Note: This is for those who are honest enough to admit that they are confused about “what they want to do after 12th”, not the supposedly goal-oriented people who can manage to cram like inhuman drones irrespective of whatever circumstances that come in their way.
Let’s begin with some questions first.
- Questions before exams:
“Which college are you applying for?”
“Filled the forms of JEE mains?”
“Are you going to drop a year?” - Questions after the exams:
“Did you qualify the mains?”
“Will your percentage get you into IIT?”
“Oh my god! You are dropping a year?!” (that is generally from the nosy aunty next door)
And so we have a list of the questions that every average curious neighbor is full of, not to mention your own overly-concerned relatives. And you? You are left confused, pressurized, and not to mention heartbroken after a million comparisons. So, you kind of go with the flow and try to score some really good marks. What happens after that? You end up doing a job that has no relation to what you studied. Want an example? The famous IIM after IIT (What I don’t get is why an engineer would do management?)
After 10 years:
- You are dissatisfied with your job.
- You want your son or your daughter to earn more than you.
- And the cycle continues.
(Point to be noted- those are declarative sentences, i.e., sneak-peek into your conscience, and they will ring true.)
What is interesting is that in the midst of all those questions, you forgot the most important question:
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO?
To make things clear: this is not one of those motivational things that are supposedly being published in the magazines and papers at this time of the year. I am just talking about the practical approach that I think should be taken. Rest assured, I am no expert, just honest.
Okay, I am not saying that you could become Brad Pitt just because you want to. Start by asking yourself the most basic questions.
- Where does your aptitude as well as your interest lie? Is it writing? Is it painting? Is it programming?
- Make a list of the jobs that fit your description and the maximum pay.
- Make a list of the colleges that fit your course requirement.
- Prepare for the entrances that you’re aiming to crack.
- Finally, hope for the best or, else, prepare for the worst.
That was just an outline of what you need to do.
AS FOR WHAT YOU OUGHT TO DO?
You need to put those 18-year-old guts of yours to proper use and actually work up the courage to discuss YOUR career prospects with your parents. Discuss as in YOUR ABILITIES vs. YOUR CAREER CHOICE.
Try to be open. If it does not work, well, then you at least tried.
I DO NOT PROMISE YOU SUCCESS.
I DO NOT PROMISE YOU MONEY.
I DO NOT PROMISE YOU THE BEST CAREER.
BUT WHAT I DO PROMISE YOU IS SATISFACTION!
That’s all there is to it. Of all the things you do in your life, you should never be compelled to say ‘I Quit.’ Always make it your choice.