Seeking Guidance on Current Bench policies and Career Path

Hi everyone,

I apologize for the lengthy question, but I wanted to provide all relevant details. I have 3 years and 5 months of experience at TCS across three projects:

1. First Project: Worked for 2 months, then I was released and served 1 month on the bench.

2. Second Project: Assigned without my consent to a Python automation project for 2 years.I don't have interest to work here and it's a legacy project which was not marketable skill.I was released and have been on the bench for 3 months. During this time,I decided to make my career aspiration as javascript web development,I self-studied JavaScript, node js but struggled to clear node js interviews due to a lack of real-time experience, interviewers were looking for candidates with actual project experience.

3. Third Project: Initially hired for a JavaScript role but ended up working on a Java servlet based backend project for 9 months, which didn't align with my interests. I was released and have been on the bench for 2 months now.

In the last 6 months, including my current bench period, I focused on React.js, Redux, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. However, my learning has been inconsistent and lacked discipline due to personal issues. I developed an e-commerce app and a to-do app , movie maniac app, tic tac toe game ap,but currently feel only 50% confident in these technologies. I've applied for jobs but haven't cleared interviews due to the lack of real-time experience.

My goal is to secure a ReactJS developer role outside TCS for better financial stability, as my current salary does not meet my expectations. I aim to find a new job within four years of my experience completion. I believe that after four years, job changes in the IT industry will become more challenging and demanding due to the expectation of greater knowledge and skills.

Key Questions:

1. Should I stay on the bench for 1 to 2 more months under the current TCS bench policy? I have already served 2 months, and I’m concerned that RMG (Resource Management Group) may pressure me to take random projects or face termination if I remain on the bench longer.

2. Should I continue self-learning React.js, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript through project-based learning to gain real-time experience, or is it advisable to join any React.js projects at TCS to get real-time development experience?

3. Do React.js projects at TCS provide good learning opportunities in terms of real-time experience, or are they primarily enhancement-based projects? I would appreciate any suggestions based on your experiences.

I request you to share your suggestions and answers regarding my questions,it's very helpful for me, Thank you in advance 🙏