A Lesson from Life: Take the Opportunity in Front of You

Hello, everyone! My name is Kaiynaat, and I’m 30 years old, working as a Technical Lead at HCL Tech, Chandigarh. Today, I want to share a significant chapter of my life that taught me the value of making timely decisions. If you enjoy my story, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

A Day at Work Brings a Flashback

Every morning, I wake up, do some exercise, have breakfast, pack my lunch, and head to the office. By 11:00 AM, I’m at my desk, planning my day and preparing for meetings.

One day, while I was settling into work, I got a call from my dad. He asked, “Do you have a minute to talk? Or should I call you in the evening?”

I assured him, “No problem, Dad. Tell me now.”

He shared that his friend’s daughter, Sheeba, had just graduated and needed guidance for her career. “Can you help her out?” he asked.

I agreed and told him to share my number with Sheeba. Later that day, I received a WhatsApp message from her:
“Hi Didi, I’m Sheeba. Your dad gave me your number. Can I call you?”

I replied, “Hi Sheeba, I’m at work now. Let’s talk after 8:00 PM.” She agreed.

Sheeba’s Dilemma

After finishing work and returning home, I rested for a while. At 8:00 PM sharp, my phone rang. It was Sheeba.

“Hi Didi,” she said nervously. “I just graduated from Guru Nanak Dev University and got a placement offer from Cognizant with a package of 4 LPA. The job is in Hyderabad, but my cousin suggested I decline the offer. He thinks 4 LPA is too low, and I should look for a better opportunity. I don’t want to lose the chance, but I’m confused.”

As she spoke, her story took me back to my own journey and a decision that changed my life.

A Flashback to My Struggle

Years ago, I was in a similar situation. After graduating from Guru Ram Das College, Delhi, I got a placement offer from Cognizant for 3.5 LPA. At that time, I was living in Delhi, and the cost of living was high.

I was excited but also unsure. I called my family to share the good news. While they were happy, they were also concerned. My dad suggested I seek advice from my cousin, who had been working in an admin role at a startup for five years.

When I called my cousin, he asked about the offer. “3.5 LPA is too low,” he said. “Negotiate for more or find a better job.”

Even though I knew how hard it was for a fresher to get a job, my family agreed with him. Against my better judgment, I declined the offer.

When I informed the HR team at Cognizant, they tried to convince me to join. “You’re a fresher,” they said. “This is a great opportunity to learn and grow.” But I was influenced by my cousin’s advice and turned it down.

The Consequences of My Decision

After rejecting the offer, I began hunting for new opportunities. I worked hard, preparing for interviews, but nothing worked out.

Months passed, and I became frustrated and depressed. I regretted my decision and blamed myself for listening to poor advice. Meanwhile, a friend who had joined Cognizant was promoted and had his salary revised from 3.5 LPA to 8 LPA. Hearing this broke me.

My parents suggested I return home and take a break, but I didn’t want to give up. Finally, after months of effort, I cleared an interview with a mid-level company offering 3.5 LPA—the same package I had initially declined. This time, I accepted the offer without hesitation.

That decision marked the turning point in my life. Though it was a struggle, I worked hard, learned new skills, and steadily climbed the career ladder. Eight years later, I’m now a Technical Lead, earning well and living a stable life.

Advice to Sheeba

Returning to the present, I listened to Sheeba’s story and immediately advised her:
“Join Cognizant. Don’t worry about the salary. Focus on learning new technologies and gaining experience. The money will come later.”

Sheeba was relieved. “Thank you, Didi,” she said. “This clears up all my doubts. I’ll take the job and make the most of it.”

The Lesson I Learned

Looking back, I realize how important it is to value opportunities, especially as a fresher. Life has taught me that something is better than nothing. Taking the first step is crucial, no matter how small it seems.

Rejecting that initial offer was a mistake I wouldn’t want anyone else to make. As freshers, the first job isn’t about the salary; it’s about starting your career, learning, and building a foundation for the future.

Final Message

To anyone reading this: If you’re at the beginning of your career, don’t overthink the salary. Focus on learning, adapting, and growing. Opportunities don’t come often, and when they do, grab them with both hands.

This is my story, and I hope it inspires you to make wise decisions in your career. If you enjoyed this, please share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!

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