By Mehak Malik
Fatherhood is a beautiful journey–one filled with laughter, lessons, and sacrifices. But for Nishanth, it was also the moment he realized that time was slipping away, and if he didn’t take charge of his future now, he might never get another chance.
In 2023, as his child turned three, Nishanth made a life-altering decision. He quit his job, stepping away from financial stability to pursue an entirely new career in Data Science. It wasn’t an easy choice. He was 33, with a family to support, and his wife’s income became their only lifeline. But deep inside, he knew that if he didn’t make this leap now, he might never be able to do it.
“Many questioned whether such a significant change was feasible at this stage of life. Yet, I remained resolute, buoyed by hope and my prayers.”
Missing out on family moments to build a new career
Nishanth didn’t come from a technical background. The world of coding was foreign, intimidating, and filled with uncertainty. But fear wasn’t the only challenge he faced. His decision to learn meant cutting back on life’s little joys–postponing family outings, sacrificing leisure, and even missing precious moments with his child.
“We had to make many sacrifices, prioritizing our monthly expenses and eliminating all recreational spending. We avoided family gatherings, and I often had to convince my child, who loves bike rides and playing in the park, to postpone these activities as I was dedicated to learning.”
For a father, the hardest part wasn’t just the struggle–it was the moments of saying “no” to his child. When his child wanted to play, Nishanth had to keep himself away to prepare for exams. When exhaustion took over, his child, too young to understand the depth of his struggles, would apply pain balm to his aching back and whisper a prayer. The sacrifices were endless. But so was his determination.
80 km of commute, countless hours of studying, but no looking back
The road to learning wasn’t just about grasping complex concepts–it was a test of endurance. Nishanth commuted 80 kilometers daily through Chennai’s chaotic traffic to attend classes at Great Learning. After long hours of traveling, he returned home only to immerse himself in assignments and exam preparations. The physical and mental toll was immense, but he refused to let it deter him.
Great Learning’s Post Graduate Program in Data Science and Engineering became his guide through this challenging phase. The structured curriculum, hands-on learning, and mentorship gave him the confidence to push forward. The doubts he had at the beginning–about whether he was too old to switch careers, whether he could succeed in an entirely new domain–started fading away.
“The curriculum, program structure, and teaching methods are meticulously designed to shape you into a proficient Data Scientist.”
The sacrifices paid off, and life took a new turn
Seven months of relentless dedication finally paid off. Nishanth secured a Data Scientist role through Great Learning, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. The struggles, the sleepless nights, the sacrifices–it all led to this moment.
And now, looking back, he knows it was worth it.
“This journey has taught me an invaluable lesson: knowledge is the true wealth that shapes our future, and studying with wholehearted dedication never fails.”
For Nishanth, this wasn’t just about changing careers. It was about proving to himself–and to his child–that with enough dedication, anything is possible.
To anyone who feels stuck, this is your sign
If you’ve ever felt trapped in your career, unsure of whether it’s too late to start over, Nishanth’s journey is proof that change is possible. It won’t be easy. It will demand sacrifices. But if you stay committed, success will follow.
“Today, I can proudly affirm that anyone who commits fully to their goals will undoubtedly succeed. My experience stands as a testament to the power of dedication and perseverance.”
Maybe today is the day you take that first step–just like Nishanth did.
About Author:
Mehak Malik is a passionate content writer and marketing professional, specializing in creating engaging brand narratives and content strategies. With a Postgraduate degree in MBA (Marketing) from Christ (Deemed to be) University and a graduation in English Literature from Delhi University, she combines a deep understanding of language with sharp marketing insights. Her love for storytelling and strategic thinking drives her to craft content that resonates with audiences and elevates the brand’s voice. Mehak’s transition from literature to marketing fuels her creative approach, making her a key player in developing impactful content strategies.
