Every pause has a purpose; every restart, a new strength

For many of us, life doesn’t always unfold according to plan — and I am one among them. I didn’t choose engineering out of passion; it just happened by chance. But as I look back now, I realize that even unplanned paths can lead to meaningful destinations.

The Beginning

I’m Sneha, born and raised in Mangalore, from a middle-class family where dreams were often simple — study well, find a good job, and build a stable life. My journey into Electrical Engineering at NMAMIT wasn’t a carefully planned choice; it was a door that opened on its own.

I graduated in 2019, not as the most obedient or ideal student, but as someone who was figuring out where she belonged. There were times I doubted if engineering was meant for me at all. But life has other plans and sometimes, that’s all it takes.

Through campus recruitment, I got placed at Accenture in Mumbai. For an Electrical Engineering graduate, stepping into IT was both exciting and overwhelming. Those few months in Mumbai were a mix of dreams and reality, new experiences, new people, and a world that moved faster than I expected.

The Struggle to Switch

When I decided to switch jobs, I realized how hard it was for an Electrical Engineer to survive in a market dominated by IT. Cracking aptitude rounds was easy, but facing technical panels felt like being back to square one. The struggle was real not just professionally, but emotionally too.

Still, I didn’t give up. After sitting idle for a month, I decided to restart this time, returning to my core field. I joined VMPL in Mysore as an Electrical Estimation Engineer. That role became a turning point. Those two years taught me everything textbooks couldn't, from estimation to execution, teamwork to patience.

It was also when I learned that when life gives you lemons, you truly can make something worthwhile out of them.

A New Start — Yet Again

But as always, life had its own plans. Due to personal reasons, I left Mysore and returned to my hometown. Soon after, I joined Infosys as a fresher starting all over again, in a completely different domain.

Infosys became my happy place. It wasn’t just about projects or technology; it was about discovering what else I could do. I found joy in organizing events, handling PMO roles, managing offsites, and seeing the bigger picture of teamwork and leadership.

Every challenge there helped me grow not just as a professional, but as a person who could adapt, learn, and contribute in unexpected ways.

The Career Break

After a few fulfilling years, I decided to take a career break for personal reasons. I thought I was ready for the change, but the reality of a career break hit differently. The pause brought anxiety, uncertainty, and the fear of being left behind. But it also gave me time — time to reflect, to breathe, and to rebuild my confidence. Now, I see this phase not as a setback, but as a reset. I’m using it to upgrade my skills, focus on myself, and prepare for what’s next. I may not know where this path leads, but I trust that every step, even the uncertain ones, is leading me somewhere meaningful.

Lessons & Reflections

If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s that you can restart any number of times. You can change fields, cities, even countries as long as you don’t give up on yourself.

Success isn’t always about having a clear direction; sometimes, it’s about having the courage to keep walking even when the path isn’t visible.

So yes, I’m still on my career break, still learning, still figuring things out. But when I return, I’ll come back stronger, with gratitude in my heart and confidence in my steps.

Closing Thoughts

To anyone reading this, if life isn’t going as planned, remember this: your story isn’t over just because the script changed. Every pause, every detour, every unexpected turn adds depth to who you are.

Keep learning, keep believing, and don’t be afraid to start again. Because sometimes, the most beautiful journeys begin when you stop trying to control where you’re headed and simply trust the flow of life.

About the Author

Sneha Bhat is a Senior System Engineer at Infosys, where she applies her strong technical foundation to deliver efficient and reliable solutions. A graduate of NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte, Sneha began her professional journey with Accenture, later gaining valuable experience at Solas Marine Services before joining Infosys.

Her career reflects steady growth, adaptability, and a deep commitment to learning and excellence. Passionate about technology and problem-solving, Sneha continues to evolve as a dedicated professional shaping her path with focus and perseverance.

LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/sneha-bhat-b2569b16a