'Sharma ji ka beta toh': Why some Indian careers are judged before they are chosen

Sharma ji ka beta: Why Indian careers are judged before they are chosen

In India, a simple question like 'What do you do?' carries significant weight. The answer to this query not only shapes one's social status but also determines the scope of work, potential earnings and societal perception. When young Indians select a career path, are they genuinely pursuing their passions or merely following societal norms?

According to a 2018 Global Education Census by Cambridge International, medicine and engineering continue to be the most popular career choices among Indian students. A staggering 23% of surveyed students aimed to become doctors or dentists, while another 23% yearned to become engineers. The proportion of students interested in software engineering was the highest among all countries studied, accounting for 16% of the total.

Additionally, 8% of students aspired to become scientists, reflecting India's strong interest in scientific careers.

Several factors contribute to these career preferences. Parents and society play a crucial role in influencing career choices. While some students pursue their desired careers due to genuine interest, others are swayed by parental and societal expectations. A 2020 study published in the Int J of Indian Culture and Business Management revealed that parents, peers, and societal expectations significantly impact career choices among Indian youth.

Moreover, a survey conducted by TOI further highlighted the societal perception of different professions. Respondents from sectors such as journalism, medicine, and PR found that society tends to accord greater respect to certain professions, with doctors and IAS/IPS officers emerging as the most prestigious career choices. Interestingly, around 74% of respondents agreed that jobs like nurse, police constable, mechanic, and cab driver do not receive the same level of respect as traditionally prestigious careers in medicine and engineering.

The pressure to choose a career based on its title or status can take a toll on mental health. When asked if the respondents ever felt pressured to select a career primarily due to its status or title, half of them responded affirmatively. Furthermore, more than half of the respondents admitted that their relatives often suggested specific career paths.

Psychologists attribute the pressure to choose a socially accepted career to fear of failure, criticism, comparison, or disappointing one's family. While this fear-driven motivation may not always be overt, it can lead to burnout, frustration, and disengagement among students.

Parents' motivations for influencing career choices vary. For many, a "good" career still implies stability, authority, financial security, and social respect. Affluent families often prioritize social status and community approval, while families with fewer financial resources may prioritize immediate income and financial stability. Some parents may project their own unfinished ambitions or past experiences onto their children, believing they are safeguarding their children from the hardships they themselves faced.

However, the dynamics surrounding career choices are evolving. Parents are becoming more mindful of the pressure they exert on their children and are becoming more supportive of their children's aspirations. Ultimately, if a young professional has received their parents' support, overcome societal pressure, and chosen a career based on their own dreams, they may find true happiness in their chosen path.