What if someone told you that the way you spend your 20s could decide whether you walk into your 50s with dignity or regret? That’s exactly what Thyrocare founder Dr A. Velumani believes. At 66, after decades of interviewing candidates, he dropped some brutally honest wisdom on careers, jobs, and the dangerous comfort zones we slip into too early in life. And let’s just say—his take is a wake-up call for anyone cruising through their 20s.
According to Velumani, three kinds of people usually show up for interviews. First, the freshers are easy to hire and not much of a challenge for recruiters. Then come the mid-career folks who’ve been working for years but stopped learning along the way. They might claim 20 years of experience, but in reality, they carry only 10 years of real wisdom. As Velumani puts it bluntly, that’s when “Budda ho gaya”—rejected.
And then there’s the third type: the ones on a true career path. They’ve put in 10 years of work but gained 20 years’ worth of wisdom by staying curious and learning non-stop. These are the “Bada ho gaya” candidates—the ones who get appointed because they bring real growth, not just years on a résumé.
For him, the big difference is this: jobs give you money early on, but careers give you wisdom that pays off in the long run. A job might keep you happy in your 20s, but a career will keep your family secure and proud in your 60s. That’s why Velumani insists your 20s are not for chilling—they’re for reviewing, resetting, and restarting so that you don’t pay the price later.
His advice? Don’t get trapped in comfort zones too young. What feels easy today might be disastrous tomorrow. And if something feels tough, that’s usually the right direction.
Internet's reaction
One user was impressed that Velumani is still learning at 66. Another pointed out that life is always about trade-offs. Someone else felt companies need to focus on building strong processes that can’t be manipulated by short-term, unscrupulous employees—only mature and agile systems that rise above hate, bias, power politics, and individual egos will truly last. Another person praised his wisdom and asked a thought-provoking question: are you choosing learning or just comfort in your 20s?
According to Velumani, three kinds of people usually show up for interviews. First, the freshers are easy to hire and not much of a challenge for recruiters. Then come the mid-career folks who’ve been working for years but stopped learning along the way. They might claim 20 years of experience, but in reality, they carry only 10 years of real wisdom. As Velumani puts it bluntly, that’s when “Budda ho gaya”—rejected.
And then there’s the third type: the ones on a true career path. They’ve put in 10 years of work but gained 20 years’ worth of wisdom by staying curious and learning non-stop. These are the “Bada ho gaya” candidates—the ones who get appointed because they bring real growth, not just years on a résumé.
Learnings in interviews at age of 66.
— Dr. A. Velumani.PhD. (@velumania) September 20, 2025
Three kinds who look for jobs.
1. Freshers : Easy to take in. Least challenging to decide.
2. On a job: more working but Less learning. 20 yrs experience . With 10 yrs wisdom . Budda Ho Gaya. Rejected 😩
3. On career: more learning.…
For him, the big difference is this: jobs give you money early on, but careers give you wisdom that pays off in the long run. A job might keep you happy in your 20s, but a career will keep your family secure and proud in your 60s. That’s why Velumani insists your 20s are not for chilling—they’re for reviewing, resetting, and restarting so that you don’t pay the price later.
His advice? Don’t get trapped in comfort zones too young. What feels easy today might be disastrous tomorrow. And if something feels tough, that’s usually the right direction.
Internet's reaction
One user was impressed that Velumani is still learning at 66. Another pointed out that life is always about trade-offs. Someone else felt companies need to focus on building strong processes that can’t be manipulated by short-term, unscrupulous employees—only mature and agile systems that rise above hate, bias, power politics, and individual egos will truly last. Another person praised his wisdom and asked a thought-provoking question: are you choosing learning or just comfort in your 20s?
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