*Raghav, joined an Engineering college because his parents believed it to be the best career choice for his secure future. 15 years later he is now a sous-chef in a Mumbai resort. He finally found courage to pursue his real passion . Priya loved needles , threads and patterns . As a child she learnt this art from her granny. Her father wanted her to secure her future in all ways. Priya today sits in a bank ,working with numbers and currency . She does her job everyday , without any heart in it.
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” — Confucius
As society, we have come a long way from days of struggles ,scarcities and constant liabilities; especially true for the 70's,80's & 90's generations. Scarce were also the choices that they had after finishing their high school. Teaching, banking ,vocational, accounting etc. were few good options then. As our Nation progressed along with the world, so did our homes, our lifestyle, choices and our children's dreams. But when it comes to exploring this new and vast arena of career choices , have parent's progressed enough? Do parents still believe that career choice cannot be the students individual choice and has to be the grownups decision???
Few points for parents on this...
What do you love to do? "..... "what do you do well"? ...career conversations can start with these questions to your children. Do not answer it for them . Do not expect a solid and firm answer too. They will take time to figure the answers for these. Knowing them first is a must.
Discussions of options for future can start as early as class 8, where the parents and children sit together to explore the VAST options for higher studies which the child can pursue with interest.
The world has lot more to offer than medicine, engineering and IT. Parents need to continuously update themselves on all the options that can be mapped to the child's interest and potential. Banking,Defence,Research,Textile,Government,Business,Agriculture,Fashion,Cinema,Art,Dance,IOT,writing ,management, culinary, carpentry, hospitality, tourism, etc etc etc are few that comes to our mind.
Create a space at home where children can share with parents all questions and fears. Don’t be judgmental of their dilemma . Children may have a completely different idea than their parents for their career. They may come up with something that as parents you may not get convinced about . Continue calm communication on the topic everyday
Keep away from current trends, what other kids are doing, what others will say etc etc. The choice made must match with the child's interest & capabilities.
Make sure that their school life is not just school academics & tuitions but also adequately supplemented with essential play/sports/art/craft/singing/dancing/athletics etc.
It is a delicate balance between parents' greater life experience and the child's interests and strengths. Hence it is important for parents to educate themselves first on all the options available ; near or far ; match it with the child's strengths & dreams and have conversations on it towards a common positive decision.
Article written by Capt Lekshmy Natarajan(Retd),Co-Founder HEAL Foundation.