"Being mediocre is the biggest risk of all."
When I quit the Indian Revenue Service — a job that came with power, prestige, and predictability — most people thought I was taking the biggest risk of my life.
The truth?
It was one of the most calculated decision I’ve ever made.
Years earlier, when I was writing a book AND building a startup on the side, the risks I took then were actually far more dangerous — because they were taken without clarity, cushion, or a clear psychological fit. I was risking my time, money, and mental energy without knowing whether I was structurally or psychologically prepared.
That’s the irony of risk:
Most people are either taking too little of it — or taking the wrong kind.
I took too much risk with bodybuilding and did not have this framework when I needed it.
So I created a framework I wish someone had given me earlier.
This is what I teach now in my masterclasses and 1-on-1 mentorships.
Career Risk Profile Framework (CRPF)
This framework answers two big questions:
How much risk can you afford to take?
How much risk should you take?
If you’re making a career pivot, preparing for UPSC, quitting UPSC, thinking of changing jobs, launching a startup, or just feeling stuck — do NOT skip this exercise.
Part A: How Much Risk You Can Take (Structural Flexibility)
Rate each on a scale of 1–5 with ruthless honesty-
- Financial Cushion
1 = I’m under debt / hand-to-mouth
5 = I have 2+ years of savings or family support - Family Dependence
1 = I am the sole breadwinner
5 = No dependents / I’m financially independent - Time Freedom
1 = Locked into job/family duties
5 = Full freedom, no daily obligations - Education/Backup Options
1 = No fallback or weak degree
5 = Strong credentials or re-entry options (e.g., IIT/IIM/UPSC cleared) - Social Support for Failure
1 = My family won’t support failures
5 = I can fail 3 times and still be emotionally & socially backed
Total Score (out of 25): ____(Add your ratings for the above)
Interpretation:
- 0–10: High-Risk Career = Dangerous right now
- 11–17: Medium Risk OK (start with side projects, freelance, small moves)
- 18–25: You can afford bold experiments (startup, career switch, solo journey)
Part B: How Much Risk You Should Take (Psychological Readiness)
Rate each on a scale of 1–5.
- Tolerance for Uncertainty
1 = I panic without a clear plan
5 = I thrive in ambiguity - Internal Drive (Self-Motivation)
1 = I need constant external pressure
5 = I can work without anyone watching - Bounce-Back Ability
1 = I break down after failure
5 = I treat failure as feedback - Clarity of Passion/Direction
1 = I have no clue what I want
5 = I know what problems I want to solve - Discipline Without Structure
1 = I need external systems (college, job)
5 = I can build and follow my own system
Total Score (out of 25): ____(Add your ratings for the above)
Interpretation:
- 0–10: Stick to structured, stable environments (govt jobs, MNCs, etc.)
- 11–17: Test new paths with controlled risk (freelance, hybrid roles, sabbaticals)
- 18–25: You are wired to go solo or explore high-reward, unstructured paths
HOW TO INTERPRET YOUR RISK PROFILE:
- High Can + High Should → You’re ready. Explore bold, high-growth, unconventional paths.
- High Can + Low Should → You have resources, but need to build inner systems first (e.g., routines, mindset).
- Low Can + High Should → You’re wired for risk, but first build safety nets — financial, emotional, logistical.
- Low Can + Low Should → Stick to structured, stable environments. Build capacity over time.
Final Thought: TAKE YOUR RISKS OR SOMEONE ELSE WILL TAKE THEM FOR YOU
If you’re not taking the risk of choosing your life, someone else is choosing it for you.
- Staying in the wrong job? That’s a risk.
- Living paycheck to paycheck? That’s a risk.
- Postponing dreams for "safety"? That’s a slow risk with a high cost.
The real freedom is not in taking random risks. It’s in taking intelligent risks based on your life, your psychology, and your readiness.
This framework helped me in making one of the biggest decision of my life.
And I’ve never looked back.
Use it. Share it. Bookmark it.
— Ravi Kapoor, IRS (Retd.)
Founder, Syllabus of Life
Mentor | Content Creator | Psychologist in Public Service