IIM-C grad, with 21 years of experience, and Rs 6.5 cr savings, opens up about not getting a job and not landing interviews

Landing a dream job isn’t always about smarts and experience—sometimes it’s about office politics, timing, and a bit of luck. That’s the tough reality of a 45-year-old who claims to be an IIM-C graduate after being laid off as Director of Product at a mid-sized firm. With over two decades in top companies, he now finds himself applying nonstop for roles without a single interview callback, questioning the corporate ladder and age bias along the way.

The veteran product manager shared how his straightforward, speak-his-mind approach often clashed with the highly political Indian corporate environment. While he consistently received top ratings early in his stints, frustration set in when colleagues were promoted multiple times while he remained stagnant. His recent four-year tenure ended with a bitter realisation: in India, intelligence and execution often take a backseat to political savvy.

Despite feeling stuck in a “victim mentality,” he continues to apply for jobs because he hasn’t yet built enough to retire comfortably. His savings—6.5 crore in stocks and real estate, plus a fully paid 3BHK—offer security, and his wife is working with her own home, but he’s unsure if this is enough for a FIRE (financial independence, retire early) situation. Adding to the challenge is ageism. At 45, he feels companies prefer younger hires willing to accept lower pay, making it harder to secure senior roles. He turned to Reddit to share his story and seek perspective, hoping to navigate this unusual career crossroad without spiralling further into frustration.


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Reddit users offered a mix of practical advice and encouragement. Several suggested that with a 6.5 crore corpus, he could consider starting something of his own, noting that he seemed like someone who might never be fully satisfied working for someone else. Others recommended leveraging the IIM-C alumni network by posting his resume in alumni forums or WhatsApp groups, emphasising that at this stage in his career, employers care more about recent achievements than academic pedigree.


Some advised staying active on job portals while also exploring multiple income streams to reduce concentration risk. Many echoed the idea of entrepreneurship or consultancy, especially given his experience and network, suggesting he could start with a few clients and build from there. A few shared that restarting from scratch had worked for them and encouraged him to try a similar approach. Others recommended keeping multiple options in parallel—targeted startups, corporations, or broader applications—while networking strategically. Part-time consultancy or short-term projects were suggested as ways to maintain momentum, explore opportunities, and possibly uncover hidden prospects, even if the process takes several months.