- Do you have a passion that you have put on hold because of other responsibilities?
- Hi! I am Rohit Mittal, a singer, guitarist, composer, and chartered accountant from India.
- I am working full time and also pursuing my career in singing. The CA degree has given me great financial freedom, respect, and confidence.
- This is my journey as I pursue my passion and profession.
Becoming a Chartered Accountant and Pursuing My Passion
My journey with music started in childhood. I won various awards at school and inter-school events. By constantly learning and getting better, I carved my own path. As a child, I balanced singing and studies, but that all changed when I moved to Delhi from my hometown of Haryana to pursue a career in accounting.
So, yes, my Chartered Accountancy journey was difficult, but I worked extremely hard to pass the CPT (1st level CA exam from ICAI) and IPCC (2nd level CA exam from ICAI) on the first try.
Then I started my articles at a CA firm in Delhi (India).
All this while, music was just a passion, and it took a backseat until I performed in one of the CA Final coaching classes of Aaditya Jain Sir, where I received a tremendous response from the audience.
That was the first time in my entire life I took my music seriously and thought about making a career out of it.
I went with my gut instinct and resumed my riyaz (singing practice) day after day to bring flow and improve my voice.
I started performing in various competitions, events, and occasions in Delhi and nearby areas. I did all of this during my articleship.
However, due to the imbalance, my studies suffered, and I had to again put a break on my singing. I just had one exam to pass to become a chartered accountant—the CA final exams.
I passed the CA Final on my second attempt after contracting dengue on the first. So when it came to my studies, I focused enough and cleared them quickly. I managed to achieve my dream of becoming a chartered accountant.
I did the following:
I used to study consistently for 10–12 hours daily. CA needs a willingness to study for long hours.
Along with the number of hours, having the “right mindset” is very important as well.
Music helped me stay happy and motivated while studying. The fact that I could balance CA studies with music has given me a great sense of joy and satisfaction.
What Are the Benefits of Pursuing Two Careers?
After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, I started working at Jindal Stainless Steel Solutions, Delhi, in their Finance team.
I simultaneously record videos for my fans. I sing at various events with my amazing band, The Village of Symphony.
I had always wanted to be an EDUCATED MUSICIAN.
I am working full time and also pursuing my career in Singing. The CA degree has given me great financial freedom, respect, and confidence.
Today being a Chartered Accountant gives me the liberty to pursue my dream – To be a musician without any fear. I make enough money to support myself and my dreams.
It is quite amazing.
To Conclude…
- Never suppress your desires for the sake of your studies.
- The non-availability of time is just an excuse to escape from the hard work. So never quit your hobby; keep it alive until you complete your primary goal, i.e., CA or any other course you are pursuing.
- You can have two careers, so make time for both your passion and profession.
