I have taken many foolish decisions in my life. But one kings them all, where I have jumped from a very appealing environment to a hell-like one. Last week marked the 4 year anniversary of that decision, so I just wanted to pen my thoughts thinking at least one out there would benefit from my experience.

I was doing a good job, half an hour from my home and happily getting ready for my wedding in the weekends while meeting my fiancé regularly. Life was bliss. Then an offer came from a faraway place.

I did not search well before I decided to abandon my job and take the offer. Only when I landed there, I learnt my mistake. In fact, the engineers involved in the work laughed at me when they got to know the place I have left.

I got less money, had to work 7 days and was away from my loved ones. It all happened as I assumed a lot of things about the new place.

If I had only taken a leave, came to the new work place, met the people there and got an idea first, I would have never taken the job. No one was banned from entering. If I had only been wise to explore the place, a lot of hassle to me and all other parties would have been avoided.

However, I learnt a very important lesson. Now, before I take major decisions, I just find some people who are from the place and ask them all the things I want to know about.

There are always people who have done what we are about to do. So why not ask them? They love to answer! But many people in today's world are reluctant to ask.

There are many engineers who want to obtain charter. But most of them do not know the exact procedure to follow. No one approaches a person who has already obtained it and ask the steps.

I have observed a lot of friends taking decisions, assuming that everything will be miraculously alright. When migrating, pursuing higher studies, some take drastic decisions without thinking much. Some young couples migrate to places where child care or schools are very expensive. Some go to higher study and learn that the stipend is not enough to provided for the spouse if she comes. Some jump at opportunities and have to work under people who are well known for bad behaviour. If they have just called and asked someone out there, they would have had the chance to re think.

I guess many are reluctant to ask as they fear about what they might discover. However, experiencing it is far worse than hearing it from someone.

And there may even be hidden opportunities, which do not emerge until you ask. there may be scholarships, training programs, leave options and holidays which are not visible at first. But if you personally go there and ask, you will be able to dig out something even better than you expected.

Do not hesitate to ask. There is no law to ban questions and the more you ask the more you know.

Ask before you take the jump. Research well. Think of the monetary, educational, family benefits. Focus on the things you will miss like the family, friends, freedom, etc.

And lastly remember " For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."