“Mera beta bara hoke ENGINEER banega” (My son will grow up to be an engineer)
—Every Indian Parent
While growing up in India, you will have heard this line in some form or other. Furthermore, you might have grown up hating ‘Sharmaji ka ladka’, who has always somehow been the dream child of your parents. Thus, this is why we as Indians are only aware of 7 Career Paths. Or at least 93% of us are.
I haven’t even started on the ‘Sarkari Naukri’ dream that Indians share. Thus, when I say that the jobs of neighbors, friends, and family influence my career, I am saying it with enough research. (You better believe it)
Apple of My Eye Syndrome
Our parents mean well; we are the apple of their eyes. However, that doesn’t mean all is golden. Instead, it’s the opposite. Every parent has a dream to see their child excel.
Therein starts something I have termed the ‘apple of my eye syndrome’, resulting in you applying for every job your parents ask you to.
This syndrome is a well-documented case of how parents affect your career. (and at times, your mental piece)
F.O.M.O.
Sharmaji’s son getting placed in a Government job might be your worst nightmare. After all, it’s my nightmare. Be warned, fear of missing out is a real villain!
Your neighbor getting a good job is a little down for your parents and yourself. It’s tough to understand this sentiment if you aren’t Indian.
There’s always a bit of silent competition involved regarding neighbours. Your neighbour getting a job could become a way to give your CV a refresher.
Lo’ starts the search for courses and tuitions for cracking some uncrackable examination!
That is what F.O.M.O. is for us Indians.
Poor Career Experience
Toxic Bosses. Toxic Workplaces. Toxic Environments. All three combine to make living nightmares. Growing up in such environments can make someone determined to break free of those hurdles.
Parents and friends teach us about the toxic things in life. Even before we look for a job, we want to avoid these three things.
While that may be unavoidable for many, some of us can recognise patterns and get desirable careers.
Afraid of Unemployment
The number of households with only one earning member is growing. Alongside that, over 90% of Indian women are involved in unpaid domestic work at home.
This is just a snapshot of the current scenario in India. People genuinely take any chances they can get. Even holding a job is a mere blessing. That’s the amount of terror people have regarding unemployment.
It might seem that fear of unemployment might not affect future jobs, but it does. This has a significant effect on careers. People often settle for less and allow themselves to be exploited.
How Did My Career Get Influenced?
A human is a social creature, and everything influences it. Learning and not repeating mistakes is the best way to overcome a hurdle. This is how I let myself be impacted, which I recommend for you too. My friends, family, and the people surrounding me influence my career decisions. However, that hasn’t stopped me in any way. This is how I did it:
Learnt from my mistakes.
Never be afraid of failing.
Celebrating the Millennial mindset.
Trying to keep Learning.
Choosing Adaptive Work Places.
We can't expect anything better in a country where employment gets carried over from father to child. However, that doesn’t mean more people aren’t breaking expectations.
How can I tell that? The sheer increase in heartfelt stories of rags to riches is all the proof we need. The sheer number of content creators in India is proof. We are growing our careers in the most diverse ways possible, and there’s no stopping us! So, make that change you deserve and need, in 2023. This Year, choose yourself instead of your family's expectations!
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