career growth you can do following.

Take up additional responsibilities in your current role. Such as pre-ales, post sales, sales operations. This will help you to learn new skills and also create value for your present organisation.

You may also consider shifting industry.

All the best

Regards
Career

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R P

R P Yadav  | Answer  |Ask -

HR, Workspace Expert - Answered on Jan 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 21, 2023Hindi
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Career
I have 18 years IT experience as Developer,team lead,Manager. Have done fairly well in career so far. But I am not really enjoying people management and team leading. I switched job in 2021 consciously took a senior developer role. Very happy with this role, but issue is after some time companies expect you to lead teams. Financially I am good, and no dependents. Ready to take a pay cut. What other career options/ line of work can I do? Wish to remain in IT ? To summarize, I wish to remain an individual contributor. Kindly reply
Ans: It’s great to hear that you have 18 years of experience in IT and have done well in your career so far. It’s also good to know that you are happy with your current role as a senior developer. If you wish to remain an individual contributor, there are several career options that you can consider within the IT industry.

Technical Architect: As a technical architect, you will be responsible for designing and implementing complex software systems. You will work closely with developers and other stakeholders to ensure that the system meets the business requirements and is scalable, secure, and maintainable.

Data Scientist: As a data scientist, you will be responsible for analyzing large datasets to identify patterns and trends. You will use statistical and machine learning techniques to develop predictive models that can be used to make informed business decisions.

DevOps Engineer: As a DevOps engineer, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining the infrastructure that supports the software development process. You will work closely with developers to ensure that the software is deployed and tested efficiently and reliably.

Technical Writer: As a technical writer, you will be responsible for creating documentation that explains complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner. You will work closely with developers and other stakeholders to ensure that the documentation is accurate and up-to-date.

Software Quality Assurance Engineer: As a software quality assurance engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring that the software meets the required quality standards. You will work closely with developers to identify and fix defects in the software.

These are just a few examples of the many career options available to you as an experienced IT professional. I hope this helps you in your search for a fulfilling career. If you have any further questions or concerns, please let me know.

..Read more

Abhishek

Abhishek Shah  | Answer  |Ask -

HR Expert - Answered on Aug 23, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 21, 2023Hindi
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Career
Hi, I have 18 years IT experience as Developer, team lead, Manager. Have done fairly well in career so far. But I am not really enjoying people management and team leading. I switched job in 2021 consciously took a senior developer role. Very happy with this role, but issue is after some time companies expect you to lead teams. Financially I am good, and no dependents. Ready to take a pay cut. What other career options/ line of work can I do? Wish to remain in IT ? To summarize, I wish to remain an individual contributor. Kindly reply
Ans: Hello,

It's great to hear about your extensive IT experience and your awareness of your preferences in terms of work roles. Transitioning away from management and focusing on individual contribution is a valid choice that aligns with your career satisfaction. There are several paths you can explore within the IT field that allow you to remain an individual contributor and leverage your technical skills and experience. Here are a few options to consider:

Technical Specialist/Architect: As a technical specialist or architect, you can dive deep into specific technologies, frameworks, or domains. You'll be responsible for designing complex systems, solving intricate technical challenges, and providing guidance to development teams. This role lets you stay close to the technical aspects of projects without being directly involved in people management.

Subject Matter Expert (SME): SMEs are highly knowledgeable individuals in a specific area. You can become an SME in a particular programming language, technology stack, or domain. This role involves mentoring others, providing technical expertise, and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in your chosen area.

Technical Evangelist/Advocate: If you're passionate about certain technologies or tools, becoming a technical evangelist allows you to promote and advocate for them within the industry. This role often involves speaking at conferences, writing technical articles, and engaging with the developer community.

Consultant: As a consultant, you can offer your expertise to various companies on a project basis. You'll work on different projects, offer technical solutions, and collaborate with teams to implement best practices.

Principal Engineer: In this role, you become a senior-level individual contributor who influences technical direction, makes architectural decisions, and guides the development process. It's a role that emphasizes technical leadership and mentorship.

Freelancing/Contracting: If you enjoy the flexibility of work, you can consider freelancing or contracting. You'll have the freedom to choose projects that align with your interests and skills while maintaining your status as an individual contributor.

Open Source Contributor: Contributing to open source projects can be a fulfilling way to leverage your skills while collaborating with a global community of developers. It allows you to work on projects that interest you and make a broader impact.

Technical Writer/Trainer: If you have a knack for explaining complex technical concepts, you might consider becoming a technical writer or trainer. You can create documentation, tutorials, or online courses to educate others in the IT field.

It's important to communicate your career aspirations clearly to potential employers to ensure that you're considered for roles that match your preferences. By pursuing one of these paths, you can continue to thrive in the IT industry while focusing on what you enjoy most – technical expertise and individual contribution.

Regards,
Abhishek Shah

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |431 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 22, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
A bit long story I'm 21 student preparing for medical competative entrance exam for past 3 years (21-24).2 year ago this phase I was in a long distance relationship for 4 months with a girl I met in my class .But it didn't last long due to the problems created due to distance as she couldn't understand myself and I couldn't understand herself.so there was a misunderstanding and I couldn't hold on as I was in heavy pressure by exams and financial problems.so I couldn't handle and I felt like too early and broke up with her by losing my mind.she was completely disappointed as I didn't speak to her for more than an year due to one more year preparation.i missed her very much but I didnt tell her.I missed govt seat in border mark and the same year she got into a relationship with another guy in her class.i don't blame her. But I feel like my entire life is shattered and I couldn't move on from that girl till now.I couldn't concentrate on my career too.im kind of person who is always confident in all aspects but I have totally lost my mind .I can see that in an danger situation as age is running and family pressure, everyone of my classmates are far ahead of me I couldn't withstand this situation and couldn't make proper decision in any aspect. Mam please help me out.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand your concerns. The first step is to focus on moving on; she has, and you should too. Prioritize your career, your family, and your future. Next, what has happened to your career progress has already happened. It's unfortunate, but there's no way to change that. But give yourself a second chance; work harder and achieve greater things than you even imagined before. Trust me, you are not the only person who is standing in a situation like this. Many have, and many more will. But the ones who have passed this time will give you the same advice that I did.

Best Wishes.

...Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |682 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 13, 2024Hindi
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Money
Sir, I am 40yrs old. Having monthly takehome salary of 1.1 lakh and rental income of 36000. My investment are 2 flats worth of 1cr. 4 plots in Bhubaneswar worth of 2crs. EPF balance 50 lakh, LIC policies worth of 16 lakhs, NPS worth of 10 lakhs. My monthly saving commitments are - EPF (employee+employer) 28000 NPS 15000 MF 7500 Gold scheme 5000 Financial burden - HL emi of 24000 Monthly expanses 50000 I would like to retire at 50. Please advise for retirement plan with life expectancy of 80yrs.
Ans: Hello;

The value of your investments after 10 years;

A. EPF Corpus+Contribution: 1.6 Cr
B. NPS Corpus+Contribution: 53 L
C. MF(sip) + Gold(sip): 25 L
D. Real estate (land): 3.26 Cr

So sum of A, C & D gives us a corpus of 5.11 Cr

Since you will withdraw NPS before 60 age 80% of corpus will go into annuity while 20% will be available to you.

So you may expect monthly income of around 21 K from annuity(42.4 L).

Balance 10.6 L get added to 5.11L taking your total corpus to ~ 5.2 Cr.

If you invest 5 Cr in a conservative hybrid debt fund and do a SWP at the rate of 3%, you may expect a monthly income of around 1.1 L(post-tax).

Add your monthly rental income of 36 K(No growth factored) and annuity income of 21 K to this and you have total monthly income of 1.67 L after 10 years.

Your current monthly expenses of 50 K after 10 years would be around 90 K and 1.6 L after 20 years.

Considering return of around 7-7.5% from the conservative hybrid debt fund you will still generate inflation adjusted return at 3% SWP after 80 years of age.

Assumptions:
Inflation rate-6%
Return from EPF-8%
Return from NPS-9%
Return from MF-10%
Return from gold-7%
Return from Land-5%
Annuity rate-6%

The spare flat is not considered in this because it will continue to yield you rental income in retirement.

Since real estate(land) returns may fluctuate over 10 years suggest to increase MF sip(6X) as a back-up, also in this case you may decide to retain & invest in NPS upto 60 age.

Of course MF returns are also not assured but you are improving the odds by backing two appreciable assets(RE & equity) over long-term.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Money
My age 62, male, getting rental income Rs. 90k nett. Already subscribing 12.5k in PPF for the past 2 1/2 years. No other investments. My target is 5 crores in 10 years. I already have Mediclaim Rs.50 lakhs for me & wife . Please advice me what to do.
Ans: Your current financial foundation is strong and shows promise:

A rental income of Rs. 90,000 per month provides consistent and predictable cash flow. This stability can serve as the backbone for your investment strategy.

PPF contributions of Rs. 12,500 per month for 2.5 years reflect disciplined saving. However, its returns may be insufficient to achieve a high-growth target like Rs. 5 crores in 10 years.

A robust Mediclaim policy of Rs. 50 lakhs for you and your wife ensures adequate health coverage. This safeguard allows you to focus on wealth-building without worrying about medical emergencies.

Despite these positive factors, achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years requires a carefully crafted and growth-oriented strategy.

Defining and Prioritising Your Financial Goals
Achieving Rs. 5 crores is ambitious yet achievable with a focused approach:

Define this target as your primary financial goal over the next decade.

Break it into manageable milestones: for example, Rs. 50 lakhs every 1-2 years in cumulative investments and growth.

Prioritise high-return investments that align with your risk tolerance and financial capacity.

Optimising Existing PPF Contributions
While PPF is a secure investment, its growth potential is limited:

Returns: PPF currently offers an interest rate of approximately 7-7.5%, which barely outpaces inflation.

Contribution Review: Consider capping your PPF contributions at Rs. 1.5 lakh annually (to utilise the Section 80C benefit). This ensures that excess funds are redirected to higher-return investments.

PPF can serve as a low-risk component of your portfolio but should not dominate your investment strategy.

Building a Diversified Investment Portfolio
A diversified portfolio will provide a balance of risk and reward. Include the following components:

1. Equity Mutual Funds for Growth
Equity mutual funds are essential for achieving high returns over the long term:

Large-Cap Funds: These invest in established companies and offer stability with moderate growth. They are ideal for a portion of your portfolio to reduce risk.

Multi-Cap or Flexi-Cap Funds: These provide exposure to companies of all sizes, offering growth and diversification.

Sectoral and Thematic Funds: Avoid these unless you have a high risk tolerance and understand market dynamics.

ELSS Funds: These not only provide tax savings under Section 80C but also deliver market-linked returns.

Why Avoid Index Funds?

Index funds may offer simplicity and lower expense ratios, but they lack flexibility. They cannot adapt to market conditions or capitalise on outperforming sectors. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, have the potential to outperform the market, especially in a developing economy like India.

Start with a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in selected funds to build wealth steadily.

2. Debt Mutual Funds for Stability
Debt funds add stability to your portfolio and reduce overall risk:

Choose funds with low credit risk and moderate duration to ensure safety and predictable returns.

Debt funds are suitable for short- to medium-term goals or as a fallback during market corrections.

Taxation Note: Both LTCG and STCG on debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab. This should be factored into your planning.

3. Balanced Advantage Funds
Balanced advantage funds (BAFs) dynamically allocate assets between equity and debt. They:

Provide exposure to equity while minimising downside risk.

Offer a suitable option for someone nearing retirement but seeking growth.

4. Gold Investments for Diversification
Allocate a small portion (5-10%) of your portfolio to gold:

Gold serves as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation.

Choose gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds for ease of liquidity and better returns.

Emergency Fund Creation
Having an emergency fund is non-negotiable:

Maintain at least 6-12 months of expenses in liquid investments like liquid mutual funds or high-interest savings accounts.

This ensures liquidity for unforeseen events without disturbing your long-term investments.

Focus on Retirement Planning
At 62, balancing growth and safety becomes critical:

Estimate your monthly retirement expenses, considering inflation over the next 10-15 years.

Your target of Rs. 5 crores should primarily serve as your retirement corpus.

Allocate assets thoughtfully:

60-70% in equity funds for growth.
30-40% in debt funds for stability.
Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain this allocation.

Strategic Tax Planning
Tax efficiency can significantly impact your returns:

Continue using Section 80C to its full potential, including ELSS funds and PPF.

Consider the National Pension System (NPS) for an additional Rs. 50,000 deduction under Section 80CCD(1B).

Be mindful of the new taxation rules for mutual funds:

Equity Mutual Funds: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%; STCG at 20%.
Debt Funds: LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income slab.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner to optimise your tax strategy.

Regular Portfolio Monitoring and Rebalancing
Investing is not a one-time activity:

Review your portfolio every six months or annually to track performance.

Rebalance your asset allocation periodically to align with your financial goals and risk appetite.

Stay committed to SIPs even during market downturns, as this ensures cost-averaging.

Additional Suggestions
Avoid Over-Reliance on PPF
While PPF is safe, it is not sufficient for wealth creation. Shift excess contributions to equity-based investments for better returns.

Avoid Direct Stocks
Direct equity investing requires time, expertise, and constant monitoring. It carries higher risk and may lead to losses without proper research. Instead, rely on equity mutual funds managed by professionals.

Avoid Mixing Insurance and Investments
Do not invest in ULIPs or endowment plans, as they offer suboptimal returns. Stick to pure insurance products for protection and mutual funds for growth.

The Role of a Certified Financial Planner
To achieve Rs. 5 crores, a well-crafted financial plan is essential. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can:

Analyse your current investments and recommend improvements.

Design a customised strategy tailored to your income, expenses, and goals.

Provide periodic reviews to ensure you stay on track.

Finally
Achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years is a realistic goal if you adopt a disciplined and diversified approach.

Optimise your PPF contributions and channel excess funds into higher-growth investments.

Build a diversified portfolio with equity and debt mutual funds.

Include a small allocation to gold and maintain an emergency fund.

Stay consistent with your SIPs and review your investments regularly.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to create a personalised roadmap.

By following these steps, you can secure your financial future and meet your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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