I want to explain this with a real lifetime story I experienced…
Manoharan had five children Tyagu, Kumar, Senthil, Rahul, and Raja. Tyagu, Kumar, Senthil, and Rahul all pursued college education, choosing fields like engineering and commerce. Once they completed their degrees and post-graduate studies, they moved into jobs. Some secured good corporate roles, others joined government services. Only Raja, the second youngest, had a different path. After completing his degree, he didn’t land a job. Raja was a cheerful, friendly, and outgoing person.
He had many friends and enjoyed life, but he was also intelligent and had good intentions. Despite his efforts, he couldn’t find a suitable opportunity. His large social circle sometimes distracted him, and his career didn’t take off like his siblings’. He faced a lot of criticism from his parents and elders—comments like “Everyone else is doing well, but you’re not,” and “You’re wasting your life.” These words affected him deeply. Eventually, overwhelmed by frustration, anxiety, and a sense of failure, Raja was jobless for nearly three to four years.
Still, deep down, he wanted to succeed. He longed to get a good job and make something of himself. Unlike his brothers, who were getting married and settling into stable lives, Raja was struggling to find his footing. However, Raja always had an independent mindset. Even when things weren’t working out, he continued trying. Eventually, he got a small job with a modest salary.
It wasn’t much, but it gave him experience. Despite his humble position, he had big ambitions. While working at that company, he began learning the trade and understanding the industry.
After some time, with no other option and hardly any investment, Raja decided to start a small business of his own. Slowly, things began to change. Opportunities started coming in, thanks to his knowledge, social network, and persistence. His business grew rapidly, and before long, he became a successful entrepreneur.
In contrast, his brothers remained salaried employees, earning fixed monthly incomes. Raja, who once struggled to find his place, was now running a thriving business, earning far more than anyone had imagined. The same people who once doubted him were now full of praise. His parents were proud, and even his brothers were happy, although some felt a bit envious of how successful he had become.
This story clearly shows a deeper life lesson. If everything in life goes smoothly—right from school to college to landing a job—then life may be stable, but it usually remains limited in scope. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it rarely pushes a person to grow beyond a certain point. On the other hand, when someone faces failure—especially after college, when jobs don’t come easily, and when criticism and frustration pile up—that’s when real transformation begins.
The emotional struggles, the comparisons, and the pain develop a deeper mindset, a sharper drive, and a stronger will. That frustration becomes fuel. If you’re patient and determined, eventually an opportunity will come. And when it does, those who’ve struggled will be ready to seize it and grow much bigger than those who’ve never been tested. So, early failures are not a curse—they are often a sign of something greater to come. If your life after college hasn’t gone smoothly, don’t be discouraged. That might just be the beginning of a far bigger journey than you ever expected.
