The Life Story of a 35-Year-Old Man

Early Career and Learning Experiences

Back in 2009, I faced a bit of a setback when I didn't pass my advanced level exams. I tried to give it another shot, but something just wasn't clicking. Commerce wasn't my thing, and I knew it was time to move on.

Around that time, I was really getting into computers, so I decided to enroll in a Computer Hardware Course at a technical school in Rathmalana. It was a great experience, and I even remember writing a full page of English words for the first time there! It was the start of a whole new chapter for me.

So, I finished my Hardware course and landed a trainee gig at a computer shop in Colombo. The pay was a measly 5000 rupees a month - not even enough to cover my commute! I quit after the training period, but the owner convinced me to come back full-time.

Big mistake. He turned out to be the kind of boss who only ever saw my flaws, never my accomplishments. The constant criticism wore me down, and I ended up leaving after just two months. It was a valuable lesson learned - sometimes, it's better to move on than endure a toxic work environment.

Overcoming Obstacles and Finding My Path

I then took a job at a computer shop in Gampaha, earning 15,000 rupees monthly. The female owner was not pleasant to work for. Once, I serviced a laptop by cleaning the fan and applying oil from an oil lamp, as we lacked machine oil. She charged the customer 6,000 rupees for this simple task! I discussed this with another technician, unaware that the owner was listening. From then on, she constantly criticized my work. For instance, when I was fixing a computer and a customer entered, I asked a trainee tech to assist the customer. The owner overheard and reprimanded me for not handling it myself.

One day, a customer inquired about website creation. As the only senior technician with diverse skills, the owner asked if I could take on the project. I declined, but this sparked my interest in web development.

I left the computer shop to pursue an ICT diploma at Technical College, but my application was rejected due to failing English at the Ordinary Level exams.

So, after my stint at the computer shop, I landed a hardware tech job at Solution Technologies. The pay was decent, and the boss seemed alright initially. Things were looking up! I even retook my O/Ls and managed to snag a C.

But the dream was bigger. I had my sights set on a diploma, so I quit Solution Technologies and applied again. This time, I went for both ICT and Mechatronics – robots, man! How cool is that?

Interview day arrived, and I was all in on Mechatronics. But then, the interview board dropped the bomb: I couldn't do Mechatronics with just a computer hardware course. Apparently, I needed electronics knowledge, even though computer hardware was listed as a valid qualification in the official gazette. To make matters worse, they wouldn't even let me reapply for ICT, which I hadn't prioritized this time.

Talk about a bureaucratic nightmare! It felt like my tech dreams were hitting a brick wall.

You might be thinking, "What a waste of time!" And you'd be right, in a way. If I had the money, I could just enroll in a private institute and get my diploma. But before you judge me, let me explain. I don't have anyone guiding me, telling me what's right or wrong. My parents have their hands full with three kids and a limited income. I'm navigating life based on my own experiences.

So, I headed back to Solution Technologies, but things had taken a bit of a turn. The owner was suddenly all about the rules, strict on punctuality and workload. No more early departures for me! Needless to say, I didn't stick around for too long.

Next up, I decided to dive into a computer networking course at Technical College. I picked Galle because they had a mid-year intake, which was perfect for me. On top of that, I also took on a weekend English diploma course. It was a tough slog, but I managed to pull it off! And to top it all off, by the end of 2015, I was selected for the ICT diploma. 

The Complexity of Love 

After wrapping up my diploma and training, I decided to take the next step and apply for university in 2017. The exciting news came soon after – I got accepted!

Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and for me, that meant math classes that felt increasingly impossible. I've never been a math whiz, and the struggle was real. To add to the mix, I fell head over heels for a girl in my diploma course, and we both made it to university. It felt like a dream come true.

But then, in the second semester, things fell apart. Not because of anything between us, but because of external pressures. Her parents wanted me to live with them, and that just wasn't an option. I value my independence, and I also have my own parents to look after. It was a tough situation, and ultimately, we had to go our separate ways.

Sometimes, love isn't enough. I learned this the hard way when I encountered the seemingly insurmountable wall of family expectations and societal norms. Her parents, with their unwavering focus on lineage and social standing, saw my surname and my family as a mismatch. They were determined to break us apart, and I knew that even if I were reborn with a different name, they would find another reason to keep us separated.

In the end, I had to make a choice. She wasn't ready to choose me over her family, and I couldn't fault her for that. I was the newcomer in her life, and the ties that bind her to her family are strong and unyielding. So, I let her go. It hurts, but I understand.

Love can be a complicated dance, especially when you believe that letting go is the best way to protect someone. I knew that our future together was uncertain, and I couldn't bear the thought of her suffering because of me. So, I made the agonizing decision to transform her love into anger. It was a way to shield her heart, to help her move on and find happiness with someone who could offer her a stable and secure future.

The process was excruciating. I pushed her away, criticized her, and told her that my feelings had faded. It was a painful act, but I believed it was necessary. Eventually, she succumbed to the anger, and our relationship dissolved. She blocked me from every aspect of her life, her phone, social media, and even her email. The silence was deafening, a constant reminder of the sacrifice I had made.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Resilience

The breakup hit me like a tidal wave, sweeping away my focus and motivation. I abandoned my software engineering degree and left my UI/UX engineering job, lost in a sea of despair.

After months of emotional turmoil, I landed a job as an IT officer at a reputable company. But the person staring back at me from the computer screen was a stranger. I couldn't concentrate, social interactions became daunting, and a strange aversion to working with women developed. Three months later, I found myself handing in my resignation once again.

I found myself in need of a simple job, so I dusted off my skills as a computer repair technician and landed a gig at an IT solution company in Colombo. Little did I know, this would be the catalyst for a whole new chapter.

Seven months into my role, my boss stumbled upon one of my software systems, and that chance encounter sparked an idea. We joined forces and launched a new company called InfinityBiz (Pvt) Ltd. Suddenly, I was thrust into the role of project head, navigating the exciting world of entrepreneurship.

During a marketing campaign on Facebook, I came across a familiar face from my past. A simple suggestion on her profile led me to discover she had gotten married. Seeing her wedding photos and the poignant message "You are my forever love" stirred up a whirlwind of emotions. Though I can't erase her from my memory, I sincerely wish her a lifetime of happiness.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a devastating blow to our customer base. With heavy hearts, we made the difficult decision to permanently close the new company. It was a harsh reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and business.

So, I decided to take the plunge and open my own computer repair shop. The timing, as it turned out, wasn't the best. The pandemic was winding down, but the Sri Lankan economy in 2020-2021 was still struggling to find its footing. Let's just say, things didn't exactly go as planned.

In 2023, my university friend and I decided to take a leap of faith and embark on a new business venture. We rented an office space, fueled by the ambition to develop innovative software products. The initial excitement was palpable, but the reality of entrepreneurship soon set in.

One of our major clients unexpectedly rejected our system, leaving us with only two customers. The financial strain became evident, and the responsibility of covering the office costs fell squarely on our shoulders. To keep the business afloat, I had to return to the workforce, juggling the demands of a full-time job with the ongoing challenges of our fledgling company.

Despite the setbacks, the experience has been invaluable. The lessons learned about resilience, adaptability, and the unpredictable nature of business have shaped me in profound ways. 

Embracing New Beginnings and Chasing Dreams

So, a bit of luck came my way when my old boss from the IT world started an e-waste company and asked me to join. It's a decent gig - I'm an Admin Executive, got the office running smoothly (even snagged those ISO certificates!), and the pay's alright. But, the commute's a killer. Hours on my bike every day. And on top of that, I can't help but think about where I really want to be in life...

It's a familiar feeling, the weight of the resignation letter in my hand. Six months in, and here I am again, ready to move on. It's a cycle I know all too well, but this time feels different. There's a sense of determination, a clarity in my decision. As I hand the letter to my boss, a mix of emotions washes over me - relief, excitement, and a touch of apprehension. But above all, there's a sense of hope for what lies ahead. This isn't just an ending; it's a new beginning.

Now, I'm not going to pretend that I have it all figured out. I'm 35, and I'm still figuring things out, just like everyone else. But I do have a dream, and I'm determined to make it a reality.

In the next few years, I'm going to chase that dream with everything I've got. And I'm going to share my journey every step of the way. I'll be honest about the ups and downs, the successes and failures. I'll share the lessons I learn and the strategies I use to stay motivated and focused.

So, if you're out there, feeling stuck or unsure about your own path, join me. Let's learn from each other, support each other, and inspire each other to reach for the stars. Because it's never too late to chase your dreams, and it's never too late to create a life you love.

Stay tuned for the next chapter, where I'll reveal my dream and how I plan to achieve it. Until then, keep dreaming, keep exploring, and keep believing in the power of new beginnings.