• 11 September 2024

Power of right direction to your career

Rahul was like any other 15-year-old, full of energy and excitement, yet at a crossroads in life. He was in his final year of school and faced one of the most significant decisions he had ever encountered: choosing his subjects for higher studies. For many, this decision might have seemed routine, but for Rahul, it was a source of deep anxiety. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do, and the pressure from his family and society weighed heavily on him.

Rahul’s father was a doctor, and his mother, a successful engineer. Naturally, they assumed their son would follow in their footsteps. His father expected Rahul to take up science and prepare for medical school, while his mother gently encouraged him toward engineering. Rahul, however, had no real passion for science. Every time he thought of a future filled with dissecting cadavers or building machines, he felt a deep sense of dread.

His passion lay elsewhere, but he hadn’t discovered where just yet. The subjects he enjoyed—literature, history, and art—were rarely discussed in his household. To his family, these fields were hobbies, not careers. Rahul had begun feeling lost, questioning whether he had a future at all in what he loved.

One day, during a class assembly, the school announced that a career guidance session would be held for students about to choose their higher studies streams. Rahul wasn’t too excited about it. In his mind, it was already decided—he would reluctantly choose science. But something pushed him to attend. Maybe it was curiosity or the slight hope that someone might understand his struggle.

At the career guidance session, a counselor named Mrs. Mehra began speaking about the importance of self-awareness when selecting subjects. “You don’t just choose subjects; you choose a path that will shape your future. It’s vital to understand who you are and what truly makes you come alive,” she said.

As the session progressed, Rahul felt an odd sense of comfort. Mrs. Mehra introduced a concept that had never been discussed at home: the idea of aligning one’s natural talents, passions, and career path. She explained how there were a wide variety of careers in the world, beyond the traditional ones of medicine and engineering. For the first time, Rahul felt that it was okay not to have his life planned out yet, and more importantly, it was okay to have interests outside of science.

Mrs. Mehra also spoke about how the wrong career choice could lead to immense dissatisfaction, stress, and even depression. “Forcing yourself into a field you don’t love is like swimming against the current every single day. It can exhaust you to the point of losing yourself,” she warned. This hit home for Rahul, who already felt the weight of pressure crushing his spirit.

After the session, Mrs. Mehra offered one-on-one career counseling for students. Rahul decided to book an appointment. In the meeting, he opened up about his fears, his family’s expectations, and his confusion. Mrs. Mehra listened patiently and then asked him a crucial question: “Rahul, what makes you feel alive? What do you love doing, regardless of what anyone else says?”

Without hesitation, Rahul replied, “I love writing stories and analyzing books.  I can lose myself in history lessons for hours. I even enjoy painting when I get the chance.”

Mrs. Mehra smiled and said, “That’s wonderful, Rahul. These are not just hobbies; they can be careers. Have you ever considered studying humanities or liberal arts? You could become a writer, a historian, or even work in media and communication. The world is much larger than you think.”

This was the first time anyone had told Rahul that his passions had value. She explained how subject selection in high school was critical, as it could open doors to further study in the fields he loved. Mrs. Mehra also gave examples of successful individuals who had studied humanities and gone on to have rewarding careers.

Encouraged, Rahul took home brochures and resources about different career paths in the arts and humanities. That evening, he nervously approached his parents. He explained everything he had learned from Mrs. Mehra and expressed his desire to pursue literature and history.

At first, his parents were shocked. His father was concerned. “But how will you make a living from writing?” his father asked. Rahul didn’t have all the answers, but he explained that a fulfilling life was more than just about money—it was about doing something meaningful.

After a long discussion and some hesitation, his parents agreed to meet with Mrs. Mehra. She reassured them that there were plenty of opportunities in the fields Rahul was passionate about and that forcing him into a career he wasn’t suited for could be far more detrimental in the long run.

Rahul’s parents eventually agreed to let him choose his subjects. He selected literature, history, and art for his higher studies and immediately felt a sense of relief. The heavy cloud of uncertainty lifted, replaced by excitement for the future.

Over the next few years, Rahul thrived in his studies. He excelled in writing and even won a few national awards for his essays and short stories. His passion for history led him to pursue a degree in journalism, where he could combine his love for storytelling and uncovering the past.

Years later, Rahul became a well-known journalist, covering historical documentaries and publishing books. His parents, once unsure of his path, were proud of the man he had become. They saw how happy he was in his work and understood the importance of supporting one’s true calling.

Proper career guidance didn’t just help Rahul choose the right subjects—it saved his life. It steered him away from years of frustration, unhappiness, and feeling lost in a career he didn’t belong to. By embracing who he was, Rahul found not only success but peace and fulfillment.

In the end, it wasn’t about following someone else’s path but carving out his own, with the help of someone who truly understood the value of passion in shaping a life.