1993. Joined a system integrator organization as Marketing Executive, grew along with the organization for 24 years and reached the pinnacle, managing the entire operations of the organization.  All those years I was enjoying decent salaries, regular annual hikes, promotions, higher responsibilities, AC cabins, perks, cars, annual vacations, decision making powers and what not. I definitely say this was the golden era in my life. Life was like a melody until 2017, when my organization decided to merge with another big multinational for providing better lives for all its employees. But that became a jolt on me, as I was on the radar of the new management right from the day one. Little did I realize that there were a couple of people who were hell bent to ensure that I was thrown out. Within a year, I lost my job. At 49, here I was, suddenly on the streets, without knowing what to do. Have seen many people having mid-career crisis, but never thought I would face one.
The next 1 year was very tough. But my previous boss understood my position, asked me to manage the pending activities of the previous organization. He also ensured that I didn’t suffer much financially. Thank you Sudarsan Ranganathan for being a lifeboat throughout my life.

During this period, I was mentally down. Lot of confusion. Should I try for employment or should I start my own? How do I manage EMIs? From top of the world feeling, suddenly felt abysmal depression. Here was when I needed some one for moral support, when I was at dark. Blessed I was to have my colleague who was providing that support. Everyday she used to call me just to motivate me. Many times, I showed my irritation on her unnecessarily but she completely understood and didn’t react. She empathized with me and kept encouraging me. Thank you Meenakshi Prasanna for being a lamp in my life during that crunch period. I am really blessed to have such a wonderful sister in my life.

Even in my wildest dreams, I never thought that a person whom I met 25 years back would come and help me during this toughest period of my life. When generally employers don’t employ 50-year-old professionals, here is a person who doesn’t believe in numbers (age) and breaks the bias. He believes in potential. He believes in relationship. Thanks Venkataraman Subramanyan for providing me an opportunity in this wonderful organization and being a ladder in my life.

My heartfelt gratitude to all these 3 people. It is a wonderful feeling to recall tough times and thank people who stood by you. I have shared mine.