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Ashwini

Ashwini Dasgupta  | Answer  |Ask -

Personality Development Expert, Career Coach - Answered on Jul 12, 2023

Ashwini Dasgupta is a personality development coach and a neuro-linguistic programming trainer.
She has 15 years of experience training corporate professionals and has worked at Amazon, JP Morgan, Nomura and Satyam among others.
As a career coach, Ashwini specialises in helping growth-minded IT corporate managers develop their self-worth and create the right mindset so that they can achieve their career goals.
Besides corporate training, she offers personal consultations as well.
Ashwini holds a master’s degree in human resources from the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, and is a certified NLP trainer from the National Federation of NeuroLinguistic Programming, USA.
She has completed her soft skills training and image consultancy course from the Image Consulting Business Institute, Mumbai
Ashwini is also a PoSH trainer, certified by the Society for Human Resource Management.... more
Parry Question by Parry on May 29, 2023Hindi
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Career

Resp. Ma'm, I am 53 years old. I have created my own identity in the field of sales & marketing. I am working with a US company for almost 20 years. Recently I am moved to the US headquarters in a new role. I am making adequate arrangements for my old age parents with 24x7 care at home and moving to the US with family for the future of my kids. However, I have realized my role is quite inferior. And it seems they want to observe my performance and keep me light weighted in the beginning to easily settle down. I think of my parents in such situation and feel like, quitting and moving back to India. What should I do? Keep patience? Or start my own business in India, which is a bright spot in the world economy? Kindly advise.

Ans: Hi Parry,

Thank you for writing in.

First of all, it's important that you should know the intention, what is the purpose. If the purpose is to move to US for kids for their future and betterment, then you have already made the decision of settling in US.
Secondly on the Parents- Here as you are currently feeling not sure about the job, I can suggest that you spend some time in the current role in US and see how you are progressing on the job front. Once you are sure and it's moving as per your expectations then you may think of calling your parents to US. Considering the age, you may not want them to travel and come out of their comfort zone and stay in US especially when you are in doubt.
Or
You can start hunting for a job in India from US and then move back India. Moving back to India with no job with proper planning will not help sustain for long.
Secondly, if you want to start your business please jot down the pros and cons (importantly if you are the only earning member in the house). You need to do the market intel of your business and see how lucrative it will be especially knowing the recession has hit where most of them are considering downsizing. Also, it is equally true to set a business can take months to years. You need to ask q's to yourself if you will be able to sustain that long (consider the number of family members, expenses, education etc) or will you have to use the savings. You will have to do a deep logical thinking on all of these aspects. You can start the business as a side hustle and work building it along with your job. This way you are financially stable, and you get the time to build your own business for future.
I can understand you might be emotionally drained or frustrated but know that this is temporary. This will fade off. For now, focus on one thing at a time and have patience. Think practically.

Hope this helps. All the best.

To Your Success. Be You. Be Confident.
Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of -Confidence Decoded. Is it a Skill or Attitude?
Career

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Shekhar

Shekhar Kumar  | Answer  |Ask -

Leadership, HR Expert - Answered on Dec 01, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 09, 2024Hindi
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Hi, Shekhar I have thirty years of expertise as an engineering sales specialist, and I'm in perfect shape. I was sent to the US headquarters of a US-based company after working in India and the Middle East. I've worked for this company for twenty years. Although my work at the head office is very minuscule in comparison to what I did in India and the Middle East, the management values my knowledge and expertise in the oil and gas industry. It appears that I have no prospect of growing. My subordinates have received promotions, while I have been disregarded for the past two years. My old aged parents and my entire family are in India. I requested to be sent back to India since there was no challenge for an individual. My mom's health is critical and I want to return for her. However, as you know, some friends and relatives say, I shouldn't make a decision in haste with emotions. At one side, I am appreciative of the support of my management when I was in India to look after my mother, I also feel that they should be little sensitive to my situation and allow me to return to my family without losing the job. If nothing works, I will have to return anyway and start a business. I don't have a blueprint for the business right now but I am inspired by the startups in India. I also have some unique ideas and with strong reputation among the customers in India & The Middle East, I can take some risk. What is your opinion, should I resign and return to India considering my family needs me here and there is no bigger reason that that?
Ans: Your situation is complex, and it’s admirable that you’re balancing your family’s needs with your career considerations. This is a pivotal decision that affects not only your professional life but also your emotional well-being. Your mother’s health and being there for your family during such a critical time are legitimate priorities. If you feel your presence in India is more important than continuing in a job where you lack challenges or growth opportunities, it’s natural to prioritize your family. While leaving a stable job is a big decision, your family’s needs and your personal fulfillment are crucial. I believe if your mother’s health requires immediate attention, being present for her and your family will bring emotional satisfaction that outweighs professional considerations and if your company cannot accommodate your request to return to India, resigning and focusing on starting a business could be a viable path. You have the expertise, reputation, and network to make it work. However, before making the leap, begin researching and outlining your business ideas now, even while still in your current role. This preparation will provide you with clarity and confidence should you decide to resign. Remember, this is a decision to make with careful thought, not haste. Focus on what aligns with your values and priorities to ensure you find peace and purpose in your choice.

..Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  | Answer  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Oct 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 15, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi Milind I am 52 years old single woman, from small town and who has worked hard ro reach to level in corporate with good salary. I have a corpus of about 5 crores and small flat in tier 2 town. I dont enjoy yhis new job wirh reputed brand and at a senior level as i dont find ut engaging or doing justice to role. My parents are old and i worry for rhem ans want to spent rkmw with them. With this corpus can i take a call to leave job and get decent income of atleast 2-2.5 lac a month. I have been quite action oriented, but now my mind and body feel exhasuted and also fear rhat without a job i will become lazy. Also living with parents will be a joy, at the same time resteictive to eating or socializing. I am quite concious ,if i leave this well paying ,senior role job with a big renonwed corporate which many of my friends aspired for and whole lot of people congratulated me ,they will think i was not able to justify my role,hence left . I dont want that impression at last stage of career as whole life i have been seen as hard working ,passionate professional. Such rhoughts are taking toll on my mental health. Please advise what should be done
Ans: Hello;

With the corpus that you have (5 Cr) you may buy an immediate annuity from a life insurance company and can expect to receive monthly payout of 2.5 L (pre tax)from the very next month. 6% annuity rate considered, if you shop around and negotiate you may get a better rate.

You can opt for increasing annuity to account for inflation and return of purchase price to your nominee, after you.

Ensure good health insurance policy to cover yourself and your parents.

Think about some vocation which you would like to pursue passionately after retirement.

You are seeking retirement from regular 9 to 5 job not from pursuit of your passion/goals.

It could be in the role of an consultant, counselor or educator.

You should take the decision which you feel is appropriate for you irrespective of what people comment because they will comment in any case.

Learn to ignore such people.

Happy Retirement!!

..Read more

Pradeep

Pradeep Pramanik  | Answer  |Ask -

Career And Placement Consultant - Answered on Nov 12, 2024

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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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1749 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 17, 2025

Relationship
one of my friend who is married from past 14 years having 2 kids (elder son 12 and daughter 8)...he was out of home deputed to site on project work by company for more than 4 months. During this period he did not visit the home but regularly available on call and in touch with his w... when he returned to home his wife was behavior was not normal as like earlier ... later he found out that his wife got involve with her college friend during this period ..... and they had physical 01 time during this period... now my best friend he is very caring and not able to forget this betrayed act by his wife... after all this he is not able to concentrate and focus on his work.. he love his wife so much and want to forgive her but how to handle this situation in decent way... he is not willing to divorce or parting his ways... request you to suggest some way out to get out of situation and lead a normal life as like earlier
Ans: Dear Navya,
He loves her
He wants to forgive her
BUT
He is not able to forget what his wife has done
Sadly, both these work in opposite directions...
If he is willing to rebuild his marriage, he does not need to forget what his wife has done BUT he can work on how to process what she has done. This is difficult to do...but he will need to understand what happened, the reasons for it, if the wife is still interested in the marriage and if both are willing to work together towards the future. If this seems a bit difficult to work out by themselves, I suggest that they see an expert who can guide them aptly.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

...Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1749 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 17, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 26, 2025Hindi
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hello mam, My son 19 year old from last 4 year his behavior change not listing not having food properly whole day watching mobile after 10th i put him diploma in electrical engineer he completed his 1 year but from 2nd year he stop going to college we both are working parent so nobody is there at home to force to go for college his teacher every day calling me to send him to college but he is not listing i ask him did teacher scold you or any student is troubling you he said no one is troubling me i don't want to study i want to do voice dubbing i want to give my voice for cartoon and for dubb movies in july 2025 he told me in 2028 i will leave both of you i have my dream i leave the home i ask him what is your dream he said 1st 2 dream i cant tell you but 3rd dream is to go to japan for tour i thought he is joking. In August 2025 he started going for voice dubbing classes in 1st week of August 2025 he told me my planning is change next month only i will leave both of you again i thought is just pulling my leg but on 15 September its regular Monday we both parent went for job and he called me around 12 pm and said daddy left the home not a single rupees he had with him and he left the home in full of rain he keep walking and talking to me i ask him where you are going but he said that's secrete i took his mom in conference and try convince him but he not listing with 1 hour talking with him on phone i ask him tell me the landmark where you are he told me one landmark while talking him i left office to reach the landmark he told i forcibly sit him in car and take back home with his mother after reaching home with his mother we are trying to convince don't do like this its your home we have only one child that is you but he said no today is the i want to go let me go don't fail my planning whole standing at home he said want to go without having water or food just crying and saying i want leave the home in evening at 7pm i told him give me three month i will send to japan for tour after hearing this he little bit convince but said repair my mobile which was shutdown due rain water get inside arrange visa and passport within three month and give new laptop for playing game but after three i will leave both of you and left the home in december 2025 he told me he will the home. he is very superstitious at home not having bath use same cloth he said if change cloth and have bath all my power will go after that incidence leaving home he become more superstitious each and every moment he whispering himself after asking why you doing this saying this is my power i will get what i want if i scold him he said i will leave home right now please help me what to do he not having bath not changing cloth not having afternoon food not cutting his nails from last 15 days i am very much in stress due to his behavior and stress about his future also he is not behaving like a normal child whole day and night watching mobile. Please help
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Please take him to a professional who can evaluate him. There are a lot of gaps in what you haev shared and a professional will be able to ask the right questions and be of better guidance to your son and your family.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10902 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 17, 2025

Money
Hi Vivek, I am 43 year old. I am currently working in private organization. Having an Investment of 8.0 Lac in NPS, 27 Lac in PF, 4 Lac in PPF and 2.5 Lac in FD. My child is in 11th Science. I have my own house and no any loan. I need to Invest around 80.0 Lac for Child Education, Marriage and Retirement.
Ans: Your discipline and clarity deserve appreciation.
You have built strong foundations early.
Many people reach forty without such assets.
You already reduced major future stress.
That itself gives you an advantage.

» Current Financial Snapshot
– You are 43 years old.
– You work in a private organisation.
– You own your house fully.
– You have no loans.
– This gives financial stability.

– Retirement focused savings already exist.
– Long term instruments form your base.
– Your money is spread across safety products.
– Liquidity is limited but acceptable.
– Growth exposure needs attention.

» Existing Investment Review
– Retirement related savings are meaningful.
– Mandatory savings have helped discipline.
– These instruments protect capital well.
– However growth potential is limited.
– Inflation risk exists over long periods.

– These assets suit long term security.
– They suit retirement stability well.
– They are not designed for high growth.
– Child goals need higher growth.
– Marriage expenses need liquidity planning.

» Child Education Time Horizon
– Your child is in 11th Science.
– Higher education expenses are near.
– Time available is limited.
– Risk capacity is lower here.
– Planning must be conservative.

– Education costs grow faster than inflation.
– Professional courses cost significantly more.
– Overseas options cost even higher.
– Partial funding support is important.
– Loans should be minimised.

» Child Marriage Planning Window
– Marriage expenses are medium term.
– You still have some time.
– Cultural expectations increase costs.
– Planning early reduces stress.
– This goal needs balance.

– Too much risk can hurt plans.
– Too little growth causes shortfall.
– Phased investing works best.
– Gradual shift towards safety helps.
– Liquidity must be ensured.

» Retirement Planning Horizon
– Retirement is long term.
– You have nearly two decades.
– This allows growth oriented approach.
– Inflation is biggest risk here.
– Passive savings alone will not suffice.

– Retirement expenses last many years.
– Healthcare costs rise sharply later.
– Regular income post retirement matters.
– Corpus must be inflation protected.
– Growth assets become essential.

» Understanding Rs 80 Lac Requirement
– Rs 80 Lac is a combined target.
– All goals have different timelines.
– One strategy will not suit all.
– Segmentation is essential.
– This avoids misallocation.

– Education needs immediate planning.
– Marriage needs medium planning.
– Retirement needs long term planning.
– Each goal must be ring-fenced.
– Mixing goals creates confusion.

» Asset Allocation Importance
– Asset allocation drives outcomes.
– Not product selection alone.
– Time horizon decides allocation.
– Risk appetite decides allocation.
– Discipline maintains allocation.

– Safety instruments protect capital.
– Growth instruments fight inflation.
– Balance avoids emotional mistakes.
– Rebalancing keeps strategy aligned.
– This is a continuous process.

» Role Of Equity Exposure
– Equity creates long term wealth.
– Equity is volatile short term.
– Time reduces equity risk.
– Retirement horizon suits equity.
– Education horizon needs limited equity.

– Selective equity exposure is essential.
– Quality matters more than quantity.
– Active management adds value.
– Market cycles require judgment.
– Discipline ensures success.

» Why Not Depend Only On Safe Instruments
– Safe instruments give predictable returns.
– They struggle to beat inflation.
– Purchasing power erodes slowly.
– Long term goals suffer silently.
– Growth becomes insufficient.

– Your current assets are safety heavy.
– Growth allocation needs improvement.
– This change should be gradual.
– Sudden shifts create stress.
– Planned transition works better.

» Education Goal Strategy
– Use conservative growth approach.
– Capital protection is priority.
– Avoid aggressive exposure now.
– Phased investing works best.
– Gradual de-risking is necessary.

– Education funding should be ready.
– Avoid dependency on future income.
– Avoid last minute borrowing.
– Keep funds accessible.
– Liquidity is key.

» Marriage Goal Strategy
– Marriage expenses are emotional.
– Costs are difficult to predict.
– Planning gives confidence.
– Balanced approach is ideal.
– Growth plus safety mix works.

– Start allocating gradually.
– Increase safety closer to event.
– Avoid locking money long term.
– Keep flexibility.
– Avoid speculation.

» Retirement Goal Strategy
– Retirement planning needs growth focus.
– Inflation is the silent enemy.
– Long horizon allows equity.
– Volatility should be accepted.
– Discipline ensures compounding.

– Retirement corpus must grow faster.
– Contributions should increase with income.
– Lifestyle expectations must be realistic.
– Healthcare buffer is essential.
– Regular review is necessary.

» Role Of Active Funds
– Markets do not move uniformly.
– Sectors rotate frequently.
– Index funds stay static.
– They reflect index weaknesses.
– Active funds adapt better.

– Active managers adjust allocations.
– They reduce exposure in weak sectors.
– They increase exposure in growth areas.
– This helps during volatility.
– Especially for long term goals.

» Why Avoid Index Based Approach
– Index funds mirror market direction.
– They cannot protect downside.
– They remain exposed during corrections.
– Investors feel helpless.
– Returns stay average.

– Active strategies aim to outperform.
– They manage risk dynamically.
– They suit Indian market inefficiencies.
– Skilled management adds value.
– This matters over decades.

» Regular Investing Route Benefits
– Regular route offers guidance.
– Behaviour management is critical.
– Panic decisions destroy returns.
– Professional handholding matters.
– Especially during volatile phases.

– Certified Financial Planner helps discipline.
– Goal tracking becomes structured.
– Portfolio review becomes systematic.
– Emotional bias reduces.
– Long term success improves.

» Liquidity Planning
– Emergency funds are essential.
– You currently have limited liquidity.
– One year expenses should be accessible.
– This avoids distress selling.
– It protects long term investments.

– Emergency planning gives peace.
– Unexpected events do not derail plans.
– This should be built gradually.
– Avoid using retirement savings.
– Keep it separate.

» Insurance As Risk Management
– Insurance protects your plan.
– It is not an investment.
– Adequate life cover is essential.
– Health cover avoids financial shock.
– Premiums are necessary expenses.

– Delaying insurance increases risk.
– Medical inflation is severe.
– Employer cover is insufficient.
– Family protection is priority.
– This secures your goals.

» Tax Efficiency Perspective
– Tax planning should support goals.
– Avoid tax driven decisions alone.
– Post tax returns matter.
– Simplicity reduces mistakes.
– Compliance avoids future stress.

– Long term equity taxation is favourable.
– Short term churn increases tax.
– Stability helps efficiency.
– Avoid frequent switching.
– Stay disciplined.

» Monitoring And Review Process
– Plans are not static.
– Life changes require adjustment.
– Income growth allows higher contribution.
– Goals may change.
– Reviews keep relevance.

– Annual review is sufficient.
– Avoid daily market tracking.
– Focus on progress.
– Ignore noise.
– Stick to strategy.

» Behavioural Discipline
– Emotions affect investment outcomes.
– Fear causes premature exit.
– Greed causes overexposure.
– Discipline balances both.
– Guidance helps immensely.

– Long term wealth needs patience.
– Short term market moves mislead.
– Consistency beats timing.
– Process beats prediction.
– Stay calm.

» Aligning Goals With Reality
– Rs 80 Lac goal is achievable.
– Planning must be realistic.
– Income growth will support it.
– Lifestyle control helps savings.
– Early planning reduces pressure.

– You already started well.
– Course correction is timely.
– Delay would increase burden.
– Action now simplifies future.
– Confidence improves.

» Family Communication
– Discuss goals with family.
– Shared understanding reduces conflict.
– Expectations become realistic.
– Decisions gain support.
– Stress reduces significantly.

– Financial planning is family planning.
– Transparency builds trust.
– It improves discipline.
– Everyone works towards goals.
– Harmony improves.

» Risk Capacity Versus Risk Appetite
– Risk capacity is strong for retirement.
– Risk appetite may vary emotionally.
– Planning must respect both.
– Overexposure creates anxiety.
– Underexposure creates regret.

– Balance is the answer.
– Gradual allocation changes work best.
– Avoid extreme decisions.
– Stay flexible.
– Stay focused.

» Final Insights
– You have built a strong base.
– Assets are safe but growth limited.
– Goals need segmented planning.
– Education needs conservative strategy.
– Marriage needs balanced approach.
– Retirement needs growth focus.
– Active management adds value.
– Regular guidance supports discipline.
– Insurance protects the plan.
– Liquidity avoids stress.
– Review keeps alignment.
– Patience creates results.

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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