Almost every parent wants something good for their children, and I get that. But where I come from, there is this idea that only a few career options are truly “Successful”— like becoming a doctor, engineer, lawyer, nurse, pilot, or banker, these careers live rent-free in their heads. And of course, doctors seem to top the list.
There is a certain pride parents feel when their child is on one of these paths, and many are mostly likely to choose these careers for their children, even if they don’t, I see no reason for parents to choose a career path for their children in the first place.
The truth is, it is not the parents’ life to decide! Their role should be to advise and share experiences, while the final decision rests with the child. A career is not a small decision; it shapes many aspects of a person’s life. I mean I wouldn’t want to spend years of my life working in a field that someone else chose for me, especially if I turn out not to enjoy it.
Studying and working in a career you have no passion for can be a miserable experience. Some might argue that the career choice could turn out to be a great choice.. and if that’s the case, then, congratulations. But what if it turns out to be a bad choice? The child could probably mostly spend his life resenting their parents or blaming them for making the decision without taking responsibility.
On the other hand, when children get to choose their career path, they are empowered to take responsibility for the outcome. Whether things go well or not, they know it is their choice, and they are more likely to put in the effort to succeed, either for their own satisfaction or to prove themselves to their parents and others.
A few months ago, I was studying for a math exam friend of mine and some other coursemates. To my surprise, this friend, who was studying medicine and surgery was very good at solving complex math problems— even questions tutors can’t solve and he also had fun doing them.
I couldn’t help but ask why he didn’t pursue math- or physics-related courses, like engineering, because he said that is what he likes doing. He admitted that his parents has pushed him into the medical field, even though it wasn’t his passion. They are the ones paying the tuition fees, so he has no say in it. This kind of situation is unfortunate because it means he’s spending years studying a subject he doesn’t enjoy.
When children are forced or compelled into careers they don’t love and choose, it doesn’t affect only them but indirectly affects society at large. It can lead to a lack of diligence, poor service, and an unhappy work environment.
Moreover, Some parents are not so knowledgeable or aware of the wide range of career options available today. When a child expresses interest in something unconventional, like remote tech jobs, parents often find it odd or ridiculous and dismiss it as impractical.
In the end, I strongly believe that children should be the ones to choose their career paths, while the parents should only have the right to advise and support them along the way. That way, they are more likely to find fulfilment in their work and contribute positively to society.
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