The 19-Year Hitch: A Journey with Infosys and Why I Haven’t Jumped Ship Yet

When I joined Infosys in 2005, George W. Bush was president, "Star Wars: Episode III" was hitting theaters and the most advanced phone in my pocket was a Nokia with a monochrome screen and a very addictive game of Snake. Fast forward to 2024, and I’m still here at Infosys, now playing complex 3D games on a smartphone more powerful than the computer I started my career with. So, why have I stuck around for 19 years in the same organization? Let’s dive into the comedy, heartache and hard-won wisdom of staying put.?

The Mainframe Misadventures

Picture this: a fresh-faced, eager-to-learn me, diving into mainframe technology like it was the hottest thing since sliced bread. Back then, the only "cloud" we knew about was the one that threatened to ruin our cricket matches. My first major assignment was with a UK retail client, where I spent nine glorious (and sometimes gloriously frustrating) years. This gig even took me to the UK, where I learned two things: the Brits have a peculiar love for beans on toast, and mainframes don’t like the rain.

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From Mainframes to Multitasking

After my UK client tenure, I thought, "Why not try consulting?" And thus began my journey into the mystical world of consultants—a place where jargon is plentiful and PowerPoint is an art form. In 2017, I joined the Domain Consulting Group (DCG) in Infosys, an endeavor that felt like jumping from a cozy mainframe into a pot of corporate spells. Here, I learned that the phrase "let’s take this offline" is code for "I have no idea what you’re talking about."

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Adventures in Software Product Development

As if consulting wasn’t thrilling enough, I then transitioned to software product development within DCG, not as a coder but as a product manager. Imagine my surprise when I realized that managing a product and negotiating with toddlers share a lot in common. Both involve inexplicable logic, unexpected errors and a lot of patience. This shift has kept me on my toes, proving that learning never stops.

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Bangalore: The Ultimate Balancing Act

Living in Bangalore while managing a demanding career is like playing a never-ending game of Tetris. The pieces keep falling, and you’re always one misstep away from chaos. Yet, the vibrant city and its endless traffic jams have taught me the art of multitasking. Whether it’s hopping on conference calls while stuck in traffic or brainstorming ideas amid the noise of honking horns, Bangalore keeps you agile and adaptable.

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The Comedy and Tragedy of Staying Put?

Staying with one company for nearly two decades has its comedic and tragic moments. On the upside, I’ve seen Infosys evolve, much like a soap opera that keeps you hooked with its twists and turns. The downside? Explaining to new hires that I’ve been here since the days when dial-up internet was a thing and seeing their eyes widen as if I’ve just revealed I’m a relic from the Jurassic era.

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Why 19 Years??

You might wonder why I’m reflecting on 19 years instead of waiting for the nice, round number of 20. Well, life’s too short to always wait for the perfect moment. Besides, who doesn’t love a little asymmetry? Nineteen years felt like the right time to pause, look back and share the story before the big two-decade mark sneaks up on me. It’s a quirky number that fits well with the unique, sometimes unpredictable journey I’ve had.

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Why I Haven’t Jumped Ship

You might also wonder why I haven’t switched jobs despite the temptations of the gig economy, flashy startups and the lure of change. The answer is simple: comfort in chaos. Infosys has been a constant in my life’s hurricane, offering opportunities to grow, fail, learn and laugh. The stability here has allowed me to explore new avenues, from consulting to product management, all while managing to keep my sanity (mostly).

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Looking Ahead: Still Growing, Still Laughing

As I look forward, my goal is to keep evolving within Infosys, taking on new challenges and finding humor in the chaos. The journey has been long, but it’s been a ride worth taking. So here’s to the next chapter, filled with more learning, laughter and maybe a few more grey hairs.

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In the End

Staying at Infosys for 19 years has been like being in a long-term relationship. It’s had its highs, lows and moments where you wonder if you should swipe right on LinkedIn. But through it all, it’s been a journey of growth, resilience and more than a few laughs. Here’s to finding stability in the midst of change and having the courage to stay the course.