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Subject: Change of career to IT
Date: 27-Mar-2002
Question: I am working in an all - India financial institution for the last 17 years and presently in the Middle Management.My qualifications are M.A.Economics. I studied Maths upto 12th standard. My annual salary is in the range of Rs.3 lakhs.

I am very much interested in computers. For the last 3 years , I have been devoting 3-4 hrs. in learning computer skills. I am now very comfortable with MS Office - all applications and Visual Basic. I am now concentrating on Oracle and SQL. I don't get much interest in my office work for the reason that there is no challenge,the job is totally routine, it is a govt organisation and hence no initiative or new changes are welcome. I will continue to get same salary and same promotions whether I work sincerely and innovatively or just pass my time doing things as they are.

I therefore want some change in my career. But as my age is 41 and I have a small family, I am very conscious about my financial security. I want guidance on the following -

1. If I do some certification course say Oracle, MCSD etc. , can I get a decent job in IT field is US or some European countries. Is it worth attempting at this age ?

2. My interest are computer (paticularly database, graphics, presentations), finance and investment. I want to start my own work from my house itself.THE work will be such that is totally based on computers and relates to the field of my interest. Can you suggest some such works. Once I get settled in the work, I will leave the job and concentrate on my own work. Please advise me the likely service or work which I may start so that I may be able to earn after 3-4 years of hard work equivalent of my present salary.

3. If I score very good marks in GMAT, can I get admission in top Universities of US for MBA. Whether MBA from top US universities at this age will give me a challenging and much more remunerative job.

Answer: I know you are in your Mid Career Syndrome. Please realize one thing that market situation is bad and jobs are not easy especially when you compete with competent younger ones.

Knowing computers and mastering are completely two different things.

I suggest you keep this as your hobby and develop that way rather than rebuilding your settled career. You are in Govt job and I know many who do side business in family members' names. You may do so and try out for your self.

It will definitely not be advisable to leave the job.

If you find it routine and boring, ask for a transfer to some other department that will add some spice of change at least if nothing else.

Getting US degree will take a fortune. In jobs, your age will go against you, at least in India.

Try some of the above solutions first.

Your counsel.