For many professionals, reaching a leadership position with a high salary is the definition of success. The years of hard work, promotion and financial stability often represent the most important work that people spend the rest of their lives on.But for Aakriti Goel, success began to feel incomplete.After graduating from BITS Pilani, he spent seven years building a career in Bengaluru’s startup and fintech ecosystem. He climbed the corporate ladder, became the Chief of Staff and reportedly earns around Rs 30 lakh a year. However, despite everything he found, one thought refused to leave his mind—his childhood dream of becoming a doctor.At the age of 30, he made a decision that surprised almost everyone. He quit his corporate job, returned to academics after almost a decade and started preparing for India’s toughest exams from scratch.
BITS Pilani alumna quit Rs 30 LPA administrative post to pursue MBBS dream. (Image: X post)
Many people dream of leaving their jobs
Aakriti’s journey began at BITS Pilani, where she completed her B.Tech in 2015.Like thousands of engineering graduates, he joined Bengaluru’s fast-growing startup scene, working in a number of tech and fintech companies. Over the years, he developed expertise in the field, took on leadership positions and developed himself into a successful professional.On many levels, he achieved what many young graduates aspire to – a leadership position, financial security and a good life.However, he often felt that something was missing.Although the industry encouraged professional growth, it did not give him the goal he had been searching for since childhood.Instead of ignoring those feelings, he decided to take action.
Starting from zero – again
Leaving a well-paying job was just the beginning.After spending nearly ten years away from academia, Aakriti had to start his studies from scratch.Preparing for NEET UG required a completely different mindset.He is said to have studied about 10 hours a day, solving more than 100 stress tests in just ten months as he worked to relearn Physics, Chemistry and Biology.The discipline he developed during his time working for the company became one of his greatest accomplishments.His efforts paid off.In NEET UG 2021, Aakriti scored an impressive 676 out of 720 marks, achieving an All India Rank (AIR) of 1118 – an achievement that opened doors to medical school.
From dining rooms to hospitals
Instead of accepting another lucrative corporate opportunity, Aakriti decided to start a new chapter.Today, he is pursuing his final year of MBBS at Hindu Rao Medical College, preparing for a career that he believes is more in line with his ambition.His journey — from engineering classrooms to operating rooms and now hospitals — is a reminder that careers are not always the same.Sometimes, having the courage to start over is the most decisive decision of all.
A lesson for students and professionals alike
Students are often told that the career they choose after Class 12 or graduation will define them for the rest of their lives.The story of Aakriti refutes that belief.It shows that choosing a career is not permanent and that learning can continue long after graduation. Changing direction may require sacrifice, patience and hard work, but it is possible.His journey also shows the great difference between success and fulfillment. Having a high position and an impressive salary can help a person to be happy, but it is not always a goal.For students preparing for competitive exams and professionals who wonder if it’s too late to pursue some dreams, Aakriti Goel’s story offers a powerful message.In some cases, the boldest idea of a job doesn’t warrant another promotion. Sometimes, it’s having the courage to start over.Disclaimer: This article is based on information shared publicly about Aakriti Goel’s academic and scholarly tour through social media and other public spaces. They are designed for educational and informative purposes only.