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28-year-old HR Executive seeks advice on building a 50 lakh corpus in 12 years

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 29, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Aug 22, 2024Hindi
Money

Hello sir, I am 28 years old, working in a vfx firm as a HR executive and currently earning 35000k per month. My monthly expenses are roughly 12,000k. I want to make a corpus of 50 lakh in next 12 years. I have an equity stock portfolio of 1,25,000 along with mutual fund investments of 1,85,000 SIP/Lump sump since last 3 years Axis nifty 50 index fund - 1k SIP ICICI prudential value discovery 1.5k HDFC focused 30 Lump sump Nippon india multi cap lump sump SBI balanced advantage fund lump sump Sundram services fund lump sump I am willing to increase my SIP by 10-15 % per year.

Ans: You aim to accumulate a corpus of Rs 50 lakhs in the next 12 years. Your current income is Rs 35,000 per month, with expenses of Rs 12,000. You have an equity stock portfolio of Rs 1,25,000 and mutual fund investments of Rs 1,85,000, with a mix of SIPs and lump sum investments. You also plan to increase your SIPs by 10-15% per year. Let’s evaluate your strategy and explore ways to achieve your goal.

Assessing Your Current Investments
Your current investments are spread across both equity stocks and mutual funds. This diversified approach is good for managing risk and capturing growth opportunities.

Equity Stock Portfolio
Stock Investments: You have an equity stock portfolio of Rs 1,25,000. This can be a valuable part of your long-term investment strategy, but it is essential to monitor the stocks regularly. Focus on quality stocks with strong fundamentals.
Mutual Fund Portfolio
Axis Nifty 50 Index Fund: You have a Rs 1,000 SIP in this fund. While index funds are often recommended for their low costs, they may not always outperform actively managed funds, especially in the long term.

ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund: A Rs 1,500 SIP in this fund indicates that you are inclined towards value investing. This approach can be beneficial, particularly during market downturns.

HDFC Focused 30: A lump sum investment in this fund shows that you are also interested in concentrated portfolios, which can offer higher returns but come with higher risk.

Nippon India Multi Cap Fund: This lump sum investment diversifies your exposure across large, mid, and small-cap stocks. Multi-cap funds can be advantageous as they offer flexibility to fund managers to move across market caps based on opportunities.

SBI Balanced Advantage Fund: This lump sum investment in a balanced advantage fund offers a blend of equity and debt, providing stability and moderate growth.

Sundram Services Fund: This is another lump sum investment, likely in a sectoral fund focused on the services sector. Sectoral funds can be volatile, so it is crucial to keep an eye on their performance.

Evaluating the Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds like the Axis Nifty 50 replicate the performance of a specific index. While they offer low expense ratios, they do not actively seek to outperform the market. They also do not provide downside protection during market corrections. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, have the potential to outperform the index and provide better risk-adjusted returns, especially in volatile markets.

Evaluating the Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds may offer slightly higher returns due to lower expense ratios, but they require active management and regular monitoring by the investor. Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential can provide professional guidance, helping you choose the right funds based on your goals and risk profile.

Strategic Recommendations for Your Portfolio
Increase SIP Contributions
SIP Growth: Increasing your SIP by 10-15% annually is a wise strategy. It leverages the power of compounding, enabling your investments to grow significantly over time.

Prioritize Active Funds: Given the potential of actively managed funds to outperform the market, consider shifting your SIP from the index fund to a well-performing active fund. This could provide you with better returns in the long run.

Rebalance Your Portfolio
Diversification: Your portfolio is well-diversified, but it’s important to review your sectoral fund allocation. Sectoral funds like the Sundram Services Fund can be more volatile. You may want to reduce exposure to sector-specific funds and allocate more towards diversified equity funds or balanced funds that offer a mix of equity and debt.

Review Lump Sum Investments: Reassess your lump sum investments, especially in multi-cap and sectoral funds. Consider switching to funds that align more closely with your risk tolerance and time horizon.

Achieving the Rs 50 Lakh Corpus Goal
Calculating SIP Requirements
Target Corpus: Rs 50 lakhs in 12 years
Current Portfolio Value: Rs 3,10,000 (equity + mutual funds)
SIP Growth Strategy: Start by increasing your current SIP contributions. As your income grows, continue to increase your SIPs by 10-15% annually.
Assumptions
Expected Return on Investment (ROI): Assuming an average ROI of 12% per annum from your mutual funds and equity investments.

Inflation Adjustment: Consider the impact of inflation on your future purchasing power. A 6-7% inflation rate can erode the real value of your corpus over time.

Regular Monitoring and Adjustments
Annual Review: Conduct an annual review of your portfolio. Adjust your SIPs and asset allocation based on your progress towards the Rs 50 lakh goal and market conditions.

Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund to cover at least 6 months of your expenses. This fund should be kept in a liquid asset, such as a savings account or liquid mutual fund.

The Importance of Financial Discipline
Stick to Your Plan: Financial discipline is key to achieving your long-term goals. Continue to increase your SIPs, avoid unnecessary withdrawals, and remain focused on your Rs 50 lakh target.

Avoid Emotional Decisions: Market volatility can lead to emotional decision-making. Stick to your investment strategy and avoid making hasty changes based on short-term market movements.

Final Insights
You are on the right track towards achieving your financial goal of accumulating Rs 50 lakhs in 12 years. By strategically increasing your SIP contributions, rebalancing your portfolio, and focusing on actively managed funds, you can enhance your chances of reaching your target. Remember to regularly review your investments, stay disciplined, and avoid emotional decisions to ensure your financial success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Sep 20, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 25, 2023Hindi
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Hello I am 35 years old and want to generate a corpus fund of 4~5 cr in 15 years. My current SIP is 30k a month in the following: KOTAK SMALL CAP FUND - GROWTH - 2500 QUANT FLEXI CAP FUND REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH- 2500 TATA LARGE AND MID CAP FUND REGULAR PLAN GROWTH - 2500 UTI MASTERSHARE UNIT SCHEME - GROWTH PLAN - 2500 ICICI PRUDENTIAL INNOVATION FUND REGULAR PLAN GROWTH - 10000 UTI NIFTY 50 EQUAL WEIGHT INDEX FUND - REGULAR PLAN - 5000 GROWTH BANDHAN EMERGING BUSINESSES FUND REGULAR PLAN-GROWTH -1250 ADITYA BIRLA SUN LIFE GENNEXT FUND-GROWTH - 1250 TATA SMALL CAP FUND REGULAR PLAN GROWTH - 1250 SBI SMALL CAP FUND REGULAR GROWTH - 1250
Ans: After reviewing your portfolio, we propose that you discontinue your SIPs in Thematic Funds. Thematic funds are highly risky in nature and it is difficult to predict which sector will perform when and where, and begin your SIPs with funds that have proven past records. We also recommend that you keep a mix of equity and hybrid funds in your portfolio to ensure stability and recommend investing in various categories of equities mutual funds, i.e Large Cap, Mid Cap, Small Cap, and Flexi Cap. Investment across category provide proper diversification.

As you will require around 4-5 Cr in 15 years, we recommend you to increase your SIPs on yearly basis and It is recommendable to increase your SIPs by 5-10% every year as income grows. You can also invest some amount in Bulk when it is available with you such as yearly bonus, monthly or quarterly incentives etc.

We suggest you to maintain the discipline with your investments.
As it is said, “Successful investing takes time, discipline and patience”.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 10, 2024Hindi
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Hello Experts, I am 35 year old planning to have a corpus of ?5cr in next 20 years. I have 20lacs fixed deposit and invest in below mutual funds via SIPs and also planning to increase it by 5k per month Sukanya Samriddhi : 1.5 Lacs VPF : 1.2 Lacs NPS: 1.5 Lacs (Tier 1 - 75% equity) Monthly SIPs: Parag Parekh flexi cap - 5k UTI Index fund- 2k Kotak Emerging equity : 2k Mirae asset emerging bluechip: 1k SBI Blue chip: 1k Nippon India tax saver :0.5k Axis long term equity :1.5k Axis mid cap: 1k HDFC Mid cap opportunities: 1k Axis small cap fund: 5k
Ans: Given your age and goal of accumulating 5 crores in 20 years, your current investment strategy appears well-diversified. Here are some suggestions to optimize your portfolio:

Review Asset Allocation: Ensure your asset allocation aligns with your risk tolerance and long-term goals. Consider increasing exposure to equity for higher growth potential.
Increase Equity Allocation: Given your long investment horizon, consider gradually increasing your equity allocation to capitalize on potential market growth.
Regularly Monitor Performance: Periodically review the performance of your mutual funds and make adjustments if necessary to ensure they continue to meet your investment objectives.
Consider Tax Planning: Explore tax-efficient investment options such as ELSS funds and NPS Tier 1 for additional tax benefits.
Continue Systematic Investing: Maintain discipline in your SIP investments and consider increasing your SIP amounts over time to accelerate wealth accumulation.
Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund in place to cover unexpected expenses, typically equivalent to 3-6 months of living expenses.
By implementing these strategies and staying committed to your long-term financial goals, you can work towards achieving your target corpus of 5 crores in 20 years. Always seek professional advice from a Certified Financial Planner to tailor your investment strategy to your specific needs and circumstances.

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10851 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 07, 2025

Career
Hello, I’m a student who recently joined the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita University. I’m aiming for a strong academic foundation and a clear career path. Could you please guide me on the following: How good is this course for research careers or higher studies (IISc, IITs, abroad)? What are the placement prospects after Integrated M.Sc Physics at Amrita? Does the program help in preparing for alternate options like UPSC, CDS/AFCAT, or technical roles? What skills (coding, research projects, certifications) should I start early to make the most of this degree?
Ans: Sree, Program Overview and Academic Foundation: Congratulations on joining the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita University. This five-year integrated program represents a rigorous pathway designed to equip you with advanced theoretical and experimental physics knowledge combined with cutting-edge scientific computing skills. The curriculum uniquely integrates a minor in Scientific Computing, which adds substantial computational capability to your profile—a critical advantage in today's research and professional landscape. The program incorporates comprehensive coursework spanning classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical physics, advanced laboratory work, and specialized topics in materials physics, optoelectronics, and computational methods, positioning you excellently for both research and professional careers.
Research Career Prospects: IISc, IITs, and Beyond: For research-oriented careers, the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita provides an exceptional foundation. Amrita's curriculum specifically aligns with GATE and UGC-NET examination syllabi, and the institution emphasizes early research engagement. The faculty at Amrita actively publish research in Scopus-indexed journals, with over 60 publications in international venues within the past five years, exposing you to active research environments.
To pursue research at premier institutions like IISc, you would typically follow the PhD pathway. IISc accepts M.Sc graduates through their Integrated PhD programs, and with your Amrita M.Sc, you're eligible to apply. You'll need to qualify the relevant entrance examinations, and your integrated program's emphasis on research fundamentals provides strong preparation. The final year of your Integrated M.Sc is intentionally structured to be nearly free of classroom commitments, enabling engagement with research projects at institutes like IISc, IITs, and National Labs. According to Amrita's data, over 80% of M.Sc Physics students secured internship offers from reputed institutions during academic year 2019-20, directly facilitating research career transitions.
Placement and Direct Employment Opportunities: Amrita University boasts a comprehensive placement ecosystem with strong corporate and government sector connections. According to NIRF placement data for the Amrita Integrated M.Sc program (5-year), the median salary in 2023-24 stood at ?7.2 LPA with approximately 57% placement rate. However, these figures reflect general placement trends; physics graduates often secure higher packages in specialized technical roles. Many graduates join software companies like Infosys (with early offers), Google, and PayPal, where their strong analytical and computational skills command competitive compensation packages ranging from ?8-15 LPA for entry-level positions.
The Department of Corporate and Industrial Relations at Amrita provides intensive three-semester life skills training covering linguistic competence, data interpretation, group discussions, and interview techniques. This structured placement support significantly enhances your employability in both government and private sectors.
Government Sector Opportunities: UPSC, BARC, DRDO, and ISRO: Your M.Sc Physics degree opens multiple avenues for prestigious government employment. UPSC Geophysicist examinations explicitly list M.Sc Physics or Applied Physics as qualifying degrees, enabling you to compete for Group A positions in the Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board. The age limit for geophysicist positions is 32 years (with relaxation for reserved categories), and the exam comprises preliminary, main, and interview stages.
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DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization) recruits M.Sc Physics graduates through CEPTAM examinations or GATE scores for roles involving defense technology, weapon systems, and laser physics research. ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) regularly advertises scientist/engineer positions through competitive recruitment for candidates with strong physics backgrounds, offering opportunities in satellite technology and space science applications.
Other significant employers include the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) recruiting as scientific officers, and NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited), offering stable government service with competitive compensation packages exceeding ?8-12 LPA for scientists.
Alternate Career Pathways: UPSC, CDS, and AFCAT: UPSC Civil Services (IFS - Indian Forest Service): M.Sc Physics graduates qualify for UPSC Civil Services examinations, with the forest service offering opportunities for science-based administrative roles with potential to reach senior government positions.
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Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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