The Career Dilemma
When we were kids, we wanted to become a doctor, engineer, singer, actor, et cetera. But when the time comes to choose a career, can we afford to casually choose our future? Or should we sincerely use our wisdom to make the right career choice? Read this story of Anuradha, Shivam and Upasana to find out how you can draw on your strengths and talents to choose a rewarding career.
The 8th grade students were very excited. It was the day of career pop quiz. The quiz was designed to tell them what career would suit them considering their talents and interests. Anuradha and her friend Upasana were busy guessing what results they would get.
Anuradha asked Upasana, “What do you think we will get? I want a career with a good paycheck and lots of power.”
Upasana looked up at her and thoughtfully replied, “That’s not right Anuradha. You should focus on your talents and abilities. That way success is guaranteed.”
Anuradha wanted power to boss over everybody else. She casually explained, “With power, I will get the ability to get things done. Whatever I won’t be able to do, I will simply delegate.”
The bell rang. Both of them hurried to the class. The test was simple. It consisted of questions like your future goals, your hobbies, your preferences and some academic questions to judge student’s talents.
The teacher instructed them to answer all the questions honestly. They should not be biased towards a particular career. They should not answer based on what they would like to do. Anuradha was biased towards a powerful and money-minting career. She always wanted to become a politician. She tried hard to attempt the quiz in a way that was sure to get her desired result.
When the results were announced, Anuradha got financial advisor as the most suitable career option for her. She hated accounts. Although she scored good marks in it, she considered it a boring subject meant for clerks. There was no way that she would like to become a financial advisor.
She decided to talk to the school counsellor Mr. Shivam. He was a considerate and wise man. She told him the whole story and her views. Mr. Shivam asked her, “Why do you want to be a politician, Anuradha?”
Anuradha replied, “They are so powerful and make lots of money. I want power and money. Clearly this is the best career for me.”
Mr. Shivam smiled and replied, “Anuradha you are being short-sighted. You are only considering those things that you want now. Ten years from now these things will not matter much. But, a stable career would. Politicians don’t have a stable career. Those who are lucky enough to win are powerful for some years. After that, most of them become nobody, especially those who misuse power. And remember, real politicians don’t go after power; they want to serve humanity and make life better for everyone. Besides, politics is not a main career option. In a democracy, anyone can become a politician at any time. You can think about it when you are mature enough,” Mr. Shivam paused, took a deep breath, and then continued his passionate lecture.
“You must have read stories about magicians. Long, long ago, magicians used to be the most powerful persons. Everyone from the common people to the kings used to seek their advice. But have you heard of any magician now? They are almost extinct. About a few centuries back, priests used to be the most powerful men, more than the kings were. Same way we don’t know how long politicians will last. Even now, very few politicians command respect. Possibly in two or three decades politicians may also become powerless if not extinct. Just think about the present status of the powerful politicians of 2000. Who would have imagined that Gaddafi, the king of kings would be found in a drain pipe and killed like a dog? Who would have ever believed that Saddam Hussein would be found in a hole on the ground? Who would have thought that superrich and powerful Hosni Mubarak would be brought to the Court on his sick bed? The world is slowly becoming truly democratic, and democracy does not require powerful politicians. In true democracy, power is vested in the people and politicians are people’s servants. Not the other way round.”
Anuradha seemed to be at a complete loss for words as she tried to digest the mind-boggling facts. And she herself was aware of the sad fate of many other powerful past politicians. She expectantly stared at the school counsellor.
Mr. Shivam could judge that now the stubborn, ignorant teen was ready for advice. So, he counselled her, “On the other hand, money is here to stay forever. And everyone needs advice on how to manage money. A financial advisor is also powerful and rich. Moreover, this career line is secure and stable. You are good in mathematics. You told me you don’t like accounts. But I have seen your results. You get good marks in it. You should play your strengths. If you can get good marks in accounts when you don’t like it, imagine what wonders you will be able to do if you start liking it. Remember, you should have a future plan. Start thinking with reference to your future plan. Whatever I am saying will make sense when you will appreciate what you would like to be in 10-15 years from now.”
Anuradha understood and realized her mistake in time. Today, she is a very successful financial advisor. She is making big money by advising others how to make money. What’s more, she got her wish. She is rich and powerful.