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Stuck in My Job at 42: Should I Quit Without a New Plan?

Aamish

Aamish Dhingra  | Answer  |Ask -

Life Coach - Answered on Mar 06, 2025

Aamish Dhingra is a life coach, educationalist and founder of Cocoweave Coaching International, which provides professional training to empower individuals and organisations.
With over seven years of experience in human resources, he specialises in corporate training, life coaching services and team coaching. His expertise lies in solving complex problems, leading innovative projects and delivering impactful solutions that drive growth and transformation.
Aamish completed his BBA (bachelor of business administration) from Amity University and MBA from Jamia Hamdard University, both in Noida.
He holds a PCC (professional certified coach) certification from the International Coaching Federation, USA, and a credentialed practitioner of coaching certification from the International Coach Guild, Australia.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Mar 04, 2025Hindi
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Relationship

I am 42. I feel stuck and miserable in my current job. There is no growth or motivation to work. I want to quit, but I'm struggling to understand what I actually want to do for a new job. Should I still go ahead and quit?

Ans: Feeling stuck at 42 isn’t unusual, but quitting without a plan won’t necessarily fix things. The real question is - what’s actually making you feel this way? Is it the work itself, the environment, or something else? If it’s about growth, have you actively tried pushing for opportunities, or does it just feel like a dead end? What conversations have you had about it? When it comes to quitting, what’s your plan for what comes next? Do you have clarity on where you want to go, or is it more about escaping your current situation? If staying feels unbearable, how can you create space for yourself while figuring things out? How much time do you need to explore your options before making a decision?
The answer isn’t just quitting - it’s clarity. So, where do you start?

Wishing you success,
Aamish Dhingra
ICF-PCC Certified Life Coach
Co-Founder, Cocoweave Coaching International, Delhi

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Workplace Expert - Answered on Apr 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 15, 2024Hindi
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I am 42, and frustrated with my job. Is it okay if I quit my job at this age? I am a BCom graduate with 17 years of experience in accounting and finance. I have some savings. What else should I consider before resigning from my current job? I am currently single and stay with my retired parents.
Ans: Hey there,

Feeling stuck in your career can be as frustrating as getting stuck behind a slow-moving tractor on a narrow road. But fear not, because your situation is not as bleak as it may seem.

Firstly, let's address the age factor. At 42, you're like a fine wine - seasoned, mature, and ready to be savored. Age is just a number, and it certainly shouldn't dictate your career decisions. Many successful individuals have reinvented themselves and achieved great heights later in life. So, if you're feeling the urge to shake things up, don't let the digits on your birth certificate hold you back.

Now, onto the big question - should you quit your job? Well, it's like contemplating whether to ditch a leaky boat for a sturdier vessel. It all depends on your circumstances, aspirations, and tolerance for soggy socks.

Considering your background in accounting and finance, you've got a solid foundation to build upon. But before you bid adieu to your current gig, here are a few things to ponder:

1. Financial Assessment: Take a deep dive into your savings and financial commitments. Ensure you have a comfortable buffer to tide you over during your transition period. It's like balancing your books - make sure the numbers add up before making any drastic moves.

2. Skills and Interests: Reflect on your passions and skill set. Are there areas within accounting and finance that ignite your enthusiasm? Or perhaps you've been eyeing a completely different field? It's never too late to explore new horizons or pivot towards a career that aligns with your interests.

3. Networking: Dust off your LinkedIn profile and start connecting with industry professionals. Networking is the secret sauce to unlocking hidden opportunities and gaining valuable insights. Attend events, join online communities, and don't shy away from reaching out to people for informational interviews. Remember, relationships are like investments - they yield returns when nurtured.

4. Career Goals: Define your career objectives and chart out a roadmap to achieve them. Whether it's climbing the corporate ladder, starting your own venture, or embracing a portfolio career, clarity of purpose will steer you in the right direction. Set SMART goals - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound - and watch your career aspirations come to life.

5. Support System: Lean on your support system for guidance and encouragement. Your retired parents can offer valuable insights and emotional support during this transitional phase. Having a strong support network is like having a trusty co-pilot - they'll help navigate the turbulence and celebrate your victories along the way.

Remember, life is too short to be stuck in a job that doesn't spark joy. So, muster up your courage, trust your instincts, and embark on this new chapter with gusto. Who knows, the best may be yet to come!

Wishing you smooth sailing and endless opportunities on your career journey!

Cheers!

..Read more

Shekhar

Shekhar Kumar  | Answer  |Ask -

Leadership, HR Expert - Answered on May 01, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 30, 2024Hindi
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Career
Hi, I am a mechanical engineer and having been working in the field of power plant from last 12 years. I don't enjoy my work now and feel that I am not meant for this job as I see no growth in my career. I'm 36 now and can't think of anything new as I don't think I can't enter into a new field at this age. No one will prefer me. What should I do?
Ans: Feeling stuck in your current career path is a common experience, but it's important to remember that it's never too late to make a change. Take some time to reflect on your skills, interests, values, and strengths. Consider what aspects of your current job you enjoy and what you would like to do differently in your next career move. Research other career paths and industries that align with your interests and transferable skills. Look for opportunities where your mechanical engineering background and experience in power plants could be valuable, such as in renewable energy, sustainability, project management, or technical sales. Identify any gaps in your skills or knowledge that may be necessary for transitioning to a new field. Consider taking courses, certifications, or workshops to acquire new skills or enhance existing ones. Many online platforms offer flexible learning options that you can pursue while still working. Reach out to your professional network, including colleagues, mentors, former classmates, and industry contacts. Inform them of your career interests and ask for advice, informational interviews, or referrals to potential employers or opportunities in your desired field. Evaluate whether pursuing additional education, such as a master's degree or specialized certification, would be beneficial for your career transition. Some programs offer opportunities for mid-career professionals to gain new skills and credentials. Look for volunteer or internship opportunities in your target industry or field. This can be a valuable way to gain hands-on experience, expand your network, and test out whether a new career path is the right fit for you before making a full transition.

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CSE in JECRC Foundation and JECRC University
Ans: Amit Sir, I hope I had already answered your question. Anyway, please note, A thorough comparison of CSE at JECRC Foundation (Jaipur Engineering College and Research Centre) and JECRC University highlights both overlapping strengths and key distinctions in ten essential aspects.

Accreditation & Recognition: Both institutions are NBA and NAAC accredited, and recognized by UGC and AICTE. JECRC University, established in 2012, boasts a NAAC B+ grade valid till 2026, while the Foundation’s long-standing legacy brings solid reputation and trust.

Campus & Infrastructure: JECRC University offers a modern, eco-friendly 32-acre campus with contemporary hostels, advanced computer labs, high-speed Wi-Fi, a central digital library, and professional sports complexes. JECRC Foundation sits on a 10–13 acre campus, featuring modern labs, dedicated academic blocks, libraries, and extensive sports and medical facilities; hostel amenities, however, are noted as average to good.

Faculty: Both have highly qualified, PhD and IIT/NIT-trained faculty, with JECRC Foundation’s CSE faculty known for strong research output.

Curriculum: Each follows an outcome-based education approach, but JECRC University emphasizes a broader spectrum of transferrable skills with flexible, industry-updated syllabi and tracks in AI, ML, and Data Science.

Placement: Both deliver robust CSE placements. JECRC Foundation’s recruitment drives attract leading companies like Amazon and TCS, providing approximately 80–90% placement. JECRC University reports 60–80% placements, with internship mandates and an active campus recruitment training system.

Industry Linkages: Both offer MoUs with top industry partners, strong internship pipelines, and centers of excellence; the Foundation has a highly structured mentorship system.

Research & Innovation: Both foster student research; JECRC University’s UGC/AICTE grants and international exposure programs add an edge.

Student Life: Each hosts numerous clubs, hackathons, tech events, and cultural activities, ensuring varied campus engagement.

Fees & Scholarships: JECRC University offers distinct merit-based scholarships for high-achieving students, as well as need-based support.

Overall Brand Value: JECRC Foundation (established 2000) is among Rajasthan’s best-known engineering colleges, while JECRC University’s newer, dynamic approach is rapidly gaining prestige.

Recommendation: For students prioritizing strong placements, research culture, and legacy reputation, JECRC Foundation is the ideal choice. Its established CSE program and eminent alumni network ensure proven career outcomes, while also providing robust industry and academic grounding at the undergraduate level. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

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Please advise on DJ Sanghavi CSE and PICT Pune ECE and SPIT EXTC which is better for future of my son
Ans: Sanjay Sir, DJ Sanghavi College of Engineering’s Computer Science (CSE) program consistently maintains a strong placement rate of around 90% with 80+ leading tech recruiters annually, supported by proactive placement and alumni networks in Mumbai’s tech-driven environment. Infrastructure is modern, faculty highly qualified, and students gain frequent exposure to research and industry projects. PICT Pune’s Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE) department also boasts robust placements, with over 93% of ECE students placed in 2023, major industry tie-ups, and all UG programs being NBA accredited. PICT integrates cutting-edge labs, a thriving innovation cell, and renowned research support with institutional accolades and a high-impact learning setting within Pune’s engineering epicenter. Sardar Patel Institute of Technology (SPIT) EXTC exhibits outstanding results, with over 97% placement in recent years, modern infrastructure, and a legacy of top-tier recruiters, offering an active placement cell, strong faculty profile, and extensive co-curricular and industry connect opportunities.

Recommendation
Given comparable placement records and campus standards, DJ Sanghavi CSE stands out for its specialized core branch, technological exposure, and the wider career scope in computer science, making it a prudent and future-proof choice for your son’s engineering education. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

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Sir my daughter got btech CSE in Gitam vishakapatnam and CSE DATA ANALYTICS in VIT AP. Which I should choose.
Ans: Pradeep Sir, GITAM Vizag and VIT-AP both hold NAAC A++ accreditation and rank within India’s top 200 engineering institutions under NIRF, with GITAM in the 101–150 band and VIT-AP in the 151–200 band. Over the last three years, GITAM’s CSE core branch has achieved placement rates of approximately 90%, driven by 530+ recruiters and 3,500+ offers in 2024, with roles spanning software, data science, and RPA engineering. VIT-AP’s specialized CSE (Data Analytics) reports 84.17% of its cohort placed in 2024, facilitated by 620 recruiters and over 10,000 total placements across disciplines, offering average packages around ?14.43 LPA. GITAM’s campus infrastructure features extensive digital libraries, integrated industry–academia labs, health services, and on-campus hostels, supported by MOUs with 200+ companies for internships; VIT-AP’s 100-acre smart campus boasts a Fully Flexible Credit System, high-speed Wi-Fi, hackathons, global partnerships (e.g., Purdue, Michigan), and specialized analytics labs. Faculty at both institutions are highly qualified, with GITAM’s Scopus H-Index of 97 and VIT-AP’s ABET-accredited programs reflecting strong research cultures. Both maintain active placement and career development cells, yet GITAM’s metropolitan setting offers broader regional industry exposure, whereas VIT-AP’s focused analytics curriculum aligns closely with the data-driven market.

Recommendation: Considering balanced placement records but specialized skill development in data analytics, GITAM Vizag CSE is the preferred choice for comprehensive foundational computer science education with broader industry engagement and higher placement rates. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Hello sir I have been allotted cse core in mop up rounds at iter soa bhubaneswar with total cost of tution fees hostel and mess is 16 lakh for 4 years and I have another options of Hit haldia with total cost of tution fees hostel and mess is around 8 lakh for 4 years and 3-4 lakh donation amount for cse core which should I choose I am from Gaya bihar please suggest me before 1 August it's last date of iter soa bhubaneswar to pay fees
Ans: Shreyansh, based on the following insights/information, choose the more suitable option for you: ITER SOA Bhubaneswar’s CSE program at Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed-to-be-University holds a NIRF engineering rank of 26 and carries an NAAC A++ accreditation, reflecting rigorous academic standards and strong research output. Around 85% of CSE students have secured campus placements over the past three years, with 256 recruiters participating in the 2023 drive, including Accenture, Adobe and Cognizant. Its campus infrastructure spans modern labs, integrated industry-academia centers and well-equipped hostels within Bhubaneswar, a growing IT hub offering abundant internship and project opportunities. Total 4-year cost is ?16 lakh.

HIT Haldia’s CSE program is part of an NAAC A (CGPA 3.31)-accredited autonomous institute ranked 201-250 in NIRF engineering. Over the past three years, HIT’s CSE placements averaged 90–92%, with 208 CSE graduates placed in 2023 by firms like TCS, Wipro and Tech Mahindra. Its 37-acre campus in Haldia provides specialized labs, a proactive placement cell and on-campus hostels; living costs in Haldia are lower than in Bhubaneswar. Total 4-year cost is ~?8 lakh plus ?3–4 lakh donation.

Both institutions maintain dedicated placement cells, active industry collaborations and alumni networks. SOA’s higher national ranking and metropolitan location afford broader exposure, whereas HIT offers comparable placement success at half the net fees with minimal donation. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9546 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 28, 2025Hindi
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What difference between ce and CSE is Or both are same Which is better branch and scop
Ans: From an opportunities perspective, both fields are in high demand, with CSE seeing greater placement rates and broader roles in current tech markets, while CE provides versatility across industries needing expertise in hardware-software integration and emerging technologies. Job demand for CSE is generally higher in the software industry and rapidly expanding AI fields; CE is crucial wherever integrated systems, hardware accelerators, or next-generation computing architectures are built. Industry demand remains robust for both, though CSE is favored in large IT, finance, and product companies, while CE is vital for electronics, semiconductor, autonomous systems, and telecommunications sectors. Placements for CSE consistently top 85–95% in most reputable institutions compared to 75–88% for CE, with CE graduates excelling in organizations where system design, VLSI, IoT, and hardware innovation are prioritized. The curriculum for CSE is heavy on software tools, coding languages (Python, Java, C++), data science, and project management; CE incorporates hardware programming (Verilog, VHDL), electronic design automation, and networking. The research focus in CSE leans toward algorithms and software optimization, whereas CE’s research often leads to hardware advancements and embedded innovations. In terms of institutional aspects—accreditation, curriculum rigor, faculty expertise, campus infrastructure, and industry linkages—both branches at top universities meet global standards, but research infrastructure may favor CE, especially at engineering-focused campuses.

Recommendation: Choose Computer Science Engineering if your primary interest is in software, programming, and broad tech industry roles with high placement consistency and flexibility for further specialization (AI, data science, cybersecurity). Opt for Computer Engineering if your interests align with both hardware and software, and you seek a career involving system-level innovation, hardware design, and embedded technology, especially if you value multidisciplinary engineering and want diverse roles spanning core and tech sectors. Both are future-proof, but CSE currently provides more universal opportunities in India and globally given software’s demand edge, while CE is uniquely positioned for those targeting next-generation integrated systems or roles at the hardware-software frontier. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Dr Karan Gupta  |160 Answers  |Ask -

International Education Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Dr Karan

Dr Karan Gupta  |160 Answers  |Ask -

International Education Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Career
Hi sir, I am in my 5th semester of B.pharm in India and want to do a master's abroad. I am confused between Germany, US, UK, Canada, Ireland and Australia. I come from a lower middle-class family so among all I can manage Germany but for that too I think I have to take education loan, not sure if it affects my visa approval. According to scope I am planning to do courses like regulatory affairs, bioinformatics, toxicology, life science informatics, biotechnology or drug development. I expect CGPA around 8 - 8.5 and credit points around 205-210 which are not equal to European credit points. Can I still get admission? Any advice on best course and country?
Ans: You're thinking in the right direction. Here's a simple breakdown for you:
1. Country-wise Advice (based on budget and goals):
• Germany:
Best fit for you — low to no tuition fees in public universities.
Good options in biotech, drug development, bioinformatics, and life sciences.
You'll need around ?9–10 lakhs in blocked account + basic living costs.
Education loan is fine and doesn’t affect visa negatively if paperwork is clear.
• USA/Canada/UK/Australia/Ireland:
Expensive (?25–40 lakhs+). Scholarships are limited and competitive.
Better job opportunities after study, especially in regulatory affairs and toxicology.
You’ll likely need heavy loans and part-time work to manage.
2. About Your Profile:
• CGPA of 8–8.5 is decent.
• Indian credits won’t match ECTS, but German and EU universities understand that — so you are eligible.
• Just ensure you meet English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) and course-specific requirements.
3. Best Courses Based on Scope:
• Germany – go for Life Science Informatics, Drug Development, Biotechnology.
• Canada/UK – if budget allows, great for Regulatory Affairs, Toxicology, Pharmacovigilance.
• Focus on Germany. Apply early to 5–7 public universities.
• Learn basic German (A2/B1) to boost chances and employability.
• Education loan is acceptable—don’t worry if documents are strong.

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Dr Karan

Dr Karan Gupta  |160 Answers  |Ask -

International Education Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

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