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Switching Careers After 45: Lost Hope and Confidence, Need Career Advice

Pradeep

Pradeep Pramanik  | Answer  |Ask -

Career And Placement Consultant - Answered on Nov 12, 2024

Pradeep Pramanik is a career coach, placement consultant and director at Fast Track Career Consultants, which provides career counselling, soft skills training and placement consultancy services.
Pradeep, who hails from Bhagalpur in Bihar, has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 15 years in sales, marketing, training and product management roles in companies like Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Elder Pharmaceuticals and Ranbaxy Laboratories.
During his tenure in the pharma industry, he has worked in different states including Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
In 1998, he launched Fast Track Career Consultants with the aim of helping youngsters find jobs through the right career counselling, training and placement services.
They also offer HR analysis and appraisal services.
Over the years, he has been invited by management and engineering institutions to discuss education and employment policies, entrepreneurship, soft skills and emerging careers in India.
He has published four books on career counselling and contributed articles to print publications.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Oct 29, 2024Hindi
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Pradeep, I am a professional with more than 17 years of experience in Operations, team management. Currently I have started working in a global MNC in a global position. Earlier I was working with the same organization for more than 10 years. Then during Covid, I lost my job. Finally, settled down with another company with almost 40% less salary. Though I loved the role and responsibilities there. I was a Senior Team Lead there. I liked the role where I was managing the team, working with the team. But due to some internal politics, I lost my job in that organization too in this year only. Why I am saying politics? Because just before they fired me, I got best performer award and best employee of the last quarter 2024 award. Then I rejoined my old organization with lots of hope. But now I am finiding it difficult to cope up in this global role. The top management expected me to know everything within 3 to 4 months and start delivering. One of the biggest hurdle that I am facing is that earlier when I was in this organization for more than 10 years, I was in another process. This time I got in a role where the process is completely different. Also no proper training is provided. I am not get a fulfiling satisfaction from this role. Also I am not able to get job satisfaction and now I am thinking of quitting and start something of my own. A business venture or a consultancy service. But not sure how to start and also afraid of the flow of income. I have a mother who is suffering from age related problems. Have a little kid of 12 years. My wife is not working. I tried to switch jobs. But it seems that no one is there to take someone who is almost at 45 years of age. I am loosing my hope and confidence day by day. Please help.

Ans: Dear... Request you to mention the question in precise way to understand what exactly you require from us. Big question normally indicates state of confusion somewhere hence difficult to repply which will satisfy you.
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Ans: I’m sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot of ups and downs in your career. It’s understandable that you want to find a job that allows you to spend more time with your family. Here are some tips that might help you find a job that meets your requirements:

Update your resume and cover letter: Make sure your resume and cover letter are up-to-date and tailored to the job you’re applying for. Highlight your skills and experience that are relevant to the job.

Network: Reach out to your professional network and let them know you’re looking for a job. Attend industry events and conferences to meet new people and make connections.

Apply to family-friendly companies: Look for companies that have a reputation for being family-friendly. These companies may offer flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or part-time work.

Search for jobs with specific keywords: Use keywords such as “family-friendly,” “flexible hours,” or “work-life balance” when searching for jobs online. This can help you find jobs that are more likely to meet your requirements.

Consider freelancing: Freelancing can be a good option if you’re looking for more flexibility in your work schedule. You can work from home and choose the projects you want to work on.

Be open to new opportunities: While it’s important to find a job that meets your requirements, it’s also important to be open to new opportunities. You never know where your next job offer might come from.

Remember, finding a job that meets your requirements may take some time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find the right job right away. Keep applying and networking, and you’ll increase your chances of finding a job that meets your needs.

I hope this helps. Best of luck with your job search! ????

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Asked by Anonymous - May 27, 2024Hindi
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I am 35 year old and holding 5+ years of experience in various domains after completing Deploma in Mech Engg QA-1year(automobile industry 2011-12). 2012-2018-- Degree in Mechanical Engg. Meanwhile due to financial issues I had work with 2/3 companies for short time of period and left because of Exams, whatever work like service engineer and Quality related work I attended. After completing my Graduation in Mechanical Engg I rejoin small firm which was dealer and distribution industry for metal cutting tools. due to convid these company was shutdown and then 2021 I switched to BPO industry and now from April 2023 to till date I am working in Supply chain Management in Infosys as a Sr Executive now could you please advise what should I do because it's really challenging to adapt new skills with less salary I am unable to take risk of new learning. And also facing money problems as now I have to run entire family shall I have to start any business or what should I do to save and retrack my career?
Ans: Why don't you want to continue in SCM?

In my opinion, you should continue to develop your expertise in supply chain management. Given your current role at Infosys, aim to gain more responsibilities and prove your value within the organization. You may also consider obtaining supply chain management certifications like APICS (now ASCM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), or Six Sigma. These can increase your marketability and potential for promotions or salary increases.

Stay updated with industry trends and continue learning to adapt to changing market demands.

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NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Jun 21, 2025

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Hi I was alloted EE in rru . I am very confused about whether I should take the seat or not beacause they are calling for in person documents verification how is the hostel? Placements? Mess? Campus life ? Etc and I live in assam and wanted to know if its worth it Please guys reply as it is urgent since they are calling for admission within these 7 days
Ans: Hi Mega,
Please understand that based solely on your application, they have requested you to bring all your testimonials. Before applying, you should have asked the questions you mentioned. If you are not interested, someone else will benefit; if you are interested, please allow room for others.

If a stranger gives a wrong review, how will you handle that? Every person's experience is different. What is your goal—are you trying to match the course or not?

**Hostel:** Construct a house there, and then you can join the course.
**Mess:** Consider taking your mom with you so you won’t face any issues (though you might still eat unpleasant food outside).
**Placement:** Without learning the essential skills, you will not get a job. Instead, someone else may appear more qualified and secure the position.

You haven’t shared much about yourself. Are you a disciplined student? Do you have any bad habits? Do you actively participate in sports? How many hours do you spend on your education? How many hours do you spend on social media?

If the answers are not favorable, then follow this simple routine: Eat, sleep, and repeat. Enjoy life. That’s a nice solution I have provided.

DO PARTICIPATE IN THE YOGA CAMPAIGN.

YOGA FOR ONE EARTH, ONE HEALTH.

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