IT all happened one evening in 1998. I was convinced I was not born to wear a black coat, travel to the Income Tax Department, argue for a client and come home.

I had been doing this every day since 1979!

In fact, that day in 1998 had gone exceptionally well. I had successfully argued a case for a client at the tribunal for a raid matter conducted many eons ago. I was confident my client would get a favourable ruling.

But instead of feeling elated, a sense of dejection swept over me.

I was sure my client would get raided again and, some years later, I would once again be standing in the same coat, arguing his case. I simply could not bear the thought!

This deflated feeling continued for a couple of hours that day till I finally took a rash but clear decision: I would be my own catalyst of change. From now on, I would use my intellect and experience to only those tasks or activities that would make a difference.

It worked! Today, I am confident that it can work for others, too.

Candid confessions
For many years, I felt strongly for Indian parents. These people had to hawk their hard-earned money to send their children to unknown schools overseas for want of quality education in India.

I felt this intense desire to do something to improve the quality of education in India.

The next day, I scoured the papers. Lo and behold! I found an advertisement in a national daily, which spoke about setting up a college in Mumbai to teach subjects such as fashion, graphic design and advertising.

I responded to them, letting them know I could act as a conduit for them in Mumbai.

The reason I got into education: it supported my need to do something relevant. I needed to do something that was productive, yet added value to society at large.

To my pleasant surprise, I realised that interacting with the business world as also the government departments gave me that special edge to function in a commercial world within a defined value system.

This goes to prove that no type of education or work experience ever goes waste. It is just a matter of how you apply it.

Thanks to my impulsive decision on that fateful day, I have been responsible for the conceptualisation of and the setting up of four colleges in diverse areas such as fashion, finance design, jewellery and hair dressing.

From a traditional chartered accountant, I am now a project consultant with a special expertise in education.

A few words of advice before you decide to plunge into a career change
i. Take stock of what you have always wanted to do but have not been able to because of other obligations.
ii. Pay attention to your talents which you have always possessed but perhaps set aside while pursuing your first career.
iii. Read books about people you admire or issues you care about
iv. Read career-related books meant for people seeking their true calling such as What Should I Do with My Life?, by Po Bronson.
v. Assess your financial and health situations to take stock of possibilities or limitations you may face while transitioning to your next career.

Photograph: Getty Images

e-mail: Renu Kapoor

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