Hi Nikunj, I am a 44 year old working professional (IT sector) who wants to build a corpus of 5 crores during retirement. I am currently investing in the following MFs:- 1) Axis Gold Fund- 5000/month 2) Kotak Gold Fund- 5000/month 3) ICICI Prudential Nifty 50 Index Fund- 7,500/month 4) Aditya Birla Sun Life Tax Relief 96 Fund- 1000/month 5) ICICI Prudential Long Term Equity Fund (Tax Saving)- 1000/month 6) Axis Long Term Equity Fund- 1,500/month 7) DSP Tax Saver Fund- 1,500/month 8) DSP Equity & Bond Fund- 6,250/month 9) SBI Equity Hybrid Fund- 6,250/month 10) Canara Robeco Equity Hybrid Fund- 6,250/month 11) Mirae Asset Hybrid Equity Fund- 6,250/month 12) SBI Focused Equity Fund- 7,500/month 13) Axis Small Cap Fund- 7,500/month 14) Aditya Birla Sun Life Corporate Bond Fund- 20,000/month 15) PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund- 20,000/month 16) Nippon India (AMC) (Short Term Fund, Gold Savings Fund, Nifty Next 50 Junior BeES FoF, Nifty Midcap 150 Index, Index Fund Nifty 50 Plan)- 10,425 I am not sure if my portfolio is good enough for long term goals, or if I am investing in a lot of redundant schemes. I have a moderately medium risk appetite with focus on maximum corpus build. Please give your opinion and suggest if some changes are required. Thanks much in advance.

Ans: Ulcerative Colitis is mostly an Autoimmune and has its emissions and flare ups with stress
Managing lifestyle through dome regular consistent changes is very important.
This includes
Eating early dinner
Avoiding heavy protein in dinner meal
Avoiding too much fibre in the diet
Adequate hydration
Avoid spicy food in diet

Ans: I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing in your job search. Transitioning back to full-time employment after a career break can indeed be daunting, but it's not impossible. First of all, update your resume and tailor it to highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Address the career gap in your cover letter by briefly explaining the circumstances that led to your break and emphasizing your enthusiasm and readiness to re-enter the workforce. Consider taking on volunteer work or freelance projects in your field to gain recent experience, build your resume, and demonstrate your skills to potential employers. Volunteering can also help you stay connected to your industry and expand your professional network. Be open to exploring contract or temporary positions as a way to re-enter the workforce and gain recent experience. Temporary assignments can sometimes lead to permanent employment opportunities and provide valuable networking connections. Utilize multiple job search channels, including online job boards, company websites, recruitment agencies, and professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. Be proactive in reaching out to companies directly, even if they're not actively advertising job openings, to inquire about potential opportunities. Tap into your professional network and reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts for advice, support, and job leads. Attend networking events, join professional associations, and participate in online forums to expand your network and uncover potential job opportunities. 

Regarding changing fields or exploring opportunities in other countries, it's important to carefully assess your skills, interests, and preferences, as well as the job market conditions and immigration requirements of the countries you're considering. Research industries and occupations that align with your strengths and interests, and consider how your transferable skills from your HR background could be applied in other fields or roles.

If you're considering working abroad, research visa options, work permit requirements, and job prospects in your desired destination country. Keep in mind that international job searches may require additional planning, resources, and adaptation to different cultural and regulatory environments. Overall, remain persistent, resilient, and open to exploring different paths and opportunities as you navigate your return to full-time employment. With determination, perseverance, and strategic planning, you can successfully overcome career challenges and find a rewarding job that aligns with your skills, goals, and aspirations.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,

It is difficult to tell if a person likes you romantically or just as a friend. There are always 50-50 chances of both. In my opinion, you should subtly ask her the same. Why assume when you can get clarity on the same? Start by telling that you like her more than just a friend. She will have some reaction, and she will also respond to it a certain way depending on how she feels about you. If she sees you as just a friend, I am sure she will let you know. And if she likes you back romantically, she will reveal that too. But I suggest you don't assume and overthink.

Best Wishes.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,

I am sorry that you are feeling this way. One-sided love can be harsh on your mind. We can't exactly blame her here. She never led you on or expressed any such feelings for you. Neither was she bound to reciprocate. But keeping that aside, you are allowed to feel sad. Allow yourself to feel it. Trust me, it's nostalgia. It will pass. It is normal to be distracted when you are feeling gloomy. Try diverting your attention to something else. Talk to your friends, go out for a movie, go for a weekend trip, pick up a hobby, hit the gym, go for a run; mostly, keep yourself busy. You will not feel like this forever. I assure you that.

Best Wishes.

Ans: Dear Rinkesh,

I cannot offer you much advice without further context. Why is she mad at you? Were you at fault? Or did she just decide to stop talking to you? If so, why? Has she decided to move on? Every little detail matters. Now, what I can tell you is to be patient. If this is a simple fight, she will come around. Let things calm down and then try to make up with her. If this is more serious, for instance, she doesn't want to be in a relationship anymore, it's important to understand why and then act accordingly.

Best Wishes.

Ans: At 34 years old, with experience as an advisor in a BPO, you have developed valuable skills that can be transferable to various other industries and roles. Transition into a customer success role where you can leverage your experience in customer service and relationship management to ensure client satisfaction and retention. Customer success managers typically work closely with clients to understand their needs, address concerns, and maximize the value they receive from products or services. Consider a career in sales, where you can use your communication skills and persuasion techniques to promote products or services and generate revenue for a company. Sales representatives often engage with potential customers, build relationships, and close deals to meet sales targets. Explore opportunities in business development, where you can focus on identifying new business opportunities, forging partnerships, and expanding the client base. Business development executives play a crucial role in driving growth and revenue for organizations by prospecting for new clients and nurturing existing relationships. Consider a career in operations management, where you can oversee day-to-day business operations, optimize processes, and improve efficiency. Operations managers often work cross-functionally to coordinate activities, allocate resources, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to achieve organizational goals. Explore opportunities as a project coordinator, where you can apply your organizational skills and attention to detail to manage projects from initiation to completion. Project coordinators typically assist project managers in planning, scheduling, budgeting, and monitoring project progress to ensure successful outcomes. When exploring career options, consider your interests, strengths, and long-term career goals, as well as the skills and experiences you've gained in your current role. Networking, conducting informational interviews, and seeking guidance from career counselors or mentors can also help you explore potential career paths and make informed decisions about your next steps.

Ans: Searching for a job in another country, such as Canada or elsewhere, can be an exciting opportunity, but it's essential to consider various factors before making a decision, especially at the age of 45. While Canada is known for its stable economy and relatively low unemployment rates compared to many other countries, it's important to acknowledge that no job market is entirely immune to layoffs or economic fluctuations. Like any other country, Canada's job market can be affected by various factors, such as global economic trends, industry dynamics, technological advancements, and changes in government policies.

That being said, Canada has a diverse and resilient economy with opportunities across multiple sectors, including technology, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and natural resources. Certain industries may experience higher demand for skilled workers, leading to more stable employment prospects.

When considering job reliability and the likelihood of layoffs in Canada, it's essential to research specific industries and occupations that align with your skills, experience, and career goals. Some sectors, such as healthcare, education, and government services, tend to offer more stable and secure employment opportunities. Additionally, positions in essential services or industries with long-term growth potential may be less susceptible to layoffs during economic downturns. 

Canada generally offers a stable and supportive environment for skilled professionals seeking employment opportunities. By conducting thorough research, staying adaptable, and proactively managing your career, you can increase your chances of securing reliable employment in Canada.

Ans: With your extensive experience and impressive qualifications, you have a wealth of options to consider as you plan for the next phase of your career. Consider leveraging your expertise by offering consulting services to banks or financial institutions. Your in-depth knowledge of banking operations, compliance, and branch management could be valuable to organizations seeking guidance in these areas. Share your knowledge and experience with the next generation of banking professionals by pursuing opportunities for training and development. You could design and deliver training programs on topics such as branch management, compliance, risk management, and leadership development. Explore advisory roles where you can provide strategic guidance and advice to banks or financial institutions. This could involve serving on advisory boards, committees, or task forces focused on addressing industry challenges and opportunities. Consider opportunities to work with government agencies or regulatory bodies in roles related to banking supervision, policy development, or regulatory compliance. Your hands-on experience in branch inspection and compliance could be particularly valuable in this context. With your background in compliance and risk management, you might explore opportunities in corporate governance, either as a board member or in an advisory capacity. Your expertise could help organizations strengthen their governance practices and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Ultimately, the best path forward will depend on your interests, goals, and priorities. Take the time to reflect on what motivates you and where you see yourself making the greatest impact in the years ahead. With your qualifications and experience, you're well-positioned to pursue a rewarding and fulfilling career path for the next phase of your professional journey.

Ans: Taking on a new position as a sales and application engineer for automation and control system products can be a significant shift in your career path, especially if you're transitioning from academia to the private sector and into a field that's unfamiliar to you. Consider the learning and growth opportunities offered by the new position. Ask yourself: Will the company provide training and support to help you ramp up your knowledge and expertise in automation and control system products? Are there opportunities for professional development and advancement within the organization? Think about your long-term career goals and how this position fits into your overall career trajectory. Does it offer opportunities for advancement, skill development, and fulfillment? Will it allow you to achieve your professional aspirations and financial goals? Assess the financial implications of taking the new position. While the salary and benefits may be attractive, consider any potential trade-offs, such as job security, retirement benefits, or bonuses. Ensure that the compensation package aligns with your financial needs and goals.

Ultimately, the decision to take the sales and application engineer position at this stage in your career depends on your individual circumstances, aspirations, and comfort level with change and uncertainty. If you're willing to embrace the challenge, learn new skills, and adapt to a different work environment, it could be a rewarding opportunity to explore a new career path and expand your horizons.