- Do you feel stranded; caught in a crossroads?
Apologies for revisiting a personal mid-career crisis I once faced—but it carries vital takeaways. Crisis periods often throw up cosmic prompts that quietly point us toward the path ahead. We only need to notice them.
In 1996, at age 43, I was working with a leading North India–based private sector bank in the Inspection & Vigilance Department and was due for Scale IV (Chief Manager) interviews. A close friend bluntly told me I had little chance—there was a strong talent pipeline, and a few old show-cause notices from my earlier stint as a Branch Manager were still pending.
I agreed the odds were against me and I knew I don’t have outright chance; but I believed I still had an outside chance—if I could steer the interview my way.
In the interview, when asked how I liked inspection work, I replied candidly, “It’s good, but I don’t like it.” That unexpected answer grabbed the panel’s attention. I explained, “Inspection is like a condiment—it can’t be the main diet.” That response allowed me to showcase my depth and conviction. Against all odds, I made the successful list.
However, my result was kept in abeyance due to the pending notices, while others were promoted. Despite sustained efforts by me, my boss, and my other well wishers, nothing moved for months.
Nonetheless I continued working with the same zeal and diligence, but the same friend sensed a cosmic prompt and advised me to explore opportunities elsewhere—especially as new private sector banks were emerging then in 1994-95 period.
Let me also state here categorically that I was very happy & satisfied with my bank, and never desired to look out for another bank. But, here, in the given circumstances, I felt being pushed out of the queue.
I didn’t sensed that divinity is in play and I am destined for better opportunities with the best private sector bank, and huge challenging opportunities await me there.
That’s when I started looking out for job opportunities in other Banks, when I chanced upon wants of Scale IV officers in leading South based and India’s No.1 private sector bank.
I applied for the post, and In their detailed application form, instead of hiding facts, I clearly wrote: “Promoted to Scale IV; result withheld in abeyance.” It was deliberate—I wanted that discussion in the interview, confident I could handle it.
At the interview, I spoke highly of my bank and never showed my regret or disappointment with my existing bank and expressed my aspiration to join the best. When finally asked about the withheld result, I addressed it transparently and convincingly and concluded the interview on a positive note and walked out satisfied.
Soon after, I received the offer.
Before resigning, I informed my boss, who advised me to meet the Chairman first, as he has lot of appreciation for my work and he holds me in good esteem.
When I met our Chairman and informed him about the offer of appointment I have in hands, and I intend to resign, he initially resisted my decision and said he will ensure that I am not relieved, but acknowledged the delay in my case.
Sensing the moment, I respectfully said:
“Sir, since my career here has taken too many bullets, I seek your permission to lay down my professional life in this bank, and allow me to take professional rebirth in new bank — with your blessings.”
He smiled, shook my hand, and consented.
I spent 20 years with my first bank and 17 with the second (later taken over by an MNC bank), which includes almost a decade as the bank’s Nodal Officer at the CDR Forum. In the process, I also handled responsibilities of some exclusive works of MNC Bank too.
That unplanned change reshaped my career. I went on to spend 37 fulfilling years across two banks, handling critical assignments and ending my journey professionally enriched and personally satisfied.
Success born from unplanned change isn’t unique only to me. Look around—many thriving careers emerge from circumstances thrust upon people.
Steve Jobs (exited 1985, brought back in 1997), Michael Bloomberg, Mark Cuban, Walt Disney, J K Rowling, Ray Dalio, Anupam Mitral (Shaadi.com) are the few well known entrepreneurs who made comeback after their companies exited them.
And, not to miss, our most honourable Sh N.R. Narayana Murthy (Infosys) was once rejected by Azim Premji when he went for a job interview to Wipro, and then he went on to establish one of the icons of Indian entrepreneurships.
So in case you are facing an exit , rejection or uncertain terrains, you may be in queue for a great career waiting to bloom. Believe in your instincts, be passionate, work hard stay on your feet, and be ready for a new canvas to paint colours of your dreams.
The lesson?
Many successful careers are not built on perfect plans, but on imperfect situations handled with clarity and courage.
If you ever feel stranded at a crossroads, stuck, or unsure of the way forward —pause.
Look for the cosmic prompts.
Trust your instincts.
Move forward.
The future often begins where comfort ends.
Future awaits the brave and a winner.