I was 23 when I took up my first job, 28 when I moved to the US, 35 when I returned to India for good, and 50 when I finally stepped out of IT to pursue Financial Advisory as an alternate career which offered greater purpose and meaning to my life. None of these milestones were pre-planned; they unfolded as life moved on.
By the time I turned 40, I had spent nearly 18 years in IT. The work had begun to feel repetitive and no longer brought the sense of fulfilment or joy I was seeking. Financially, I was better off than before, but not entirely comfortable. My major financial goals such as my children’s higher education were still ahead. Since IT continued to provide a steady income, I carried on with growing indifference, without openly sharing my desire to quit with my family.
It was only after my younger child joined college that I finally socialized my intention with family to step away from IT. While my family was broadly supportive, their concern was understandable. IT provided a predictable salary, and there was uncertainty about whether an alternate career could keep me both engaged and financially secure.
As I explored possibilities, I had no clear roadmap. I considered part-time teaching in management colleges, but the potential income of ₹2–3 lakhs annually was insufficient to meet my expenses and would have forced me to dip into my retirement savings. Around this time, SEBI Registered Investment Advisory was gaining momentum, driven by SEBI’s belief that India urgently needed structured financial guidance for masses. Teaching personal finance had always been something I enjoyed alongside my IT career, and this opportunity felt like a natural fit. What remained unclear was whether it could sustain me financially. Still, my urge to break free was strong and my family stood by me.
My initial plan was to pursue SEBI Registered Advisory in parallel with my IT job and transition full-time once I gained confidence. However, SEBI regulations did not permit this, even though there was no conflict of interest. I tried explaining that countries like the US allow such arrangements, but to no avail. After waiting for six months, I took the plunge; I resigned from IT and became a SEBI Registered Investment Adviser.
Looking back, it was the right decision. There is a unique satisfaction in being your own boss. While I am accountable for my success or failure, I feel less pressured and far less stressed. I now have the time to appreciate small things and experience life more deeply. I remember carrying home-cooked food prepared with love and care to office every day, only to gulp it down hurriedly between meetings. Today, I truly savour my meals, mindful of each bite.
Earlier, annual visits to my parents were limited to barely two weeks. Now, I spend far more meaningful time with them.
I often wish I were disciplined enough to walk or run by the backwaters near our home every morning but laziness creeps in. That said, I would not trade my two hours of table tennis every evening with friends for anything.
The most profound change, however, is the nature of my work. What I do today is no longer just a business; it is a service rendered with gratitude.
There is so much to share, but the learning is obvious. If you find yourself where I was seven years ago, uncertain and restless, perhaps it is time to take your own Leap of Faith.
Disclaimer
The writer occasionally writes about topics that are not related to personal finance.
The writer is a SEBI Registered Adviser and Founder of FinMyn (https://finmyn.com). He provides Fee-Only Financial Planning and Investment Advisory services.
He has advised many clients in India, the US, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe and Australia.
To know more about him, click on https://finmyn.com/about/.