My brother is Btech in Computer science and engineering from HBTI Kanpur which he did in 1997 with 62% marks. Unfortunately while on job he met with an fatal accident in 2000 and was bedridden and underwent treatment till 2010. Now he is mentally and physically 95 % fit. He lives with mother who doesn't want him to live independently because of his health. He did a couple of job on adhoc basis ( not related to his education) near our home in Sidkul Haridwar till 2020 but lost job due to Covid. Can you please suggest something that he can work from home and earn. He has lost confidence and has become pessimist about his career. Please advise.

Ans:

Hi Krishna.

As your brother has not been working for a long time, these are the steps I suggest for him to restart his career:

1. Decide what career stream he wants to pursue… is it civil engineering, IT or some other field?

2. Then upgrade his skill levels in that field by taking up a formal course from a good institute.

3. He could also explore being an entrepreneur in a business of his interest.

4. To start his career he should consider part-time task based jobs rather than a full time role.

Ans: Encourage him to focus on studies, seek help from peers, faculty to clear his doubts or and clear his backlog. Since he is good in coding I am assuming he mastered it by putting in more time on coding. It is possible he did not pay enough attention to some subjects. His soft skills will help him get a job easily. Let him work with a single minded focus to clear his backlog. This should be his only focus. The family needs to work to keep him motivated.

Ans: Hi,

Choosing between continuing exam preparation and seeking a job is a significant decision that should be based on various factors. Here's some advice tailored to your brother's situation:

1. Evaluate His Progress: Assess how much progress your brother has made in his exam preparation. Has he been consistent in his studies? Has he shown improvement in his performance in mock exams or previous attempts? If he's making good progress and has a strong determination to pursue a career in government services, continuing with his exam preparation might be a viable option.

2. Consider the Competitive Landscape: The competition for government jobs, especially UPSC exams, is intense in India. He should realistically evaluate his chances of success in these exams based on factors such as his academic background, preparation level, and the number of attempts he has left. If he faces challenges in cracking these exams, he may need to reassess his strategy.

3. Financial Stability: It's essential to consider the financial implications of continuing exam preparation without a stable source of income. If your brother's savings are running low or if he's dependent on family support, he might need to explore job opportunities to support himself financially.

4. Professional Growth: Working in the IT industry for six months has provided your brother with valuable experience. While preparing for exams, he could consider exploring part-time or freelance opportunities in his field to keep his skills updated and gain practical experience. This can enhance his resume and provide him with additional career options in the future.

5. Seek Guidance: Encourage your brother to seek guidance from career counselors or mentors who can provide insights into his career options and help him make an informed decision. They can also provide support and advice tailored to his individual circumstances.

Ultimately, the decision to continue exam preparation or look for a job should be based on a thorough assessment of your brother's goals, abilities, and circumstances. It's essential for him to weigh the pros and cons carefully and choose a path that aligns with his long-term career aspirations and financial stability.

Ans: You don't have to give up hope, Do inspire him that his setback due to health issues was temporary and he can do well and as a bright young man. Let him make a start with baby steps with your continuous encouragement. See if he needs counselling, coaching from a professional to get out of his shell and get his achievement orientation back quickly. India needs mechancial engineers in large numbers and he must contibute.

Ans: We have to come to terms with the reality that the job market is slow right now. This means the efforts to find a jobs even for an IIT-ian will need more effort. Engineering program prepares graduates to work hard and your son's search should continue without wasting a minute. Also encourage him to keep enhancing his knowledge base. Let him network with seniors from previous batches and seek their assistance guidance in finding suitable internship and job opportunities,