Most often your decision about the future is determined and influenced by factors around you. These factors may prove beneficial. But can also have a disastrous effect on your future. Even brilliant students can suffer from the ill effects of such influence. And it can be a career threatening blow that may cause a permanent dent, of which you may not be able to recuperate.
Probably the first of such influences is parents. Parents are definitely more experienced and knowledgeable. Their suggestions help in taking the right decision. But when this suggestion turns to an autocratic dictate, and forces you to do something that you do not wish to, it is harmful. Parents who support the career choice of their children and guide them accordingly, have a favorable effect. But if they instead force their kids to take up a profession that they do not like or are not apt for, then it can lead to a life long negativity in their career. So before you decide to embark on the road shown by parents, thinking, considering and researching, and a bit of adamant streak is essential.
Another influence is your Peer Group. As adolescents, students very easily get carried away by what their friends and elders, seniors, cousins and brothers are doing. And if they can prove the lucrative benefits of a particular career, most youngsters go for the same. It is important to realize that it may be good for the peers because they are sculpted for it or it interests them. It may be the same for you only if you are made for it. A crude example would be of a student with a bent of mind for Literature taking up Engineering. It is evident that such an individual will tend to lose in the long run.
Same hold true for the sparkling influence of successful professionals, relatives, and individuals around you, who have gained materialistically and otherwise by a certain career choice. You should understand that it is hard work that leads to fame and money, and not a profession that sounds dazzling. An actor can be successful only if he knows to cat, and Bill Gates is rich only because he knows the art of what he is doing. If you have the quality and aptitude for anything, it will definitely prove remunerative for you.
Advertising was not a significant factor in decision making till a few years back, especially in small cities and towns. But today students are faced with the adverse effects of advertising wherever they reside. The evils of it can be seen all around. Instant admissions, guaranteed placements, great future promises and other attractive benefits lure students to choose a course, college or stream of study. The false promises most often are harmful for you in the long run. Advertisements should thus be a mere informer, but never the guide. Attractions should not deter you from your path. The blind reliance on ads is seen increasing at an alarming rate.
Guidance should be sought from parents who are supportive and understanding. From elders who can guide you. And from education counselors, who are experienced and aware of the job and career scenario.
