'Not Meant For Tech Job': Ex-TCS Employee Quits City Life, Thrives As Forest Officer In Jharkhand

Manish Kumar, 30, has found his calling far from the bustle of the corporate world. After briefly working at TCS in Kolkata, he quit the job within a month to pursue a career that brought him closer to his roots and nature.

Kumar, who hails from Dumka in Jharkhand, said his family initially saw the TCS job as a good opportunity.

“I didn’t think much of it at the time, but within a month, I realised that it wasn’t meant for me. I quit in a month,” he told Moneycontrol, adding that the low salary and lack of mental peace influenced his decision. “I realised that the life of a tech employee wasn’t for me. There was no mental peace.”

His father, a daily wage earner with the local forest guards, had often taken him on excursions in the jungle during

his childhood. These experiences gave Kumar a deep respect for wildlife and a desire to live closer to nature.

After leaving TCS, Kumar’s parents encouraged him to try government exams. He prepared for six months and successfully cleared the forest guard examinations. Today, he works as a beat officer near his hometown, protecting wildlife, preventing illegal activities, and supporting local tribal communities.

In addition to his law enforcement duties, Kumar manages a government-run eco-tourism resort by the Massanjore Dam, helping promote tourism in the region.

Reflecting on his career shift, Kumar told Moneycontrol, “I couldn’t be happier. I always wanted to be close to nature, and my family and I wanted to serve society. This job allows me to do everything I wanted.”