RSRobince Studio

Midlife Career Change

Rahul feels unfulfilled in his corporate job after many years and discusses with his wife the risky idea of leaving it to start his own business.

Rahul, Wife, Close friend

Key words and phrases

unfulfillednot satisfied, feeling something important is missingHe felt unfulfilled despite his steady salary.
job satisfactionthe feeling of contentment a person gets from their workHis job satisfaction had dropped over the years.
to quitto formally leave a jobHe was thinking about quitting after fifteen years.
start-up capitalthe money needed to begin a new businessThey calculated the start-up capital required for the shop.
financial securityhaving enough stable income or savings to feel safeLeaving a steady job affects financial security.
riskthe possibility of losing something valuableStarting a business at this age is a big risk.
business plana written outline of how a new business will operate and growHe spent weeks preparing his business plan.
passion projectwork someone does out of genuine personal interest, not just moneyThe bakery was always his passion project.
support systemthe people who encourage and help someone through a difficult decisionHis wife was his biggest support system through the change.
safety netsavings or a backup plan that provides security during a risky changeThey kept six months of savings as a safety net.
resignation lettera formal written notice that you are leaving a jobHe submitted his resignation letter on Monday.
notice periodthe time an employee must work after resigning before leavingHis notice period was two months.
entrepreneura person who starts and runs their own businessHe was excited to become an entrepreneur.
mentoran experienced person who gives guidance and adviceHis old professor became his business mentor.
break-even pointthe point where a business earns as much as it spendsHe expected to reach the break-even point in a year.
leap of faitha decision to try something new despite uncertaintyLeaving his job was a real leap of faith.
second incomean additional source of earnings besides a main jobHis wife's second income gave them more security.
burnouta state of physical or mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stressYears of overwork had led to burnout.
career breaka planned pause from working before starting something newShe took a career break to plan her next move.
reinventto change something completely to make it new or betterAt forty-five, he decided to reinvent himself professionally.

Useful sentences

Dialogue

RahulI need to talk to you about something important.

WifeOf course. You've seemed distracted lately.

RahulI've lost my job satisfaction. I want to start my own bakery.

WifeThat's a big step. Do we have enough start-up capital?

RahulWe have savings, and I've prepared a solid business plan.

WifeThen let's do it together. I'll be your support system.

RahulI'll write my resignation letter this week and serve out my notice period.

WifeThat sounds like a plan. Have you thought about finding a mentor?

RahulYes, I've already spoken to Professor Verma. He'll guide me as an entrepreneur.

WifeGood. I know this feels like a leap of faith, but I believe in you.

Common mistakes

Quick quiz

1. What is a "safety net" in this context?

2. Work someone does out of genuine personal interest, not just money, is called a ___.

3. Complete: "His wife was his biggest ___ through the change."

4. A person who starts and runs their own business is called an ___.

5. What is the "break-even point" of a business?

6. A state of physical or mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress is called ___.

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