Almost 11, at TCS

I will be completing 11 years at TCS this year. In the beginning of my career, I struggled a lot to switch into my choice of technology, because the ISU and their rigidness to not untag people was the root cause, while on Bench whenever I approached RMG they flat out said, there's no requirement. I only succeeded because during covid the system changed temporarily, and every unallocated person's profile was accessible to projects country wisd, bypassing RMG. But I actually believe that I am not really technically sharp. And for a lot of reasons, mainly because of the lack of acknowledgment and appreciation for the juniors, I developed a whatever kind of attitude. I started believing that no matter what I do, I will never really get an acknowledgment or appreciation. So, I really became a mediocre employee, did the bare minimum, and believed deep in my heart that I am not a very good employee, neither am I technically sharp. My husband actually thinks the opposite. He thinks I have a lot of potential, and if I try, I will get a much better job, and I am terribly underpaid. I never believed this. But I am a good student, just for reference, I ranked third in my university during my graduation. So, that's just an example to tell you that I'm not a bad student. Now, he has been saying to try to switch jobs for a long time. And I never really gave any importance it, because I deep down believed that I will not really get a job, because I don't deserve it. But something flipped a switch inside me when I randomly had this thought that I have spent one third of my life at a company that gives no shit about me. I started studying. Previously also I studied, but the pattern was like I would study, cover a few topics, give an interview, which would go bad, and I would just give it all up. But this time, I was focused, and I took no interview calls or didn't even update my resume or job portal profile. For a whole month. I just focused on studying. After that, I started taking a few interviews, and then full-on, gave interviews 3-4 times a week. And then within two months from starting, I bagged a job that gave me 170% hike. And I have two months, and I'm still looking for a better job. Meanwhile, I also started a YouTube channel that gained 30,000 views in three weeks. I lost 6 kilos of weight. I knew driving, but I'm just sharpening my driving skills and becoming an independent driver. I have a 2.5 weeks long road trip planned for Ladakh. So, yeah. I would say, do not really be afraid of this layoff. Think of it as a blessing in disguise, and really focus on yourself and kick the company before it kicks you out.