This Article is From Oct 15, 2015

But Do You Like What You Do?

Are you 40 or over and bored? No, don't worry - I am not going to get philosophical and start selling vitality pills!

But if the boredom is not to be overcome by getting a Harley Davidson or a face lift (and that's fine too!), perhaps it's something deeper - it's your life telling you to look within, to explore, to re-evaluate what you are doing  professionally.

Really? At 40, where the journey begins towards that very comfortable armchair, you want me to start afresh? The first hit of that fear in itself has enough adrenaline to kick you awake.

And then, despite the stomach-curdling, knee-shaking fear, if you still feel unfulfilled, perhaps it's time to jump.

A very wise man recently told me there are four things you have to be absolutely clear about at this point:

1) What is it you absolutely don't want to do?

2) What is it that you love doing?

3) What are you good at?

4) And last but not the least, what's the minimum cash you must have every month?

Ah, but what's new? Well, here is where the search for the truth begins.

Are you doing this job simply because it was the first thing that came around and it was fun? You weren't particularly passionate about it, but it clicked in some ways, and before you knew it, decades had gone by - and suddenly there was an element of "What am I doing here?"

Do I enjoy it? Do I really like getting up and going to work, or is it simply because it is what I do every day, and really, if not this, what am I good at, what will I love doing? I haven't done anything else after all.

Too much philosophising, you say...but don't scoff till you try. The answers could well amaze you.

When you do all of the above, please, and I urge this most strongly, ensure point no 4 is strongly a part of your thoughts .

I don't really care about how money sounds great in films and stories - in real life, there are bills to be paid, and if you are living in a city with children and if the spouse is not earning millions, it is something you must be mindful of. Don't start something resenting it because you feel deprived.

It's a journey - scary, exciting, full of possibilities and one that allows you to dream for yourself again.

So go for it, take that leap of faith, perhaps this time it is what you were always looking for!

Manika Raikwar Ahirwal is Managing Editor and Editor (Integration) with NDTV.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
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