A Turning Point

Many years ago, when I was a research fellow pursuing my PhD, I went through a phase of self-doubt. After two years of struggle, I began to believe I wasn’t fit for research. I decided to quit midway.

Through a relative, I managed to get an interview with the Managing Director of a reputed pharmaceutical company. He spoke to me for nearly half an hour, listened carefully, and then said something unexpected: “You are not fit for this job. You are meant for far better things. Go back and complete your PhD.”

I tried to convince him otherwise. I told him about my family’s financial problems and how urgently I needed the job. But he saw through my words. He realized it wasn’t money that was driving me — it was a temporary loss of confidence, an urge to escape.

I left his office disappointed, feeling rejected and misunderstood. Yet, with time, I came to see the wisdom in his words. I returned to my work, completed my PhD, and grew into what I eventually became.

Often, the advice that offers no immediate comfort turns out to be the one that truly transforms us.