I need money to survive. I have read many self-help books and I feel all my problems are wonderful opportunities. But, I don't know how to convert my problem into an opportunity," Karthick told me.
"If you see every problem as an opportunity, life will respond and transform problems into opportunities. You must really feel the problem is an opportunity and be happy about it. I know it's a difficult thing to do. If you take this attitude, your mind will become clear and you will discover the ways to change your problem into an opportunity. Solutions are always built into the problem. When there is a problem, someone has to solve it through a product or service," I told him and asked him, "Can you provide such a solution?"
In non-medical professions such as mechanical engineering, if you damage the equipment or a machine by your ignorance, it can be replaced or you can fix it. But, if you damage the body of a patient by wrong treatment, consequences can be disastrous. Without healthy people, there can be no healthy and prosperous nation. So, in all developed countries, governments take the health of its citizens seriously. They regulate all health professions. If you are a overseas qualified doctor and want to work in the United Kingdom, you must pass a registration exam called PLAB test. In the United States of America, you must pass USMLE to work in the USA. Such examinations make sure that you have the right knowledge and skills to work in regulated industries.
Karthick was a young doctor from New Delhi. He wanted to work in the United Kingdom and obtain FRCS certificate. His father was a retired civil servant. He had limited financial resources.
Nowadays, a part of the PLAB test is held in India. But, a few years ago, you must go to the United Kingdom to take up the PLAB test. Karthick went to the United Kingdom with a few hundred pounds with the hope of passing the test in the first sitting and getting a job within a few weeks.
He appeared for the test in London. Though he was bright, he could not pass the test. He was given permit to reappear only after ten months. Without income and support from family, he had to live in London for ten months. A mission impossible! He did not like to come back to India as he would never be able to go back to London.
He decided not to accept the defeat, find out ways to survive in London and prepare for his next attempt. He went to the library, read many inspiring books and came to the conclusion that nothing was impossible. Without any solid reason, he began to believe that his problem was an opportunity.
At this point, through a common friend, he contacted me by email and then we spoke over telephone.
"I have told you about my problem. But, I do not know where the solution or the opportunity is," Kartick said to me. "Anyone appearing for any exam would love to prepare for it by solving as many previous test and practice papers as possible," I said. "That's true. In the past two years, I have collected 8000 questions from various offline and online sources," Karthick agreed.
"You are a medical professional. You have good knowledge in the field and the PLAB test preparation. I am sure you will be able to create a saleable product from the collection of question and your knowledge? But, please create your own product. Respect others' intellectual property rights," I told Karthick. Suddenly his voice became full of energy. He said, "Yes. There is a big market for this product. I will start my work immediately."
Within a week, Karthick hired a web developer in India through his father. He sent copies of all his questions and his answers to the developer and built a password protected website. Any candidate who paid $10 a month would be given a password to access the questions.
Karthick knew where to find candidates. After all he was a candidate. Each candidate spent more than $4000 for the exam. So, $10 a month for treasure was a grace to all the candidates. During this period - the first three months after he failed in the PLAB test - Karthick had to bear with the harsh realities of life. By the end of the third month, he earned $900. He needed just $600 to maintain himself.
By the time he passed PLAB and got a job, he was earning $2500 a month from his website. His basic pay as a Junior House Officer in a London hospital was around $1800!