Hi, I worked in IT industry for 12+ years. Then I had to quit my job because of family commitments. Its been 10+ years now. In those years, though I haven't been in a regular job, I have done a few freelancing jobs now and then. Also, run a couple of niche but non technical websites. I have also stayed in touch with latest technologies through certfications and self learning. Now, since my kids are grown up, I am thinking of resuming my career. But the huge career gap seems to hinder opportunities. Though I try to motivate myself to persevere, it is a bit frustrating as some of the jobs that suit my tech skills go past me because of the gap. What is the best strategy to restart my career? Kindly please advice. Thanks in advance.

Ans: Investing Rs.15 lakhs for 10 years is a wise move. You’re planning for long-term growth, and that shows financial maturity.

Understanding Your Investment Objective
You are investing for a 10-year time horizon.

 

Your goal could be wealth creation, retirement, child’s education or any long-term need.

 

This long-term window gives you good room for growth-based investing.

 

You are not chasing short-term profits. That is very good.

 

It shows patience and clarity. Both are key for long-term success.

 

Deciding Your Investment Style
Rs.15 lakhs is a significant amount.

 

Let’s divide it smartly into different categories.

 

We won’t go with one single product.

 

Instead, we will diversify for safety and growth.

 

We will use mutual funds, small savings schemes, and emergency allocation.

 

This approach reduces risk and balances return.

 

Why Mutual Funds Are a Core Part
Mutual funds offer professional management.

 

They spread your money across many companies.

 

That helps reduce single-company risk.

 

With mutual funds, your money gets expert handling.

 

Over ten years, this becomes very valuable.

 

You get compounding growth and liquidity also.

 

Active Funds vs Index Funds: Which is Better?
Index funds copy market indices.

 

They don’t try to beat the market.

 

That means average returns only.

 

In volatile markets, index funds give no protection.

 

They blindly follow market up and down.

 

Actively managed funds adjust the portfolio wisely.

 

The fund manager can reduce risk in falling markets.

 

They also select stronger companies for better results.

 

So, active funds offer better decision-making.

 

For long-term wealth, they are more dependable.

 

Why Regular Funds Are Better Than Direct Funds
Direct funds may look cheaper, but come with hidden risks.

 

No advisor is available for support in direct funds.

 

You will manage it fully on your own.

 

That can lead to wrong fund choices.

 

Most investors don’t track funds regularly.

 

You may miss changes in performance or rating.

 

Regular funds come through MFDs with CFP expertise.

 

You get regular monitoring and rebalancing.

 

That improves fund performance and suits your goals.

 

Hand-holding by a Certified Financial Planner avoids costly errors.

 

Long-term success needs guidance, not guesswork.

 

Taxation Rules You Must Know
For equity mutual funds, LTCG above Rs.1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

 

STCG is taxed at 20%.

 

For debt mutual funds, gains are taxed as per your tax slab.

 

This means tax planning becomes very important.

 

Your Certified Financial Planner will structure funds to reduce tax burden.

 

Also, investing via Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) helps lower STCG tax impact.

 

Emergency Fund: Your Safety Net
Before investing the full Rs.15 lakhs, keep some for emergency.

 

At least Rs.1.5 to 2 lakhs should stay in liquid fund or savings.

 

This helps during job loss or urgent medical need.

 

It avoids breaking your 10-year investments midway.

 

Asset Allocation Strategy: Balanced and Wise
Let’s allocate Rs.15 lakhs in smart buckets.

 

Around 70% to equity mutual funds.

 

20% to debt mutual funds or small savings.

 

10% for emergency and ultra short-term needs.

 

This keeps your returns high and your risks low.

 

Type of Funds to Consider
For equity, you may go for large-cap and flexi-cap mutual funds.

 

Multi-cap funds and focused equity funds are also good.

 

These categories offer growth with managed risk.

 

For debt part, go for dynamic bond or short-duration funds.

 

They offer better returns than fixed deposits.

 

They also provide some stability during equity volatility.

 

SIP and STP: Smart Ways to Enter Market
Don't invest full Rs.15 lakhs in one go.

 

Use Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) from a liquid fund.

 

Shift monthly into equity funds over 6–12 months.

 

This reduces risk of market timing.

 

You will enter at different levels and average cost.

 

SIPs are also good if investing from monthly income.

 

Monitoring and Review: Important for 10-Year Goals
Investments are not one-time work.

 

Review every 6 months with your Certified Financial Planner.

 

Rebalance if fund underperforms or if your goals change.

 

Stay updated on fund rating, portfolio and expense ratio.

 

Insurance Check: Protect Before You Grow
Before investing, make sure you have term insurance.

 

Health insurance is also very important.

 

Don't mix insurance with investment.

 

If you hold ULIPs or endowment policies, review them now.

 

Most likely they give poor returns.

 

If they are not 100% protection based, consider surrendering them.

 

Reinvest that amount in mutual funds for better wealth creation.

 

Goal-Based Planning: Brings Clarity
Assign every portion of your Rs.15 lakh to a goal.

 

Maybe Rs.5 lakh for child education.

 

Rs.7 lakh for your retirement fund.

 

Rs.3 lakh for house renovation or car after 10 years.

 

This helps track progress clearly.

 

You feel more committed to staying invested.

 

Emotional Discipline Is Key
Don’t panic when markets fall.

 

Stay focused on your 10-year goal.

 

Avoid frequent switching between funds.

 

Ups and downs are part of market behaviour.

 

Long-term investors are always rewarded.

 

Role of a Certified Financial Planner
Helps create custom portfolio for your risk level.

 

Gives unbiased fund recommendations.

 

Tracks tax laws and market changes for you.

 

Keeps you on track with timely reviews.

 

Acts like a health doctor for your money life.

 

You avoid costly mistakes and missed opportunities.

 

Final Insights
Rs.15 lakhs invested wisely can create serious wealth in 10 years.

 

Your focus on long-term is very appreciable.

 

Use mutual funds as the main wealth-building tool.

 

Stay away from direct and index funds.

 

Let a CFP guide your journey with logic and planning.

 

Reinvesting surrender value of poor insurance plans also helps.

 

Ensure your family is protected with term and health insurance.

 

Review your progress often but don’t panic during market dips.

 

Stick to your plan, trust the process, and allow time to work for you.

 

Wealth creation is a marathon, not a sprint.

 

Best Regards,
 
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
 
Chief Financial Planner,
 
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: Yes, YOU CAN. Any candidate with PCB in their 12th standard can appear for JEE Mains if they clear Mathematics from NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling). The key is that they must fulfill the eligibility criteria of JEE Main, which includes passing 12th class with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as mandatory subjects.

Ans: Branch is upto you people, but the percentile is very low. So try for Private Engineering Colleges.

Ans: General category candidates need at least 75% in 12th or be in the top 20 percentile of their board to be eligible for JoSAA counselling.

Ans: Great question.
No, currently you are not eligible for M.Tech in IITs through GATE if you have only the BS in Data Science from IIT Madras and do not have Mathematics in 10+2 or a BSc/BTech degree with core Mathematics and relevant engineering subjects.

Ans: How can I understand your strength and interest? You should know it better than me. You can take PCMB as many students are doing well

Ans: NSUT CSE

Ans: Yes, you can appear for JEE Main and JEE Advanced in 2026 if you meet the eligibility criteria by completing Mathematics as an additional subject through NIOS.

Ans: Hello;

Considering the trade war kind of scenario coupled with geopolitical tensions it is advisable to invest in a Multi asset allocation type mutual fund for a horizon of 3-4 years.

You may select any fund from the top quartile in this category.

Best wishes;