Hi Rajesh, I am a MBA with 20 years of experience. Lost job recently due to winding up of the company I worked for. Despite having rich experience in finance and accounting along with MNC experience, I am finding it difficult to get a suitable job at this time. I am also passionate about cooking and idea of starting a restaurant to serve 2 iconic coastal dishes to people in Bangalore at affordable price strikes me all the time. Should I listen to my heart and go ahead with business idea or should I keep looking out for jobs as it assures me guaranteed monthly salaries. I am a family man. Plz advice

Ans: Sure of course you can reboot and get back to the corporate world. Be sure to be able to explain clearly what you've been upto (your learnings, setbacks, strengths, skills) in your entrepreneurial venture and you may surprisingly find it as an additional feather in your cap instead of being weighed down by it.

First thing though, that I'd suggest, is to clear your head and pick your lane - what is it that you want to pursue: freelance marketing or content writing or sales and then draw up your resume to take it from there.

Ans: I would think you explore all options. In today's world what matters is your skill sets and knowledge.

Ans: Dear Mr Dinesh,
It looks like you have been through a lot after getting into business on your own. Your children too are at a critical stage in life which requires funds for higher education in the next few years. The first question to ask yourself is - what is the priority in your life? Is it financial stability for the family esp for the kids? Or is it the pursuit of your business? The second question is - what is the current status of your household finances? Is there enough savings to manage the household, upcoming education expenses, other expenses (travel, medical etc)?
If you are shaky, it may be time for you to consider taking an assignment which offers you a fixed remuneration and also flexibility to work on your idea. You say you were in the field of IT security. Can you consider an assignment which might take 2-3 days per week managing and overseeing the IT security for a company which cannot afford a full-time professional?
You may also want to consider getting incubated in a good healthcare incubator in your city and also apply for a start-up funding grant from the government of India and/or local state government programmes.

Ans: Dear

There are two parts.

Emotional...how you feel attached to your business.

Rational: your financial needs and the revenue that your business is generating.

Any advise us a function of both the above aspects. Unless one knows the current revenue numbers, growth potential of the business, competition and several such factors it's not possible to share any guidance.

Hence may I suggest you talk to your CA and other colleagues of yours, look at the numbers in hard way and then take a call.

Emotional aspect can be both strength and liability... strength because it will inspire you to make business grow... liability because you may be overtly attached to your business without looking at the financial realities.

All the best.