This is the story of how FOMO killed me after MBA — and what I learned from it.
Before that, I was a very sorted person. I knew what I wanted. I had done my internship in an HR academy during my MBA and always wanted to become an HR professional. I know — people used to say, “You’re a guy, why HR?” But I didn’t care. I just knew I enjoyed the idea of connecting with people, understanding them, and managing human resources.
In 2019, just after graduation, a few banks came to recruit for sales roles. I skipped them. I didn’t want that path. I started applying for HR jobs — and then COVID hit.
To avoid wasting time, my family encouraged me to take up any opportunity that came my way. They weren’t wrong. I gave an interview casually and got selected for a Bancassurance role — selling insurance through banks. I was hesitant, but in the fear of missing out on this opportunity, I joined.
The first three months were filled with convincing myself that it was fine. “COVID’s here anyway, what else can I do?” I stuck around. Eventually, a full year passed.
I told myself, “Enough. I need to change.”
I cracked an interview for a Talent Acquisition role as a Senior Recruiter. In FOMO — again — I joined. Just one week into the job, the second wave of COVID hit. I tested positive. Deaths were rising every day. My family asked me to return home immediately. I requested WFH, but my manager refused.
So, I resigned.
I thought I’d rest, recover, and look again later. But soon after, a friend from the insurance sector called. “Join us,” he said. It was a decent opportunity with a hike. And guess what? I joined — in FOMO.
History repeated. I lost interest within a year. I resigned.
This time I was firm — no more sales. No more insurance.
I applied for a Digital Marketing course. Cleared the entrance exam. It was a full-time, 5-month intensive course. I thought, “Let’s change the sector.” Again — FOMO-driven decision.
But the 10 AM to 8 PM schedule was draining. Assignments, pressure, fatigue — I couldn’t learn in that state. So I dropped out early, because if I crossed a certain point, I’d be liable to pay the full fee.
I told myself I’d be more careful next time.
After some research, I found another institute that offered weekend classes and some discounts. Perfect, right? I paid and enrolled immediately — yes, again in FOMO. But as time passed, I realized: they were just repeating what was already available on YouTube. No real mentorship. Even their “placement support” was disappointing.
Out of panic, I started applying for internships. None came through. Finally, I told myself: “Just take a job. Any job.”
And I ended up… back in insurance.
But this time, something changed. I stopped chasing everything. I decided I’ll work peacefully and build something of my own on the side.
That’s how Amarkivade.com was born — my personal space to write, reflect, and just be myself.
What FOMO Taught Me
FOMO made me rush into decisions. It made me pick opportunities not because I truly wanted them — but because I was scared to miss out. I wanted to feel in control when I was actually lost.
But now, I choose intention over impulse.
I’m still working, yes. But I’m also building — slowly, mindfully — something that’s truly mine.
And I no longer feel like I’m behind. Because this journey is my own.
Looking back
I realize FOMO wasn’t just about missing out — it was about not trusting my own timing.
Today, I’m learning to pause.
To slow down.
To choose peace over panic.
And in that pause, I’m finally meeting… me.
Have you ever made a decision just out of FOMO?
Share your story in the comments — I’d love to read it.