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How to increase my salary after 10 years of experience in instrumentation?

Onkar

Onkar Singh  | Answer  |Ask -

Career Management, Skills Development Expert - Answered on Sep 02, 2024

Onkar Singh is the global corporate citizenship strategy and programmes manager (data and reporting -- M&E, lead) at Accenture. He has more than two decades of experience in corporate social responsibility, sustainability, data and reporting. He has expertise in the management of NGOs and corporate foundations. He mentors young professionals in the areas of career management, skills development, personal and community development and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) issues. Onkar holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from St Columba’s College, Hazaribagh, and an MBA from XISS, Ranchi. He also holds a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, New York.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Aug 29, 2024Hindi
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I have completed my graduation in instrumentation in 2012 I have 10 years of experience. As i have started my carrer with very minimum amount of salary my CTC is 9 lakh/annum after changed 5 companies all are reputed I am being paid very less as per my experience on the other hands my batch mate friends are on 15-16 lakh/annum. By looking that i felt i am way behind all others it also affects my work i don't like to go to work.

Ans: Please remember, you are uniquely you, so please stop comparing yourself to others including your batchmates as everyone has their trajectories. This doesn't mean you stop putting effort to bring the better version of yourself. Keep improving yourself and put 100% of your mind and time in what you are doing. This will help you reach and exceed your goals.
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R P Yadav  | Answer  |Ask -

HR, Workspace Expert - Answered on Mar 14, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 26, 2023
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Hi I am working in Mechanical CAE background. My salary is less comparable to IT engineers of my same age. Even I move to other companies they speak in terms of 30% growth. I also cant switch companies just because of that as I need sometimes stability also. My work nature is also requires me to spend more time .There is very high disparity in salary paid. Being now 12 years experienced in same domain.I need to figure out how Can I develop my skills to earn or match IT industry as time spent during working hours also high. salary is low but working hours also high .I need proper suggestion how to overcome this .should I be in same industry or if I need to move on to other industry .How should I start preparing being 12 years experienced.I need practical suggestions which can be implementable.Thanks.....
Ans: It’s commendable that you’ve been managing work from home to take care of your family. Considering your situation and background, let’s explore some options and suggestions:

Skill Enhancement:
Since you’re a website developer, consider enhancing your skill set. Learn more advanced web development technologies, frameworks, and tools. This can open up better-paying opportunities.
Explore front-end development, back-end development, and full-stack development. These skills are in demand.
Freelancing and Side Projects:
Leverage your web development skills to take on freelance projects. Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr offer opportunities to earn extra income.
Consider building your own portfolio website and showcasing your work. Potential clients often look for developers with a strong portfolio.
Online Courses and Certifications:
Pursue online courses in areas like UI/UX design, mobile app development, or e-commerce development.
Certifications from platforms like Coursera, edX, or Udacity can add credibility to your profile.
Explore MCA Alternatives:
While MCA might not be feasible due to eligibility criteria, consider other relevant courses.
Look into PG Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA). It’s a shorter program and may have more flexible entry requirements.
Some universities offer distance learning MCA programs. Research institutions that provide such options.
Networking and Collaboration:
Connect with other professionals in your field. Attend webinars, conferences, and meetups (even virtually).
Collaborate with other developers on projects. Networking can lead to referrals and job opportunities.
Financial Planning:
Given your combined earnings, create a financial plan. Set aside savings for your daughter’s education and your own future.
Explore investment options like mutual funds or fixed deposits.
Explore Government Schemes:
Investigate government schemes related to skill development, entrepreneurship, or small business loans.
Some schemes provide financial assistance for education or self-employment.
Content Creation and Blogging:
Share your knowledge through a blog or YouTube channel. Monetize it through ads or affiliate marketing.
Write about web development, coding tips, or technology trends.
Teaching and Training:
With your experience, consider teaching web development. You can offer online courses or workshops.
Platforms like Udemy allow instructors to create and sell courses.
Stay Updated:
Technology evolves rapidly. Keep learning and adapting to stay relevant.
Follow industry blogs, podcasts, and newsletters.
Remember that your determination and adaptability are your greatest assets. Explore options that align with your interests and family responsibilities. Best wishes on your journey! ????????

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You
Hi I am working in Mechanical CAE background. My salary is less comparable to IT engineers of my same age. Even I move to other companies they speak in terms of 30% growth. I also cant switch companies just because of that as I need sometimes stability also. My work nature is also requires me to spend more time .There is very high disparity in salary paid. Being now 12 years experienced in same domain.I need to figure out how Can I develop my skills to earn or match IT industry as time spent during working hours also high. salary is low but working hours also high .I need proper suggestion how to overcome this .should I be in same industry or if I need to move on to other industry .How should I start preparing being 12 years experienced.I need practical suggestions which can be implementable.Thanks.....
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As a Mechanical CAE professional with 12 years of experience, it’s understandable that you’re seeking ways to enhance your skills and improve your salary. Let’s explore practical suggestions to address this:

Skill Enhancement:
Stay Updated: Mechanical CAE is a dynamic field. Continuously learn about new tools, software, and methodologies.
Advanced CAE Tools: Familiarize yourself with advanced tools like ANSYS, HyperMesh, or LS-DYNA. Specialized skills can make you more valuable.
Programming Languages: Learn programming languages like Python or MATLAB. These skills are highly sought after and can boost your earning potential1.
Certifications and Courses:
Consider certifications related to CAE software. These demonstrate expertise and can lead to better job prospects.
Explore online courses or workshops in areas like finite element analysis (FEA), structural mechanics, or fluid dynamics.
Networking and Industry Events:
Attend conferences, webinars, and workshops. Networking can lead to job referrals and insights into industry trends.
Connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn.
Industry Transition:
Evaluate if transitioning to a related field (such as data science, simulation, or product design) could be beneficial.
Explore roles in product development, research, or consulting.
Soft Skills:
Develop communication, leadership, and project management skills. These are essential for career growth.
Effective communication can help negotiate better salaries.
Salary Negotiation:
When changing jobs or during performance reviews, negotiate assertively. Research industry standards and present your case confidently.
Highlight your experience, skills, and contributions.
Explore IT-Related Roles:
Consider roles that bridge mechanical engineering and IT. Examples include simulation data management, digital twin development, or CAE software support.
These roles often pay better due to the intersection of engineering and technology.
Freelancing and Consulting:
Offer your expertise as a freelancer or consultant. Work on projects independently or collaborate with companies.
Freelancing can provide flexibility and potentially higher income.
Leverage Your Experience:
Use your 12 years of experience to your advantage. Highlight your accomplishments, successful projects, and domain expertise.
Mentor junior engineers or contribute to technical publications.
Financial Planning:
Create a long-term financial plan. Consider investments, savings, and retirement planning.
Allocate funds for continuous learning and skill development.
Remember that career growth is a gradual process. Assess your priorities, explore options, and make informed decisions. Whether you stay in the same industry or transition, focus on continuous improvement. Best wishes on your journey!

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11045 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 27, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 27, 2026Hindi
Money
I am a corporate IT employee working as a senior development lead in an MNC with 17 years of experience. I am 40 years old with 6 years old son. My current portfolio includes the following. 1. PF balance is 26 lakhs 2. company shares worth 19lakhs. 3. mutual funds worth 1.4 crores. 4. I have life insurance policy worth 20 lakhs as asset 5. NPS corpus 14 lakhs 6. Home worth 1 crores I have a home loan outstanding of rupees 63 lakhs for 12 years and EMI of which is 68000 rupees with 8.5 percent ROI. My gross salary is 3.75 lakhs and in-hand salary is Rs 221000. I get a bonus of 15 percent of my gross salary and a annual raise of 7 percent. My basic salary is Rs. 128000. I do mutual fund SIP of 1 lakh a month. Other savings in each month includes or deducted are Pf 31k, NPS 17k and company share 16k. . I want to retire in 3/5 years. Also keep in mind that : 1. My current Monthly expenses of 50k is excluding loan emi. 2. I will keep SIP 1 lakhs and will not prepay home loan till I retire or suggest should I prepay or grow my Mutual fund instead. 3. The retirement expenses should rise as per inflation and a bit more for lifestyle upgrade. 4.Also I have a term insurance of 50lakhs which I will continue post retirement aswell. 5. I am planning to settle my home loan outstanding with my gratuity, company share and full and final settlement when I leave company. Assuming my monthly current expenses as 50k and can be increased with inflation and lifestyle upgrade and having own home, Suggest if I can retire in 3 or 5 years taking into consideration of my loan outstanding liability and 1 kid of 6 years old's future expenses like study and marriage and my retirement expenses ?
Ans: You have built a very strong financial base at 40. Your savings rate is excellent. Your discipline in SIP, PF, NPS and equity exposure shows maturity. Very few people at your age reach this level of corpus. That is a big positive.

Now let us evaluate this calmly and practically.

» Your Current Financial Position

– Mutual Funds: Rs 1.4 crore
– PF: Rs 26 lakhs
– NPS: Rs 14 lakhs
– Company Shares: Rs 19 lakhs
– Home Value: Rs 1 crore
– Outstanding Loan: Rs 63 lakhs
– Monthly Expense (excluding EMI): Rs 50,000
– EMI: Rs 68,000

Your total financial assets are strong. But retirement decision depends on cash flow sustainability, not just asset size.

» Retirement in 3 Years – Is It Practical?

If you retire at 43:

– Your son will be only 9 years old.
– You will have at least 40+ years of post-retirement life.
– Education costs will rise sharply after 5–10 years.
– Inflation will steadily increase your lifestyle expenses.

Today expense is Rs 50k. In 10–12 years it can easily double or more. Also lifestyle upgrade is expected, as you rightly mentioned.

Even if you clear the home loan using gratuity, shares and settlement:

– Your investible corpus will reduce.
– You will depend fully on investments for income.
– No salary cushion.
– Child education peak years not yet started.

Retiring in 3 years looks aggressive and financially tight.

» Retirement in 5 Years – More Realistic?

If you work till 45:

– Your MF corpus may grow significantly with continued Rs 1 lakh SIP.
– PF and NPS will also grow.
– Bonus and annual increment will add strength.
– You will reduce risk of sequence of return shock.

By 45, if your corpus grows meaningfully and loan is closed, early retirement becomes more realistic.

Even then, you must evaluate whether corpus can generate inflation-adjusted income for 40+ years without erosion.

» Home Loan – Prepay or Continue?

Current loan rate: 8.5%

You are investing heavily in equity mutual funds.

Long-term equity returns historically beat 8.5%. So from a pure mathematical view, continuing SIP instead of prepaying makes sense.

But retirement planning is not only maths. It is about risk comfort.

If your plan is to close loan using:

– Gratuity
– Company shares
– Final settlement

That is a reasonable strategy. It preserves compounding now and gives mental freedom at retirement.

I would not suggest aggressive prepayment now if retirement corpus growth is priority.

» Child Education & Marriage Planning

Your son is 6.

– Higher education likely in 12 years.
– Marriage maybe 20+ years later.

Education cost inflation is higher than normal inflation.

You must mentally earmark a separate corpus within your mutual funds for:

– Graduation
– Post graduation (if abroad, very high cost)

This amount should not be mixed with retirement corpus.

If this segregation is not done, early retirement becomes risky.

» Risk in Company Shares

You have Rs 19 lakhs in company shares.

– This is concentration risk.
– Your salary and wealth both depend on same company.

Before retirement, gradually reduce this exposure and diversify into professionally managed mutual funds.

» Term Insurance

You mentioned:

– Rs 50 lakh term cover
– Rs 20 lakh life policy (investment type)

At 40 with dependent child and non-working spouse, Rs 50 lakh term cover is on the lower side.

If you retire early, income stops. But responsibility remains.

You may need to review total risk cover adequacy before retirement decision.

» Retirement Income Sustainability

Today expense Rs 50k.

After loan closure and lifestyle upgrade, assume:

– Rs 70k–80k in near future
– With inflation, it may cross Rs 1.5–2 lakh per month in 20–25 years.

Retirement corpus must survive:

– Market volatility
– Inflation
– Child education withdrawal
– Medical inflation
– 40+ years longevity risk

Early retirement at 43 needs a very large cushion. At present, it appears borderline unless markets perform very strongly.

» What I Would Suggest

– Target retirement at 45 instead of 43.
– Continue Rs 1 lakh SIP strictly.
– Do not prepay loan now.
– Close loan fully at exit using settlement and shares.
– Reduce company stock concentration slowly.
– Separate child education corpus mentally and structurally.
– Review term cover adequacy.
– Keep 2 years expenses in safe instruments before retirement to manage market volatility.

» Important Behavioural Question

Ask yourself:

Do you want complete retirement?
Or financial independence with option to consult, freelance, part-time?

At 45, shifting to lower stress income option may be wiser than full retirement.

That reduces pressure on corpus.

» Final Insights

– You are financially disciplined and ahead of many peers.
– Retirement in 3 years looks risky.
– Retirement in 5 years can be possible if markets support and corpus grows strongly.
– Child education and longevity are the biggest risk factors.
– Loan closure at retirement is a good psychological move.
– Focus on building bigger margin of safety.

Early retirement is possible for you. But it should be done with strength, not stress.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1856 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Feb 26, 2026

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11045 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 26, 2026

Money
Hi Ramalingam Sir, Very fond of your guidance. I`ve invested in ICICI Prudential Guranteed Income Plan with PPT of 10 Years & Policy Term is 11 Years. The Yearly Premium is 5 lakhs with Guaranteed Early Income i.e which started from 2nd year onwards is 1.19 Lacs. After 11th year Guaranteed Yearly Income will be 6.38 Lacs. I started this Policy in 2022. Very soon I realized that this is not worth of investing my money. I decided to stop Premium after 2 years which made my Policy as Paid up status which means all benefits are reduced but Policy is Active. I changed myself as I did mistakes in Past (by taking this policy) and now I read each clause very carefully. Now in this case If i surrender, the Surrender value is calculated based on Guaranteed factor X Total premium paid - Income already Paid. Now currently Surrender value is 2.9 Lacs as GV factor is 50%. This factor will improve Gradually with time and by 9th year it will went to 90%. I want to Surrender but now will incur heavy loss (approx. 4.8 lacs) ( to me while in 9th year at least I`ll get 90% of my Premiums back. So pl. advice what is right approach as when should i think for Surrender. As of now by God grace I`m not in any financial emergency. Further is my understanding correct that SV will rise with time. Thanks in advance for your guidance.
Ans: It is very good that you have started reading your policy papers so closely now. Most people do not take the time to understand the fine print, but you have already taken a big step by identifying that this plan does not match your long-term goals. Your ability to stop the premium early shows you are now in control of your money.

» Understanding your paid-up policy and surrender value

Your understanding of how the Surrender Value (SV) works is mostly right. In these types of plans, the Guaranteed Surrender Value factor does go up as the years pass. However, there is a catch. While the percentage factor increases, the insurance company also deducts the income they have already paid out to you from the final amount. Even if you wait until the 9th year to get 90% of your premiums back, you are losing out on the "time value" of that money. Money sitting in a low-yield environment for nine years loses its buying power because of inflation.

» The math behind surrendering now versus later

If you surrender today, you take a big loss of Rs. 4.8 lakhs. This feels painful. But if you keep the money locked in just to avoid the loss, you are essentially letting the company hold your remaining Rs. 2.9 lakhs for several more years at a very low return. A 360-degree view suggests that if you take the money out now and put it into a productive asset like a diversified portfolio of actively managed mutual funds, that money can work much harder for you. Actively managed funds are great because a professional fund manager chooses the best stocks to beat the market, unlike other options that just follow a fixed list.

» Why regular funds and expert guidance matter

Since you mentioned you want to be careful now, it is better to invest through regular plans with the help of a Certified Financial Planner. Many people think direct funds are better because of lower fees, but they often end up making emotional mistakes or picking the wrong funds without a guide. A regular plan gives you access to professional advice and periodic reviews, which ensures you stay on track. This expert support is worth much more than the small cost difference, especially when you are trying to recover from a past investment mistake.

» Opportunity cost and your next steps

Since you do not have a financial emergency, you have a great chance to build wealth. Instead of waiting years just to get your original 5 lakhs back, you can take what is left and start a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP). Over the next seven to eight years, a well-managed equity fund could potentially grow that small amount into something much larger than what the insurance policy would ever pay. The loss you take today is the "fees" for a valuable lesson, but staying in the plan is a continuous cost.

» Tax rules to keep in mind

When you move your money to equity mutual funds, remember the tax rules. If you hold your investment for more than a year, it is called Long Term Capital Gain (LTCG). Any profit above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%. If you sell before one year, the profit is taxed at 20%. This is still very efficient compared to many other products.

» Finally

The best approach is usually to exit such low-yield insurance-cum-investment plans as soon as possible. Since your policy is already paid-up, it is not eating new money, but it is wasting your old money. Surrendering now and moving the funds into actively managed mutual funds through a regular plan will likely put you in a much stronger position by the 11th year compared to waiting for the policy to mature.

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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