It was 1985, and the campus placement season at XLRI was in full swing. I was burning with a high fever and unable to get out of bed to attend any interviews. With every passing hour, my chances of landing a much-needed job dwindled, yet a little voice in my head kept saying, “Hold on, Vineet, your time will come!”
Then came a knock at the door. A man in a suit—out of place in a college corridor—peered in, asking for Vineet. My affirmation, amidst fits of coughs, was met with him handing me a glass of water and an unexpected, urgent proposition. He interviewed me right there.
That was the only campus interview I gave because shortly after, my friend walked in with my blood test report, confirming a bad case of jaundice along with train tickets to head home immediately. I left within a few hours of that interview. Boarding the train turned out to be a foolish idea as I fainted en route. A very kind family helped me survive that long train ride despite knowing I had jaundice. In my head, that voice continued to say, “Hold on, Vineet, your time will come!”
After a few days in the hospital, when I returned home, the placement cell informed me of the appointment letter waiting for me. I joined the only job I secured on campus, only to be told within the first 50 days that I did not fit in the company. Yet, that voice in my head persisted, “Hold on, Vineet, your time will come!” What happened next would define me, but that story is for another day.
Over time, I have learned to think of life’s events as a balance between the ‘Good 50’ and the ‘Bad 50’. Half the time, despite our best efforts, things will not pan out as we hope. The other half can pleasantly surprise us with outcomes better than we ever anticipated. These contrasting halves are inevitable partners, shaping the spectrum of our experiences.
When faced with the ‘Bad 50,’ I tell myself, “Hang in there, the ‘Good 50’ is just ahead. Vineet, your time will come!”
I’m sure each one of you has a similar story. The question is, do you listen to and believe that little voice when the situation looks hopeless?