Selection Stories
A software engineer from Kolkata who is passionate about thriller movies!
Gourav Chatterjee, an IT professional, doesn’t just write code but also turns suspense and thriller movies into engaging reels to help others discover great content. Because good things are meant to be shared, not just watched. Alongside his love for films, he is a dedicated pet lover with one dog and four cats. This conversation explored his life, the balance between IT jobs and personal passions, and his journey of blending work with his love for movies and pets.
Now, let’s dive into our conversation
Q1) Can you walk us through a typical workday as a software engineer? What does your usual routine look like?
Gaurav: I wake up around 8:30 to 9 AM and start my work at 10 AM. The first thing I do is check messages and emails, followed by reviewing any code comments from my teammates. I also go through my assigned tasks (tickets). Then, I attend our daily stand-up meeting, where we provide updates on our progress. After that, I focus on development work, review code if needed, get feedback, and fix any issues. Throughout the day, I also attend various meetings. That’s pretty much how my typical workday looks.
Q2) With AI revolutionizing the tech industry, what are the best career paths and courses for a young person looking to start a career in IT or related fields? How should they adapt to the changes AI has brought to the job market?
Gaurav: That’s a great question. The industry has changed significantly, and competition is now higher, not just among people but also with AI. The key is to focus on core skills like logic building and problem-solving. Staying updated with current technologies is crucial. Everyone should learn and use AI tools in their daily work because they are becoming an integral part of the industry.
Q3) For someone around 30 years old, currently working in a different industry, and looking to transition into IT, what steps should they take? What are the best options available for making that career switch?
Gaurav: Anyone can transition into IT if they are passionate about it. The field is vast, with subdomains like web development, app development, cybersecurity, network administration, AI & ML, IT administration, and DevOps. The key is to find what excites you. Learn the fundamentals, master core concepts, and work on projects to build a strong portfolio. Once you have that, you can apply for jobs or start freelancing.
Q4) How many hours do you usually sleep?
Gaurav: Around 6 to 7 hours. Sometimes 8 to 9, but that’s rare.
Q5) Do you make a conscious effort to drink a certain amount of water every day?
Gaurav: Yes, I try to drink around 4 liters of water daily.
Q6) Are pets truly ‘dependent’ on us, or do they offer us something we can’t live without—companionship, affection, or understanding?
Gaurav: Dogs are completely dependent on us, while cats are somewhat independent but still need care. When you have a pet and spend time with them, they become a part of your life. You can’t imagine life without them. What they give in return is ‘unconditional love,’ and unless you experience it, you won’t truly understand its value.
Q7) How does having a pet challenge or reinforce our understanding of responsibility and care?
Gaurav: Once you have a pet, responsibility and care come naturally. You have to take care of their needs and well-being, which makes you a more compassionate person. Over time, this care extends beyond just your pet—you start caring for other animals as well.
Q8) Describe your bond with your pets.
Gaurav: It’s magical. My dog always stays with me since I work from home, so I get to spend a lot of time with her. Some of my cats are very clingy. The moment they see me, they come and sit on my lap. It’s an amazing feeling.
Q9) How do movies and series impact our lives? In what ways do they influence our thoughts, emotions, and actions?
Gaurav: I can’t speak for everyone, but for me, movies and series are a huge part of my life. Whenever I feel down, I watch them. They’ve helped me through difficult times and have taught me a lot. Beyond just entertainment, they’ve become an essential part of my life.
Q10) Can you suggest a few must-watch series and movies?
Gaurav: Sure!
Series: Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Dark, Death’s Game, Daredevil, The Office, Game of Thrones.
Movies: 3 Idiots, Shutter Island, Source Code, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Sixth Sense, Oldboy, Fight Club.
There are many more, but these are the ones I can recall right now.
Q11) What drew you to content creation on Instagram? What sparked your interest?
Gaurav: I started creating reels a long time ago, just for fun, making relatable and funny content. Then I stopped for a while. I recently started again to share my interests with the world and document my journey.
Q12) What has been your biggest realization so far?
Gaurav: It may be controversial, but my biggest realization is that God isn’t real. The closest thing to God we have is nature.
Q13) Are you passionate about your work, or do you feel like you’re just going through the motions for financial stability?
Gaurav: I love my work, but not every day is the same. Some days, I feel like quitting everything and going on a vacation. But then, there are days when I build something meaningful, and it reaches thousands of people. Those moments make it fulfilling.
Q14) What is your definition of success?
Gaurav: True success, to me, is when you don’t have to worry about anything—your health, your loved ones’ safety, or money before making a decision. It’s when you can live freely without financial stress. But, above all, real success is having complete inner peace.
———–Thank You———
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