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Should I take an unpaid UN internship at 39 with young kids?

Inderpaul

Inderpaul Singh  |48 Answers  |Ask -

Leadership Coach - Answered on Feb 19, 2025

Major Inderpaul Singh (retired) served in the Indian Army for eight years.
In the year 2008, he moved to the corporate sector and worked with Century Plyboards for 14 years, specialising in people management and organisation improvement interventions.
He is currently employed as a partner with Amishrit Terrene Pvt Ltd, an IT solutions start-up located in Mohali, Punjab.
A certified life coach, he also helps students and individuals handle challenges in their personal and professional lives.
He holds a commerce degree from DAV College, Amritsar, and a post-graduate diploma in business administration from Symbiosis, Pune. ... more
Neha Question by Neha on Feb 17, 2025Hindi
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Career

hello, I am working with gvt organiztion from last 6 years i am 39 years old and recently got cleared interview for United nations unpaid internship. i dont know at this stage taking leaves (sick) and leaving my kids(under grandparents care) and going abroad going to UN will help? please guide it is difficult for me to take decision

Ans: Hello Neha
What is your motivation behind joining UN internship? Pl elaborate
Asked on - Feb 19, 2025 | Answered on Feb 19, 2025
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To get an international exposure, build network and maximise my chances of being hired by UN . and if I put UN in my cv I feel I will have better opportunities with premium institute
Ans: Fair enough. Life is all about 'trade offs' & all of us are at face cross roads very often. In my experience, the best & only way to deal with multiple choices is to be brutally honest/unbiased in ranking your current priorities. Then everything else gets managed. Hence the key is to declutter your mind & set the priorities in a truly unbiased manner! In your case the list may include - finances, kids, current job, career growth .... No matter how much you think/plan, certain things do get compromised hence mastering art of prioritization is the key.
Hope it helps. Best of luck.
Career

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Asked by Anonymous - Mar 18, 2025
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I am 21 years old girl and I am preparing for my banking exam. I have completed my bachelor's and currently I am pursuing m.com . I am having an affair with a guy who is married having two children and we have together spent 4 years. We love each other alot and he also takes care for me everytime. My mother abstained me from talking to him last year as we committed her that we want to marry but now everything is ok My mother is also talking to him and I am also . My mother is not agree with this marriage but his mother is agree . What should we do now???
Ans: Hello mam,
I understand your dilemma mam. Let's look at both aspects of this relationship.

If you go ahead with this relationship, what have you thought about his previous family? His marital status and family commitments can't be ignored. Have you considered the potential impact on his children and wife? Their life will be ruined and kids future will be at stake.

Secondly, your mother concern is very important and correct. The person who already has family commitments will not be able to invest the same amount of financial and emotional resources in your relationship.

I understand that you have invested four years in your relationship and you both care for each other. But in this case, it is advisable for both the families to sit and discuss every aspect and problems of this situation. The situation will get clear and you ll be able to take a better decision. You can also try couple counsellings.

In case the things dont work out then accept the reality and move on gracefully and welcome the opportunities that are waiting for you with open arms.
Take care !
Reach me:
https://www.instagram.com/dr_upneet

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8151 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 25, 2025

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Hi, I need support on my retirement plan. I am based in Gulf and is planning to come back. I have an equity portfolio of 3 cr and debt portfolio 1.37 cr. My monthly expenses would turn out to be Rs 1.5 lakhs which i could get Rs 1.1 lakhs from my debt funds and balance from my equity portfolio. I want to buy a house after 10 years, currently the house would cost Rs 1.2 cr. I have to tap my equity portfolio for my two kids education of 40 lakhs each after 7 and 12 years. I have health insurance of 25 lakhs and term plan of Rs 1.5cr Let me know whether my current portfolio can support the above plans and my retirement
Ans: Your current portfolio is strong, but it needs adjustments for financial security. Below is a detailed breakdown of your plan.

Retirement Readiness Assessment
You plan to retire in five years and expect monthly expenses of Rs. 1.5 lakh.

You will withdraw Rs. 1.1 lakh from debt funds and the remaining Rs. 40,000 from equity.

Your debt portfolio of Rs. 1.37 crore will provide regular cash flow.

Your equity portfolio of Rs. 3 crore will ensure long-term wealth growth.

Key Observations
Inflation risk: Expenses will increase. A 7% inflation rate means Rs. 1.5 lakh today may become Rs. 2.1 lakh in 10 years.

Equity volatility risk: Market downturns can affect the Rs. 40,000 monthly withdrawal.

Portfolio rebalancing: Gradually shift some equity to safer instruments.

Emergency backup: Consider maintaining six months’ expenses in a liquid fund.

House Purchase Plan in 10 Years
The current cost of Rs. 1.2 crore will rise with inflation.

At 7% inflation, the future cost could be Rs. 2.4 crore in 10 years.

If you withdraw from equity, ensure it does not impact retirement needs.

Recommended Action
Create a separate investment for the house purchase.

Use a mix of debt and equity for stability.

Consider a balanced advantage fund for flexibility.

Children's Education Fund
Your two children will need Rs. 40 lakh each in 7 years and 12 years.

At 7% inflation, the amount could be Rs. 64 lakh per child.

You will need approximately Rs. 1.28 crore in total.

Suggested Investment Approach
Allocate funds separately in equity mutual funds for growth.

Prefer flexi-cap and large-cap funds for stability.

Consider a Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) to move money to safer instruments as the goal nears.

Portfolio Adjustments for Stability
Your current asset allocation is:

Equity: Rs. 3 crore (68%)

Debt: Rs. 1.37 crore (32%)

Suggested Adjustments
Increase debt allocation to 40-45% as you approach retirement.

Ensure tax-efficient withdrawals from debt funds.

Reduce equity withdrawals during market downturns.

Health and Insurance Considerations
You have Rs. 25 lakh health insurance, which is good but may not be enough.

Medical inflation is 12-15% annually.

Increase coverage through super top-up health insurance.

Final Insights
Your financial plan is feasible with proper adjustments.

Retirement is achievable, but monitor inflation impact.

House purchase needs a dedicated investment plan.

Children’s education fund requires a structured approach.

Health insurance coverage should be increased.

Would you like a step-by-step plan for investments?

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

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