Many years ago, when I was still working in India, I was looking to move to another job. I was in a bit of a dead-end, or so I felt, and I had this desperate desire to move. Maybe it was nothing more than the angst that comes out of being in the same place for many years, and seeing the last few people you knew, jump ship. I applied for a job in a different city. Now I am not sure why but at the time it felt like a perfect job. It was just a mid-level role, nothing fancy. I had my heart set on it though. I travelled to this city for the interview. It was one of the worst interview experiences I have ever had. There were 6-7 different interviews with different teams lined up for me through the day, starting with a written test at 8.00 am and ending with a phone interview at 8.30 pm with someone in the US. I was already disoriented because I had commuted to a far-away location in a different city early in the morning, but the relentless performances of the day pushed me to my limits. I remember as I was walking out of the premises later that night, the security person was surprised: he asked me if I didn't arrive very early that morning? It was one of those ‘kind words from a stranger’ moments, that’s why I still remember! I wasn’t just imagining this harrowing day.

I did not get the job. I remember crying. I don’t remember why I took it so badly. In hindsight, it wasn't such a great opportunity at all. But I think from my vantage point at the time, it seemed like one. Many times since then, over the years, I have looked back at this event to remind myself that what looks good may not be so good, what looks bad may turn out to be or lead to something better. That job would have taken me away from my family, my home, my city much earlier… and it wasn’t worth that at all. I was in a way lucky I didn’t get it! What I actually got after that was much more up my street in any number of ways. And though the step I took after that (to move to academia) was not directly connected to where I went, I somehow think one thing leads you to another in some way or the other. What is meant for one, comes to one. Later or sooner…