Home > Career > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Shekhar

Shekhar Kumar  | Answer  |Ask -

Leadership, HR Expert - Answered on Apr 26, 2024

Shekhar Kumar is senior manager, talent acquisition, at the Shri Venkateshwara University in Gajraula, Uttar Pradesh. He has 18 years of expertise in the search and placement of executive leadership talent across various industries.
He has also mentored middle and senior management professionals for leadership positions and guided them in career development.
Shekhar has a bachelor's degree in business management from Magadh University, Bihar, and a master's degree in human resource management from Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 25, 2024Hindi
Listen
Career

Hi Sir I have completed my btech in 2018 after that i am preparing for govt job for 2 years but not getting result in 2020 starting a pvt job ...till now doing that job got promoted but as compared to other employe i feel underpaid bcz some employee at my position have direct approach to CEO ... I feel to start govt job preparation again but my age is now 28 ...pressure from family to do better in life fully stucked my father always force me to do some self employed type business... I am totaly frustrated .

Ans: It sounds like you're facing a lot of pressure and frustration regarding your career and future direction. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed when dealing with family expectations, job dissatisfaction, and uncertainty about your career path. Here are some suggestions to help you navigate this challenging situation in the future. Have open and honest conversations with your family about your feelings, aspirations, and concerns regarding your career. Express your need for support and understanding as you navigate your career journey. Explain your reasons for considering government job preparation or entrepreneurship, and discuss how your family can support you in pursuing your goals. Once you've clarified your goals and explored your options, take proactive steps to move forward. This may involve updating your resume, researching government job requirements, or developing a business plan for your entrepreneurial venture. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps and take consistent action towards achieving them. Remember that progress takes time, and setbacks are a natural part of the journey. It's essential to prioritize your well-being and mental health during this challenging time. Take time for self-care activities that help you relax, recharge, and maintain balance in your life. Seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals if you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope with stress. Research different career paths, including government job opportunities, entrepreneurship, and other alternatives. Consider the pros and cons of each option, as well as the potential challenges and opportunities they present.

Remember that your career journey is unique to you, and it's okay to explore different paths and make changes along the way. Trust yourself to make decisions that align with your values, aspirations, and well-being. With persistence, self-reflection, and support from others, you can navigate through this challenging period and find fulfillment in your career and life.
Career

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10931 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Nov 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 01, 2025Hindi
Career
Dear sir /Madam My name is Bisal from West Bengal.I m35 years old.I did normaly Plain graduate honours degree.I had experience with automobile sector and others field. I have keen interest on automobile sector.but currently last 5 years i engaged my profession with government sponser low income duty as a civic volunteer in west bengal that jobs neither increase salary nor promotion and we also used for leading party duty under police department and also pressurized filthy language by senior officer. I have decided many times to quit this job but friends family told me that is government job little bit pressure but still secure job for 60 years of age..but now i m feeling very depressed about my career sometimes i think can switch the job and learning automobile engineering and started new career or others locals job.. therefore i requested you to guide me as soon as possible.. because i marrying soon and therefore no cance to move .
Ans: Career transitions at age 35 are increasingly common and successful in India, particularly when transitioning from stressful government positions to passion-aligned sectors. The automobile industry in India is experiencing significant growth, with the EV sector projected to expand at 20% CAGR (compound annual growth rate) through 2030, creating substantial employment opportunities for mid-career professionals with technical qualifications.?
Option 1: Short-Term Diploma/Certificate in Automobile Technology (Recommended). Timeline: 6-12 months | Investment: INR 50,000–1.5 lakh | Salary Trajectory: INR 2–4.5 LPA immediately; INR 5–8 LPA within 3 years. This route is your fastest, most practical path given marriage timelines. Rather than pursuing a full 4-year B.Tech, enroll in a Polytechnic Diploma in Automobile Engineering or Certificate courses in EV Technology or Automotive Repair & Maintenance (available as 6-month accelerated programs across West Bengal institutions). Your existing work experience and administrative background provide maturity that employers value—essential for employment at 35+.? WBengal's automobile industry actively recruits EV technicians, automotive service advisors, and mechanics. CCurrent job postings in Kolkata and Hooghly offer monthly positions for diploma-qualified technicians with salaries ranging from INR 9,000 to 25,000. Major employers include Cummins Inc., Bhandari Automotive, and emerging EV manufacturers in Chunchura. Government initiatives like PM-KAUSHAL VIKAS YOJANA and NASSCOM's skill development programs offer mentorship and potential startup funding (up to INR 2–5 lakhs) for establishing small service-based businesses post-employment.? Option 2: Lateral Entry into Automotive Service Management. Timeline: Immediate (3–6 months) | Investment: Minimal (INR 10,000 for certification) | Salary: INR 4–6 LPA; management roles: INR 8–12 LPA within 3 years. Your five years of government administration, stakeholder management, and civic volunteer experience represent directly transferable skills for managing automotive dealerships and service centers. Companies like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Toyota actively recruit managers with administrative discipline and operational expertise.?
Complete an online ISO automotive certification or 6-8 week basic automotive management course (INR 5,000–15,000). West Bengal dealerships currently recruit for Service Managers and Automotive Service Advisors positions. This pathway allows faster salary growth while you simultaneously explore entrepreneurship—dealership partnerships or authorized service centers become feasible within 3–5 years of management experience.?
Option 3: Hybrid Approach—Immediate Income + Skill Development. Timeline: Immediate | Investment: INR 30,000–50,000 | Income: INR 2–4 LPA while studying; scaling to 5–8 LPA post-diploma. Begin freelance automotive consulting or digital marketing for automobile dealers (2–3 hours daily) via platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn while enrolling in part-time or weekend diploma programs. This generates supplementary income before marriage while building your professional portfolio and funding your education.?
Simultaneously explore government entrepreneurship schemes: NASSCOM startup mentorship, DDU-GKY program, or West Bengal state-level initiatives offering business loans up to INR 5 lakhs for automotive service ventures.?
Addressing Mental Health—Essential Priority: YOur depression and workplace stress require immediate professional attention rather than postponement. PPlatforms like Click2Pro, TalkToAngel, and Manochikitsa offer online career therapy combined with mental health counseling for INR 500–1,500 per session, with many providing structured 4–6 week packages specifically designed to address career-transition anxiety. Professional guidance clarifies decision confidence before marriage discussions and ensures psychological resilience during transition.? Recommendation: Pursue Option 1 (Diploma) + Option 3 (hybrid income) simultaneously. Please consider enrolling in a short-term diploma starting next month, generating supplementary freelance income immediately, and exploring government startup schemes. This integrated strategy: maintains financial stability during marriage preparation, positions you for INR 5–8 LPA roles within 18–24 months, and establishes a practical pathway toward entrepreneurial goals within 3–5 years post-marriage. Simultaneously, seek professional mental health counseling to address depression and enhance psychological clarity for the significant life decisions that lie ahead. Accordingly, it would be prudent to maintain your current employment until you have thoroughly evaluated and committed to one of the three pathways outlined and are confident of achieving sustainable career satisfaction and financial stability. All the BEST for Your Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10931 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Mar 02, 2026

Career
Hello sir I am currently in class 12th pcm stream and confused which college to chose as I want to pursue cse from a reputable college. I scored less in my jee mains january attempt so I am considering taking a drop too but since I mostly prepared for boards for my entire year I am looking forward to get a seat in SASTRA university in Thanjavur I am from Uttar Pradesh though can you guide me what should I do and what other college options based on class 12th marks will be best for me. I am from isc board.
Ans: Kartikeya, You are from UP. I'm curious to know—what draws you to SASTRA in Thanjavur, TN? Do you have specific reasons? Northern India offers excellent alternatives like LPU, Thapar, Galgotias, Amity, GLA, and Sharda, many accepting ISC marks too.

Apply to 6-7 more reputed colleges as backup options instead of relying only on Sastra & Government Institutions. Consider a drop only if you're confident of the 95+ percentile next year. All the BEST for Your Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11047 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 02, 2026

Money
I have borrow a 36.50 lakh loan against property from hdfc bank. is property inssurance mandatory for the mortgage loan on property?
Ans: You have taken a Loan Against Property of Rs 36.50 lakh. First, I appreciate that you are checking the legal and financial side carefully. That shows responsibility.

Now let us understand clearly.

» Is Property Insurance Mandatory for Loan Against Property?

– Legally, property insurance is not compulsory under Indian law.
– But practically, most banks including HDFC Bank insist on insuring the property.
– It is usually mentioned in the loan agreement as a condition.

So technically it is not a government rule. But contractually, the bank can make it compulsory.

Why? Because the property is the security for your loan.

» Why Bank Insists on Property Insurance

– The property is pledged to the bank.
– If there is fire, flood, earthquake or major damage, the value reduces.
– If the property is damaged badly, the bank’s security becomes weak.

Insurance protects both you and the bank.

So from risk management point of view, it is practical and sensible.

» Is It Mandatory to Buy Insurance From the Same Bank?

– No bank can force you to buy insurance only from their partner company.
– You are free to choose any general insurance company.
– You only need to assign the policy in favour of the bank.

If bank is forcing bundled insurance, you can politely request separate policy.

» What Type of Insurance Is Needed?

For mortgage loan, usually:

– Structure insurance (building insurance) is required.
– Contents insurance is optional but useful.

If it is an apartment:

– The society may already have a master policy.
– Still, individual unit insurance is better.

Do not confuse this with loan protection insurance (life cover). That is different.

» Should You Take It Even If Not Forced?

Yes, I strongly recommend taking it.

Why?

– Property is a large asset.
– One accident can destroy years of savings.
– Premium is very small compared to property value.

It is not an expense. It is protection.

» Check These Points Carefully

– Insured value should match reconstruction cost, not market value.
– Natural calamities must be covered.
– Policy should be renewed every year without fail.
– Bank clause (assignment clause) must be correctly mentioned.

Do not ignore renewal. If policy lapses, risk comes back to you.

» 360 Degree Protection View

Since you have a loan:

– Ensure you have adequate term insurance to cover outstanding loan.
– Ensure you have proper health insurance.
– Maintain emergency fund for EMI continuity.

If something happens to income, EMI must not suffer.

Property insurance protects asset.
Term insurance protects family.
Emergency fund protects EMI discipline.

All three together create safety.

» Finally

Property insurance may not be legally compulsory, but practically it is required and financially wise.

Do not see it as bank pressure. See it as risk control.

A small premium today can prevent a huge financial shock tomorrow.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11047 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 02, 2026

Money
Hello Sir, I am 43 year old, having investment in 1. Own House-No Loan 2. MF holding 14.0 Lac, 3. FD 44.0 Lac, 4. Pure Gold 40.0 Lac, 5. PPF 5.0 Lac, 6. EPF 27.5 Lac, 7. NPS 9.0 Lac 8. Bank Account 10.0 Lac 9. Monthly SIP 44000 Rs [Multicap, Two Mid Cap, Two Small Cap, Large and Mid Cap] 10. Term Plan 50.0 Lac My child is 16 years old, i need your advice for my child education, marriage as well as my retirement.
Ans: You have built a very strong foundation at 43. Own house without loan, good savings in FD, gold, EPF and mutual funds – this shows discipline and stability. Many people at your age struggle with liabilities. You are in a safe position. Now we must organise it properly for your child’s higher education, marriage and your retirement.

» Current Financial Position – Overall Assessment

– Own house without loan gives you emotional security.
– Total financial assets are well diversified across FD, gold, PF and mutual funds.
– Large allocation to FD and gold gives safety but lower long-term growth.
– Mutual fund exposure is moderate and SIP is healthy at Rs 44,000 per month.
– Term cover of Rs 50 lakh is on the lower side considering child age and future costs.

You are financially stable. Now the focus must shift to growth and protection.

» Child Higher Education – 2 to 4 Year Planning Window

Your child is already 16. That means higher education funding is very near.

– Education corpus should not depend on equity-heavy assets now.
– Avoid taking high risk in small and mid caps for this goal.
– Start segregating money required in next 2–3 years into safe instruments like short-term debt or high-quality fixed income.
– Do not disturb EPF and NPS for education unless absolutely necessary.

If needed, you can use part of FD and bank balance. Education goal is priority one.

Important: Avoid selling equity mutual funds in panic. If you sell equity funds:
– LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG is taxed at 20%.

Plan redemption carefully and gradually.

» Child Marriage – Long-Term Goal (8–12 Years)

Marriage is not urgent. So this can stay in growth assets.

– Continue SIP.
– You are currently investing across multicap, midcap, smallcap and large-midcap. That is fine for long term.
– But review allocation. Too much mid and small cap increases volatility.

Keep marriage goal in a separate mutual fund bucket. Track it independently.

» Retirement Planning – The Most Important Goal

You are 43. You have around 15–17 years for retirement.

Current retirement assets:
– EPF Rs 27.5 lakh
– NPS Rs 9 lakh
– PPF Rs 5 lakh
– Mutual Funds Rs 14 lakh

This is a decent start but not enough for long retirement life.

You must:

– Increase retirement-focused equity allocation gradually.
– Continue EPF contribution strongly.
– Continue NPS for tax and discipline, but do not depend fully on it.
– Increase SIP gradually every year, at least 5–10% step-up.

At your age, growth is still required. Too much FD and gold will reduce long-term wealth creation.

» Asset Allocation Correction

Current allocation shows heavy weight in:

– FD Rs 44 lakh
– Gold Rs 40 lakh

Gold and FD together form a very large portion. Gold does not give income. FD gives safety but post-tax returns are moderate.

Suggestion:

– Do not exit gold fully. Keep reasonable allocation.
– Slowly reduce excess FD over next few years and move towards diversified equity mutual funds for long-term goals.
– Keep emergency fund of 6–9 months in bank and FD. Beyond that, excess idle cash should work harder.

» Insurance Review

Term cover of Rs 50 lakh is low.

– Considering child age and inflation in education, you should review and increase total term cover.
– Aim for at least 10–12 times annual income protection.

Health insurance is not mentioned. If not adequate, increase family floater coverage.

» Risk Management & Behaviour Discipline

– Do not frequently change funds based on market noise.
– Review once a year.
– Keep goals separated mentally and financially.

Your SIP structure is good. Just rebalance and align with time horizon.

» Tax Awareness

– Equity mutual fund gains above Rs 1.25 lakh (long term) are taxed at 12.5%.
– Short term gains are taxed at 20%.
– Debt fund gains are taxed as per slab.

So plan withdrawals smartly. Do not redeem in one single financial year if avoidable.

» Action Plan – Next 12 Months

– Separate education corpus immediately.
– Increase term insurance.
– Gradually rebalance FD surplus into long-term mutual funds.
– Step-up SIP yearly.
– Create clear written retirement number target.
– Review NPS asset allocation to ensure enough equity exposure.

» Finally

You are not late. You are actually ahead in discipline and savings. Only re-alignment is required.

Education funding needs safety now.
Marriage needs growth.
Retirement needs structured and increasing equity exposure.

If you implement these corrections calmly, you can achieve all three goals without stress.

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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x