For students in higher secondary school, this is often the million-dollar question: What career should I choose?
I remember my son’s journey in choosing a career, which started as early as grade 8. At first, he dreamed of becoming a postman (inspired by the community helper chapter in class 2), then a firefighter, and later, a pilot. His career aspirations kept evolving as he explored new skills through lessons in class, videos, and news. However, the real journey of career exploration began when he entered high school. That’s when friends, relatives, and teachers started asking the inevitable question—What do you want to become?
As parents, we were also curious and, at times, anxious about his career choices. In today’s competitive world, landing any job—from a clerical position to that of a scientist—requires serious effort. The pressure students feel is real, and there is no escaping it. According to a study published in The International Journal of Indian Psychology by Anjali Kamath, Dr. Anganabha Baruah, extreme academic stress can have detrimental effects on students’ mental health, physical well-being, and academic performance.
By the time you reach Grade 9, you start sensing this pressure too. Perhaps you’re already feeling overwhelmed. Your friends might have enrolled in coaching classes for competitive entrance exams like JEE, NEET, CLAT, UCEED, and many more. Now, you might find yourself wondering—Which exam should I prepare for? Your days and nights may start revolving around this single thought, pushing aside the carefree moments of childhood.
The real struggle begins when your career interests clash with those of your parents or even your closest friends. At times, you might align your career choices with your best friend’s, but aligning them with your parents’ expectations is often much harder.
Most parents dream of their children becoming doctors, engineers, or scientists from the world’s top universities. You might even hear your mom say, “Sharmaji’s son has already started preparing for NEET!“ If this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone. As someone who has interacted with countless students through career counseling and expert lectures, I understand your stress—it’s real, and it’s overwhelming.
But here’s the good news: While the pressure is real, it can be managed. The key is to stand firm for your career interests. If you make choices based on your true passion and abilities, you won’t regret them in the future.
Remember the movie 3 Idiots? Madhavan’s character wanted to be a photographer, but his father insisted on engineering. Breaking through the cycle of emotions, expectations, and practicality is what ultimately helped him choose the right path.
So here’s my advice: Don’t let stress or confusion dictate your future. Listen to everyone—your parents, teachers, career counselors—but obey your conscience. Attend career seminars, research different fields, and consider your parents’ guidance, but in the end, let your inner voice guide you. It will lead you to where your true passion lies and where you can truly excel.
Your Career is Your Journey—Choose It Wisely!
I have encountered many real-life stories of students who succumbed to peer pressure and the competitive nature of society, only to struggle in their future academics or barely make it through graduation, finding it difficult to survive in the industry. Let me share one such story.
Satish, a bright yet average student from a middle-class family in Kerala, was an exceptional basketball and cricket player. From an early age, he had a keen interest in sales and marketing and aspired to pursue an MBA by clearing the CAT exam. However, his career path took a drastic turn when a relative, working in the Gulf, visited their family.
During his visit, Satish’s uncle painted a lucrative picture of the Information Technology (IT) industry, claiming that it was the era of Y2K and that an MCA degree would guarantee a stable future abroad. He assured Satish’s parents that if their son pursued MCA and completed it successfully, he would take him to the Gulf, where he could secure a well-settled career.
Satish’s parents, convinced by this vision of a secure future, strongly persuaded him to shift his focus from CAT to MCA. Initially, Satish resisted, expressing his lack of interest in programming. However, after a heated argument one day, he gave in to his parents’ wishes.
He enrolled in an MCA program but struggled with logical programming, unable to grasp the concepts. As a result, he failed to clear his finals. With his dreams shattered and his confidence lost, he eventually moved to the Gulf and joined a marketing job—ironically, the field he initially wanted to pursue. Today, he continues to work in marketing, trying to rebuild his life.
Now, I’m not saying that all parental guidance is right or wrong. My point is simple: no matter who tries to influence your decision, only you truly understand your skill set, your strengths, your limitations, and your interests.
Remember, you will be working for the rest of your life. Would you rather work with satisfaction in a field that excites you or struggle in a career that leaves you unfulfilled? You may earn less in a career you love, but you will enjoy life. On the other hand, you may earn more in a career forced upon you but never truly find happiness.
In my next blog, I will guide you on how to listen to your conscience and choose the right career for your future. Stay tuned!