I flunked in the CA Final Exams for the 4th time.
Every time I would appear in India’s toughest financial examination, I would pray to God, “Support me at least this time, please. I can’t disappoint my dad and mom often. They have already spent restless nights worrying about me while I was studying.”
But it was the 4th consecutive time when both God and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (my alma-mater) told me, “Better luck next time.”
I was dejected. I had ruined the dream of my parents, who wanted me to become the first chartered accountant in the family. I belonged to a middle-class family and had seen dad working overtime to arrange for the necessary funds required for my education.
After seeing ‘FAIL’ written in large and bold letters on the CA Results website, I was numb for a few minutes. Finally, gathering my senses, I dragged myself to the room, locked it from inside, and wept for the next two hours. I don’t even remember when I fell asleep on the floor.
In the evening, when I woke up, I decided to tell my parents, “I want to quit CA and pursue my part-time hobby of writing as a full-time profession.”
I had buried this hobby for a long time in my heart—since writing wasn’t considered a viable career back then. But it was high time I did what I wanted to do instead of doing what this society expected me to do.
But things are often easier said than done. I knew I would crush my parents’ dream and their expectations. My dad, who suffered from brain haemorrhage attack, might disturb his health even more.
It was a decision I had to take in less than a split second: convey my career choice or be stuck in this position eternally.
I thought, thought again, and then, thought for the third time. Finally, gathering all my courage, I decided to convey my career choice to dad and mom. To this date, I remember the word-to-word conversation that happened with dad that evening. He was sitting on his armed chair in his room with eyes closed and was indulged in deep thinking.
“Dad, I want to talk. I want to convey something,” I whispered.
“Yes, Hardik. Tell me, I’m listening,” he assured me with eyes still closed.
“Dad, I want to quit CA and pursue writing.”
That evening, I realized why parents are the most selfless creatures on this planet. Their love, care, and kindness towards their children are unmatchable.
I was expecting dad to open his eyes and slap me for wasting his money and my time. But instead, he opened his eyes, patted on my shoulders, and spoke, “Hardik, I’ve always believed in you and your capability. If you want to quit CA, I won’t stop you. But then I have a few questions before you take up writing as a full-time career.”
“Yes, please ask.”
“First question. Will you be happy forever with writing? Won’t the decision of quitting CA haunt you?”
“No, dad. I’ve thought about it. I genuinely want to be a writer.”
“Will you be able to earn enough for yourself and your family?”
“Yes, writing has a bright future. I will be able to give myself and the family the chances of living a good lifestyle.”
“Ok. Go ahead and do what you think is best for you. I’m standing strong with you in every decision you make,” dad assured and hugged me tightly.
Today, four years later, while sitting in a flight and travelling from Jaipur to Mumbai for a client meeting, I still think, “What if I hadn’t conveyed my decision to dad that evening? What if I had backed off?” I don’t know the answer to this question, yet. Nobody else knows, either. But that split-second decision is the reason why I’m happy and satisfied with my life at present. ?
The Thrive recently featured me as one among the “Top 5 Content Writers in India.” 🙂
But does it mean I advise everyone, who is not succeeding, to quit? No, I don’t. Persistence and patience are highly underrated. Just because you are not succeeding in what you’re currently doing doesn’t mean you should quit and try your luck in something else.
I quit CA when I had a clear alternate career choice in my mind. I wanted to convert my part-time hobby of writing to a full-time profession of content writing. Before quitting CA, I had already worked with a few companies and startups as a freelancer, and I knew the dynamic, challenges, and opportunities of this field. That’s why I was confident that I could quit CA and make a bright career in the field of writing.
I always advise, “Quit not when you’re fed up of trying something. Quit only if you feel you can be in a better position than where you are at present.”
Don’t quit a 9-to-5 job because you’re fed up of long working hours. In entrepreneurship, fixed working hours don’t exist. Don’t quit a career option just because you failed numerous times. You need just one attempt at the right goal to clear your exams.
Quit when you want to, when you have a clear backup plan in your mind.
My question to you: Have you ever quit something when you thought it wasn’t working? It could be a relationship, job, habit, or even a place? Let me know your experience in the comment section below!