How to break free from India's "big 3" career pressure
Doctor, Engineer, CA — or something else? How to break free from India's 'big 3' career pressure and find a path that actually fits you.
The Big 4 — Big Ben, Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, and Statue of Liberty. I'm sure we have all heard of them.
The Big 3? We know it, but somehow never name it.
"Wow, her daughter is an engineer from IIT!
Oh, look at his son, he cleared NEET in his first attempt.
"A CA! Your life is set!"
Got it now?
But how come we never hear,
"It's so cool she wants to be a writer."
or
"It's awesome how she just completed a fashion design course"
Why are we so obsessed with this rat race? Day after day, children are constantly reminded of "their" goal in life. Is it really "their" goal? Or the goal they are supposed to have?
Even if not pushed into it by parents, every child seems to feel obliged to choose the conventional path because it is seen as "safe".
We are told we can choose any career we want. Then why does it still feel like we have only 3 options?
It's time to choose a career that suits us rather than one that sounds impressive.
Still, the biggest question: How to decide?
Let's take it step by step.
1. Know what you truly like
This doesn't just mean a random hobby, but something that pulls you over and over again. Something which could never bore you.
2. Don't doubt your skills
No skill is ever inferior to another. Each is different and could be used in a career stream.
3. Search for careers where your talent or skill could be applied
I don't mean just one Google search, and that's it. Your skill is not one which is limited to just one stream. There are plenty of options to choose from. Patiently sit and study each potential career option.
4. Talk to people working in streams you seem to be interested in
This always helps. Google doesn't know how nervous or stressed you may be. But the ones you talk to may have been in this exact position years back.
5. Never give in to pressure
Don't let peer pressure drive your career choice. Your life, not theirs.
Last word of advice,
There are plenty of paths,
Choosing a different one isn't always a risk,
Sometimes it's your biggest strength.
