Feeling Stuck at 37: Should I Choose HR or IT Networking for a Fresh Start?

I am 37 years old, an unmarried man, and I want to switch careers. I am really confused about what to do with my life. Since I also need to settle down and marry fast as I am the only son of my parents. Plus, my parents are really old, and I have no one else to take care of me in the future. I mean, I have no friends, and my relationship is also bad with my parents and neighbors, so I need a life partner to support me in times of need.

Facing a Mid-Career Crisis

I am facing a mid-career crisis as I left my sales job in 2010 for many reasons, one of them being I didn't like the sales job. Secondly, some doctors also advised me to change careers as it was not permitting my health. I had developed skin problems and also huge stress resulting in me taking pills (cardiac medicines).

Even after that, I completed an MBA in Marketing from SMU (Sikkim Manipal) in distance mode, which I had already enrolled in while I was in the sales job in 2009. I scored first-class marks, though (70%). I have also done BSc (PCM) in regular mode from Calcutta University in 1998.

Pursuing New Qualifications

I am presently pursuing CCNA (expected to be completed in another 2 months or so) and completed the first part of CCNA, which is also a global certification called CCENT.

Career Dilemma: HR or IT?

Now, since I am in a hurry, what is best for me - joining a new profession like HR or IT?

Job Offer Consideration

P.S.: I have also a job offer from my brother-in-law in his office as an Admin Executive (salary maybe like 20k per month in an EXPENSIVE CITY LIKE MUMBAI). Since I have to give house rent of at least 6k Rupees for even a small room in places like Andheri, then other expenses like laundry, food, is it wise to go to Mumbai from my hometown in Kolkata or better to complete my CCNA and search for jobs in my own city? At least even if I get a small salary of Rupees 8k (anything from 5000 to 10000, not sure what I will be offered as a fresher at this age with no experience in either IT networking or HR) per month.

Seeking Advice on Relatives' Help

Also, is it good to take help from relatives since I already suffered job loss as a Pharma salesman (read Medical Representative) under this same "relative/bro-in-law" whose office I am talking about above.

Regards

I am really sorry for the mid-crisis you are going through and pray that Lord Jesus helps you come out of this. Well, sales is a good option. You don't have to always opt for an outdoor sales job. There are quite a few options for indoor sales as well. I would say that with a BSc and MBA in marketing, you have the right qualifications and experience to be a Sales Manager in any medium-sized company.

Don't accept any salary less than 4 lacs per annum. In fact, in Mumbai, nothing less than 5/8 lacs per annum. The cost of living in India has risen, and anything less than this with your qualifications will be undervalued, and you will not be able to live a decent life in metros. Note that even a government sweeper earns around 18,000 pm (all allowances added) in Mumbai. Private firms exploit us, but when we have nothing, it is better to take one than go jobless and fall into depression.

For IT, I don't know who suggested you go for CCNA. Now, since you have started it, complete it as a process of education and not just for a job (this is my suggestion).

Regarding an Admin Job, there is no harm in taking it provided you take it as a launchpad to end up in a good permanent job with a better company and better salary (of course, don't tell this to your brother-in-law). Usually, if you have a rent issue, it's suggested you find a house around Main Line or Harbour Line (i.e., Kalyan/Navi Mumbai), it's affordable but you would spend time traveling. You can get a 1BHK independent flat for less than 6000/- per month.

Having said that, I suggest you do not delay your marriage for all the above reasons. Start looking for a good girl, preferably working, and get married before 38.

Most important—since you are the only son, take care of your old parents. Trust me when I say, "their happiness and your care for them will change your future." Amen.

Ukmitra

Wish you good luck.

But, Sir, you haven't told me which has more money—HR or Networking? Also, which line should I take up—HR, Networking, or an office job in Mumbai? I don't think the office job has many prospects; in fact, it's like a sales job.

Well, just go through my response. I did mention that you can go for an Admin job in Mumbai since you don't have any job. Salaries in each business sector will vary. A lot of it depends on how good you are at what you do. Every job has its charm. My suggestion: don't do a job just for money; do it because you love to do it. And when you love what you do, you will automatically excel in it. Drawing from my personal experience, I started my career as an Office Assistant in a small to mid-size construction pump trading firm. I loved what I did and gradually grew in my career. I am sure if I can, you can too. Good Luck.

Negotiating the Right Salary

Getting the right salary for your job expertise is a matter of how skillfully you negotiate with your employer. With, I guess, 15 years of experience for the person in question, I have indeed given the minimum best he should demand, or rather, what he should get in Mumbai. (All experience counts in business.) But I agree if you can't find the right match at the right time, you must have the art and skills to accept the best available and keep looking, rather than being unemployed. However, as I mentioned above, don't just take jobs based on salary. Take jobs that you love to do. I know this may sound like a theory good in books, but this is exactly what makes a person successful in what they want to be. I am a firm believer that when you love what you do, you do it better than anyone else and excel in it.

Regards,
Ukmitra