The Turning Point

My superior a Rear Admiral looked through his reading glasses and stared at me with the raised eyebrows. It was quite unnerving as this was one moment for which I had mentally rehearsed. At the spur of the moment  I was trying to gather my wits sitting on a chair opposite to him, in his spacious room.

‘Well what is wrong, why do you want to leave the Navy’ he queried.

My appointment had been fixed with him the previous day, by my Director with whom I was serving at the Headquarters for almost three years.

‘Sir,  I have enjoyed my work  immensely but am now am looking for a change ‘ I replied. ‘ I wish to explore the outside world' I continued’. After having a discussion  which lasted almost half an hour explaining the virtues of continuing as the future was bright, he gave in and finally told me, ‘Ok, find a job and let me know’!

I had been contemplating a change in career but to leave a well -paying job with security, and honor of having served the country, was not an easy decision.  I was the only earning member at home and calling it quits at this stage with host of responsibilities made it even more difficult.

Next three months went in floating my CV to various companies; I kept waiting for the dame luck to smile at me. Sometimes, I was almost there but then the trail died down. There were moments of frustration as the time kept ticking away, but I never lost hope. One day, I was called for an interview with an MNC and then got another call after a month, with the VP visiting fom Israel. It lasted for forty five minutes and the most assuring words told by them which I can never forget is, ‘We will wait till you get released from the Navy’!

The procedure for quitting was set into motion but as I was in the zone of promotion, it was a very tough going. Eventually, with the support coming from my superiors I got the approval for resignation on Children’s Day ! It was a Saturday, when I hung my boots and uniform to step out in yet another brave new world. From Monday, I was in the new job and the work environment was a sea change from what I had seen in twenty odd years in the Navy! I got a chance to work with youngsters who were almost half my age and grappling with the new ways of working and in techno savvy environment was challenging, as well as, enjoyable at the same time. There has been no looking back since then and I have enjoyed every moment of life! ( https://housing.com/.)#StartANewLife