Career choosing, My Decision or Parent Decision?

Career guidance remains a tricky issue in many household.


Parents want the best for their children, which is understandable. However, when it comes to careers, they at times tend to push careers down their children's throats. While some children will play along, others never fully recover from being forced to follow a career path they are not passionate about.
  
Below are the views of some parent and children the writer sampled; 


 "Nobody knows your choices,interests and capabilities better than you yourself, not even your parents.That's why you should be the one deciding your future/career".

"Of course taking suggestions from our parent, is never harmful,they can always give you ideas and put up their views but ultimately you should be the one deciding ".

"But if you are going against your parent's wishes,then prove them wrong when they say you can't succeed in that field.Once you have taken up something, show them that your choice was never wrong.Be ready and work hard to prove yourself right only ". 

 

"In my opinion parents have some role to play in the future of their children, rather than children taking a decision on their own .....its better if they discuss with their parents ".

  "Though we say there is generation gap in thinking ... but at times we need to accept that they have seen the world more than their children. Instead of going against their will and wish... its better if u
you convince them as to why you want to take that decision,so that they will also be satisfied and happy. After all, they are our parents ". 
 
"My ex and I decided that our son would grow up and be an Entomologist. We based this on his new born personality due to his curiosity. My ex and I never actually told him about our prediction because we saw it as more of a prediction then anything else. Today he is 6 and if you ask him what he wants to be he will tell you “A Gynecologist, because I want to make sure uteruses are healthy” . He will again go on to say  “something involving bugs”, so I guess there is still hope for our prediction. (i.e. an entomologist is bug scientist) "

"Parents shouldn't choose careers for their children but I believe there is a constructive role they can play. Who are better than your parents to evaluate you critically but lovingly? "

  "Parents of children with learning disabilities should be involved in helping their children think about work and explore careers. Academic achievement is important, but it should not be considered the most important part of the child's life. It is a means to an end. The end is a satisfying adulthood where your child can make a contribution ".


 "I believe that everyone has the right to choose what they wish to do with their lives. Different people enjoy different things, and your job should honestly be something you love. If not, then you are definitely in the wrong field".

This is not an exhaustive debate so comment are warmly welcome.

 

By: Francisca Stokes