Facing a Career Crossroad: Should She Quit Her Job to Focus on Government Exams?

Dear All,

I am here again with one more query. One of our colleagues is appearing for various government exams. She is 32 years old and can appear for such examinations for one more year only. She is a widow. For security as well as survival, she needs to work. She has not been very successful in her career so far. She is working in private organizations to earn a living.

She asked me for a suggestion on whether she should resign from her current job and prepare for one year or continue working and studying side by side. For the last two years, she has not been able to manage both work and study effectively. Her concern is that she reached her current job after much difficulty. Since she doesn't have many references or professional acumen, she fears that if she resigns and fails to secure a government job, she will be at a loss.

I am unable to suggest the exact course of action. We discussed it with one of my seniors, but he directly advised her to resign, stating that once she resigns, she won't get a job in the same organization again. His behavior towards her has also changed. This senior has a very good relationship with our Head of Department (HOD) and Managing Director (MD).

Should She Discuss with the Executive Director?

Should I advise her to discuss this with the Executive Director (ED)? Perhaps she could explain her situation to the ED, stating her need. If she doesn't get a government job, she would like to return to our organization. I know this is not entirely professional, but...

Please suggest how I should help her now.

Thanks & Regards

You could have written the post a little more professionally.

Questions to Consider

What is the designation of this lady? What is her qualification? How many years of experience does she have? What is the nature of the industry in which she works? What are the career opportunities in the field? Which skills does she need to master in order to grow further?

For a dedicated worker, there are abundant opportunities to grow in the private sector. For a widow to take a career break and prepare for competitive exams is quite risky. What if she does not get through? Secondly, her age is not on her side. Thirdly, she has a lot of responsibilities too. Therefore, she needs to make this decision judiciously.

Yes, there is a lot to be lured towards government jobs. These are secure and stress-free. There are no long working hours. But then this career choice has to be made by 25. I could not understand for which government job the age limit is well above 32!

India has a critical shortage of trained and skilled manpower. Nevertheless, working in the private sector requires hard work and constant learning. If she is prepared for that, then she can continue and switch the job for a higher level. Above all, why didn't that lady write this post? To solve one's problem or to find career opportunities, one has to take the initiative. Career matters cannot be piggybacked (Untavarun shelya hakne, in Marathi). You could have told her firmly!

All the best to her!

Regards,
Dinesh Divekar

She has not mentioned that she is a widow. As she had some bad experiences, I forgot to mention it in the thread.

From a professional standpoint, it would be easier for her to stick to her current job (bread, butter, etc.) than to attempt a new role at this point in time.

Dear MNL and friends,

I fully appreciate your friend's concern before taking a new step. Please advise her:

- Not to worry about the next job. There is old statistical data that no one stays without a job for more than 18 months.
- If she wants to take the UPSC or state service exams, ask her to do it wholeheartedly.
- Can she support herself for the duration of preparation, or can her family support her?
- Does she have children to be supported by her? If so, what will be her plans?
- If she can survive on her savings, tell her to take the leap without worrying about whether she will get the government job or not.

I am sure the forum has many Samaritans who will render help. I will be the first volunteer.

Blessings,
Dr. Ram

I can quite understand her apprehension. I would suggest she stick to the current option but choose her knowledge and skill set updates wisely. This way, even if she does not get a government job, she can climb higher rungs in the same or similar companies.

Regards

Dear All,

The case can be seen in a different way. If she could survive by her savings (as said by my seniors), then she can decide to proceed, ignoring the current job. If she is not supported by any of her family members and has liabilities waiting at the gate, she should stick to this job and learn things in a professional way to upgrade herself, instead of fearing the future ("whether I could succeed in securing a government job" or not). Tell her to be confident and self-reliant in her actions she wishes to proceed with. (Suno subki karo manki - Hindi)

Rest, my blessings are with her to excel in her actions.

Regards,
Capt. Ravi Sankar Iyer
GM - HR