The suspected but unwanted and unexpected career shift to Shillong

I need to change the password of some of my accounts as it says 'N0jobperiod!' The 7-month long draught is going end very soon.

What went wrong:

Jahid da warned me that many people are trying for Assam allocation after getting selected as Head-SeMT. He only knows four people - Pallab, Pujari, Subhra, Mishra, in addition to myself. I didn't budge much since Sunil Sir, the HR director of the recruitment process, informed me that I topped the interview panel. State selection is not an issue, but the salary cap is. However, I underestimated the 'desire and ability of influencing government employees'. Particularly, of someone who sits at NeGD and meets the recruiters morning to evening. Was there anything I could have done differently, but did not do for sheer overconfidence or negligence? I texted Sunil Sir thrice to enquire whether state allocation is on track; he didn't bother to respond. I did talk with Vinay Sir, who told me about his inability to foretell my state allocation prior. I tried via Ajeet, Amit etc, but they can't get actual information. What I could have done is contacting CEO, Secy or Mantri much prior, apprehending something 'wrong' would occur! But, I think, this is insane, when the HR director only told you that you had topped the panel.

Efforts made by me post email:

I called and texted Sunil Sir multiple times just to get the response that nothing could be done immediately. Had a discussion with Vinay Sir, who told how NeGD resource might have influenced and it is too late now. Satyakam talked to his friend who is OSD to Ashwini Vaishnav. That person talked with P&CEO of NeGD, just to get a generalized response that there are many such queries that would be dealt later together. Contacted Kamakhya Tasa via Lakheswar, but of no help. I made a call to Reeta baideu whether she has any contact with IT minister, answer was in negative. Rajib Da tried via RSS, but of no help. Bhaiti da texted to HBS, I also sent personal message to HBS- no response. Shiladitya ji made tall promises, but all proved futile.

Why I accepted:

Finally I accepted the offer. Replying on top of the email that I sent asking for relocation, I informed about my willingness to join Meghalaya SeMT on 5 Sept. I didn't even look at the salary breakup, forget negotiation, which is less than my last employer. Poor Manjit, I don't have any other choice. I have been without job since 9 February'24. My PhD coursework and even comprehensive exam is also done. There is no excuse to remain jobless from PhD perspective now. Although I was searching employment in Assam, I didn't have any choice from outside also (ref- rejection by Microsoft public policy role). Delhi- I would be able to manage at DIC or NSDC, but I have least interest to go back to these two org. If I have to go back to Delhi it has to be a BIG opportunity with very good remuneration. The non availability of any option has pressed me against time. The social and financial pressure are also huge. On the positive side, Shillong is only 2.5 hour from Ghy. Nina is hopeful about continuing her school. If I get Married Hostel allocation at IIT, that would be a Ghy base for me as well. The climate of Shillong is better, although an expensive city than Guwahati. Nina was happy that NeGD didn't give me my third choice i.e. Lakhwadeep. 

Thoughts on future:

To be honest, I am fully immersed in destroying my future plan as a resident of Guwahati. This painful activity is not allowing me to see any bright side of Meghalaya shifting. I only see the high rental and living cost of Shillong, DIC's policy for not providing hotel stay or relocation bonus, absence of any good social circle at Shillong, how I would be worse off financially there, possible impact on Nina's school and on my relationship with IIT Guwahati, restriction on Rodalee's movement, issues with parking and possession of own vehicle etc. I am totally clueless what's next for my career. Maybe Nina would bring some change someday if she is able to clear the NET exam in the future. 

Conclusion:

Thus my longest homestay post metric is coming to an end. Maybe a separate post would be needed to analyse what I got and what not. Feeling as of now can be summarized by 'something is better than nothing', no more, no less.