My Way or the Highway

Photo: Kazi Tahsin Agaz Apurbo

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life" 
– Unknown.

The above quote has two problems. First, it is often misattributed to Confucius. Second, most of us never pay heed to it anyway! 

This is a month when it seems necessary to rub the dust off this quotation. Last month when people got their HSC and A Level results. Now that the joy (and the omnipresent V-sign by those who have earned GPA 5!) or the melancholy have subsided, it is time to make a big decision.

What would you like to do with your life? What would you want to be? Most students 'instinctively' decide on studying medicine, engineering, BBA and a few other common subjects, – often forced by parents, friends and society. But that's clearly not the way you should make such a decision. 
  
Find Out What You Love Doing
Steve Jobs once said, "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I'm about to do today." Study a subject you are passionate about. If you haven't discovered it yet, search for subjects online and see if any of them clicks. Courses as varied as zoology to journalism to aviation (remember that childhood dream of becoming a pilot?) to archaeology are offered at institutions in our country. 

And for the moment, put the financial aspect aside. It's better to be in a job that you love that pays fine than be in a miserable job that pays a lot. If you love the field you are in, success is bound to follow.   

Don't Be Afraid to Go Against the Flow
While pursuing to become a doctor, lawyer or engineer may provide a sense of security – as they are deemed as 'safe' and 'respective' careers – you will not be able to excel if your heart calls out for, say, fine arts. The future might seem very vague now, and your parents might not want you to take that 'unstable' road. Convince them (more importantly, convince yourself) and take that leap of faith.

Question Everything, Even the Idea of Going Against the Flow
Writing or painting is not for everyone, though. Just like the fact that some jobs are seen as desirable by society, there are jobs reputed as 'cool' or 'artistic'. Many people from such backgrounds look down upon 'mainstream' students and professionals. "Oh! You are a banker. You have no life." Or, "So you want to study BBA? That's the most common thing ever." This too, is an incorrect way of looking at things: going against the flow is not your goal; studying and being in a job that you love, is. If studying BBA or being a banker is actually something you think you will enjoy, go ahead with it.

Make an Informed Decision 
Keep in mind that you have to study the subject you choose for at least 4 years, and, that period is sometimes followed by a life-long career in that field. If you do not like your course and later your job, it is a trap that might last a lifetime. So choose wisely.