Entering the new year, three Chennai-based individuals who share their experiences navigating new careers and pursuing passion after 40.
Three Chennai residents share their experiences navigating new careers and pursuing passion after 40. (Supplied)
In a 2023 LinkedIn report, a staggering 80% of Indian professionals expressed their intention to change jobs, revealing a widespread desire for change cutting across age groups.
Among these, 88% of Gen Z individuals (18-24 years) and 64% of those aged 45-54 contemplated a switch, showcasing a widespread discontent with current roles.
Surprisingly, only 32% reported contentment, while a significant 78% felt more confident about changing jobs after acquiring new skills.
At some point in our lives, reevaluation becomes inevitable. Whether stemming from dissatisfaction with current work or a yearning to pursue a long-neglected passion, this contemplation is a universal experience.
Entering the new year, South First talks to three Chennai residents, who share their experiences navigating new careers and pursuing passion after 40.
The journey is tough, financial concerns are real, and success comes with its own struggles. But the takeaway is clear: it’s never too late!
Sairam Ramaswamy’s journey from a typical corporate life to health and fitness coaching began at 50, challenging societal norms and proving age is no barrier.
Sairam Ramaswamy’s journey from a typical corporate life to health and fitness coaching began at 50. (Supplied)
“A decade ago, I initiated this fitness journey, recognising the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle. With a corporate background and frequent travel experiences, I came to understand that when something becomes a priority, one can always find the time for it,” shares Ramaswamy, the founder of Versatude, a wellness venture.
His venture wasn’t an overnight success but a well-thought-out decision. “In 2015-2016, the idea took root. The proliferation of crazy diets on social media made me realise the importance of doing things properly. I wanted to be certified to provide better advice,” he recalls.
The pandemic acted as a catalyst, pushing him to pivot to virtual training, especially in strength training, a domain previously deemed unfeasible online.
Now, Sairam reflects a holistic approach, working with corporates and individuals, offering both group and personal virtual training.
The transition from a stable corporate job to entrepreneurship wasn’t without challenges. Financial security was a primary concern.
Despite scepticism about achieving a six-pack physique at 54, Ramaswamy took it up as a challenge. (Supplied)
“Passion needs to translate into income,” emphasises Ramaswamy. “When I discussed my career shift with my family, they had reservations, especially about funding my children’s education. However, I eased their concerns with a well-thought-out plan, including a two-to-three-year financial buffer and the option to return to a corporate job if necessary.”
Leaving his job brought financial changes but ushered in a new era of well-being.
“There’s a drastic reduction in stress levels. The constant pursuit of targets and deadlines no longer dictates my life. Sleep quality has improved significantly. Financially, working from home has reduced expenses. It provided me with time for introspection, planning, and thinking about my life and career. I don’t miss my corporate life; I’m in a much better space now,” he shares.
Admitting to doubts in the initial euphoria of starting a business, Ramaswamy acknowledges income fluctuations and seasonal variations. However, the satisfaction derived from positively impacting people’s lives overshadows financial concerns. “With around 100 clients, I feel a sense of achievement,” he says.
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Recently, despite scepticism about achieving a six-pack physique at 54, Ramaswamy took it up as a challenge, discovering a strength within himself to redefine what he believed he could achieve.
Looking ahead, he envisions expanding Versatude’s reach. “I aim to build a team of like-minded coaches to further develop the business. On a personal level, maintaining a six-pack may pose challenges, but I plan to embark on a trek this year, resume running, and participate in a half marathon in January 2024 as a commitment to health,” he shares.
Balasubramanian G Velu, a chemical engineer-turned-banker, retired as a General Manager in 2013. His affair with photography, dating back to college, found renewed vigour post-retirement.
As one of the founding members of the Chennai Photowalk Group, Velu developed a keen interest in street photography. Post-retirement in 2013, he delved deeper into his passion by attending meetings of the Photographic Society of Madras (PSM).
“Earlier, though I wasn’t fully immersed in photography, during family visits and functions, I would take photos with a small camera. However, when I saw exhibitions, I felt like I was missing out on many things. I always thought I’d venture into it at some point,” he shares.
Balasubramanian’s involvement with the PSM grew over the years. He served as the president during 2019-20 and 2020-21, playing a pivotal role in curating exhibitions like Confluence 2018 and Confluence 2019.
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“Before retirement, I dabbled in film photography during college. However, there were resource constraints. Although the initial investment in digital photography is higher, I’ve persistently pursued it for the last 10 years,” he shares.
Now, he actively contributes to the photography community. “I conduct exhibitions for PSM. As a founder member of the Chennai Photowalk group, I’ve been actively involved in initiating the annual photo exhibition Eyes of Madras,” he notes.
Having started with Nikon and Fuji film cameras, Balasubramanian smoothly transitioned to the trend of mirrorless cameras, currently owning a Nikon Z6II.
“The basics of photography remain unchanged — the physics of light and how one captures it. The digital era requires additional skills in post-processing, which I’ve acquired through workshops and online tutorials. I didn’t find the transition difficult,” he shares.
His pursuit of photography has not only brought personal satisfaction but has also influenced others in his family circle and other groups to take up photography passionately.
Retirement, according to him, can be a gateway to new pursuits. “For those wondering what to do after retirement, life is far from over. There’s a plethora of activities to explore, and individuals can pursue their passions and lead a productive life,” he adds.
Ramachandran, with a stellar 15-year career in a leading private bank, eventually steering its helm, made an important decision to heed the call of a different passion.
His transition from the snug walls of banking to the often unpredictable world of filmmaking was not merely a career shift; it marked the pursuit of a long-suppressed passion.
“Despite the comforts of a banking career, I felt a void and decided to explore filmmaking after watching short films in the Nalaya Iyakkunar programme in 2012. At this point, I had a certain maturity on what would entail making a film – from a financial perspective. Since I was earning and had the bandwidth to produce a film, I did it,” he shares.
His exploration reached its zenith with the production of the short film Pechi, a project that surpassed expectations after a screening at AVM in Chennai and subsequently gained viral success on YouTube.
This success reshaped Ramachandran’s outlook and opened unforeseen opportunities.
“I had the privilege of presenting the film to students at the late director Balu Mahendra’s film school. He appreciated the movie greatly, and I vividly remember him speaking about its quality for about 30 minutes. I was stunned. He encouraged me and said, ‘You should be here (in cinema).’ This fueled my determination to pursue filmmaking seriously,” he shares.
In 2014, at the age of 38, he bid farewell to his full-time banking job. “Venturing into uncharted territories, I founded an ad film production house and immersed myself in advertising, all while nurturing aspirations of creating feature films. Since then, the journey has been one of trials and triumphs,” he shares.
Now, Ramachandran can proudly claim the completion of his maiden feature film Pechi, accompanied by a portfolio enriched with numerous ad film projects, corporate videos, and short films.
“The challenges persist, especially in terms of the film’s release, but the genuine sense of accomplishment lies in holding a finished feature film in hand,” he adds.
The post-banking period brought its share of financial struggles. “It was hard, especially during the pandemic. Banking offered a comfortable life, with a monthly salary and numerous perks. However, here, everything operates on a project basis, and you receive payment only at the project’s end. It was a complete shift. Family and friends played a crucial role in supporting and uplifting me during demotivating times,” he reflects.
For those contemplating a similar career shift, Ramachandran emphasises meticulous planning spanning at least two years.
“Having clear plans, maintaining realistic expectations, and developing a well-thought-out fallback strategy are essential. The support of family and a commitment to one’s passion are non-negotiable,” he shares.
In the face of setbacks, keeping the option to return to the previous career after a two-year hiatus should remain open.
“Beyond that point, it becomes challenging to go back. Hence, it’s vital to secure a two-year buffer, safeguarding not only your quality of life and lifestyle but also ensuring your family remains unaffected. Crafting a roadmap, stretching from Plan B to even Plan Z, detailing every step, is imperative,” he advises.
For Ramachandran, filmmaking isn’t merely a livelihood; it’s an unyielding passion. “I want to continue making good films, both small and big, without compromising on quality. While it’s a business and needs to be financially viable, the core is the passion for filmmaking. The journey may be tough, but the satisfaction of pursuing one’s dreams is unparalleled. Just stay persistent,” he concludes.
