A New Life

Tell us about a time when you took a bold step, and brought about a big change in your own life. Share your story with the world using #StartANewLife. 

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My Engineering was over, at last. I was placed through campus in Infosys. I had never stayed away from home. Everyone told me, don’t go. When the time to move away came, my mom was emotional. She told me not to go and instead search for a job in Mumbai itself.

But I was stubborn. I wanted to experience a new city, a new environment. I was always a pampered kid. For a change,I wanted to fight my battle, leave the circle of love and care and try build my own identity.

I knew I would have to do my laundry, my food – all on my own. To be honest, I hadn’t ever washed my clothes nor cooked. Maggi was all I could cook. But it was time now to explore.

Mysore was where my training centre was. A beautiful place - but away from home. I felt homesick initially and whenever I would call home, mom would cry. So I decided to call every 3 days.

Life kept me busy during my training tenure. Hectic life - a life where you learn to become self reliant teaches you many things.

A new city teaches you to adapt. Given my background, I was spoon fed all the time. This experience taught me to become self dependent. No dear one to help me out with things, it was unusual in the beginning.

I met new people, made new friends, learnt a lot from them. The training centre in Mysore is among the top 3 in the world. I gained knowledge, not just application wise, but practical knowledge too.

Most importantly, staying away from home with limited finances teaches you to manage and save money. It is an art. It has made me more responsible!

I am glad I took this bold step of staying away from home and pursuing my dreams.

I am definitely a better person than I was before leaving home. However beautiful, nothing can replace home, but yes, some things are better learnt when you are alone. Time is the best teacher, if you’re willing to learn.

Staying away from home has given me the exposure I needed and opened doors of great opportunities. The pressure keeps you rooted to your goal, distractions are at bay and your confidence grows.

Staying away from my loved ones brought me closer to God. I started praying often and thanking God for a wonderful family who I have to return to soon!

This bold step has changed my life for good – made me more confident, optimist and I feel glad I took the leap of faith. It worked in my favor. This is my story. #StartANewLife. 

Always follow your heart and let it take you where it wants. Miracles are explored and you grow as an individual. Stay positive.

At Housing, they love change - good change! Change signifies that we're moving forward, living better, and giving ourselves the chance to be the best we can possibly be. So ring in positivity and bring good changes to your life.  See here: https://housing.com/.

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Together, Always

26th February, 2010

I decided to quit Engineering.  I will always remember this day. It was the day I made a big decision. I was not made for 9 to 5 jobs, but something more. I wanted to pursue Journalism.

I was scared to let anyone know about it, most importantly, my father, because he had big expectations. Actually, they weren’t big, I was too small for those expectations, maybe.

Anyways, I decided to share this with my mother. Initially, she told me, ‘Ritwik, stay calm and focus. You will be a good engineer.’ I told her, ‘Ma, I’m sorry to let you down and break your dreams. I am shattered too. But journalism is my calling. I love it. Yes, I realized it late. I don’t know what to do, Ma. I am scared about Daddy. He will be very disappointed.’

Ma said, ‘Yes, he shall be. But if you have decided it, Ritwik, then we don’t want to force you and tell you to do something which you don’t enjoy doing. You talk to him calmly. I am sure he will listen.’

My sister heard this conversation. She came to me and scolded me, ‘Ritwik, are you a kid? You are planning to waste one full year of your life? Leaving behind engineering will do no good to you.’

I answered, ‘But, Di, I don’t want to regret later. This is a bold step. I want you’ll to support me.’

‘Support you for wrong things? No, Ritwik. Please don’t hurt Daddy. Your stupidity will cause us pain.’ She said.

Ma was supportive, ‘Let it be, Aashira. He won’t budge. He is adamant. Still, Ritwik take some time, you can pursue Journalism after Engineering too. We would suggest complete this and then go for the other course.’

‘Ma, I can’t afford to waste years now.’ I want to make it big in Journalism, please Ma. I won’t let you down.’ I tried to convince.

‘Ritwik, you speak for yourself before Daddy. We are not going to interfere. Finally, I do not want my son to blame me years later. But remember, it is a big risk that you are jumping for. Had you completed B.E, you would have a secure degree with you.’ Ma sounded upset and concerned for me.

‘Ma, this decision is a risk, I agree. But I want to pursue it. It is my mistake to have realized my calling late. But better late than never!’ I replied.

When I told Daddy about it, he told me the same things my sister and Ma told. But finally all agreed for my happiness.

There is no love greater than family. They are the ones who understand your needs and dreams. Today I have completed my Mass Media course and I have been chosen by the best Institute in India for a post graduate course in Journalism.

The tense moments I spent with my family made me realize – Family love is the greatest. The time spent with them gave me the courage and positivity to stay motivated and look up with confidence and optimism. Family loves you infinitely. We are together in this journey. Always.

P.S: This post is for Housing.com. Housing believes in the inimitable power of optimism. #together

See here for details: https://housing.com/

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