The NEW ‘convention’ of today’s career choices

Success in Careers | June 13, 2011 | Share

“It’s not what you achieve, it’s what you overcome.” That’s what defines your career.

There were times when simply graduatng was considered a big academic achievement, there were times when being appointed to a govt. job was a reason for celebrating, and times where getting a job was next to being ‘educated’.

There’s no pre-conceived definition of ‘traditional’ courses as such but to a layman it projects as - ‘something that’s secure, pursued-since-ages, and esteemed.’ They are (were) considered as a ‘play-safe’ option as getting a job and high pay (biggest misconception of being ‘educated’) were guaranteed here, and saying “my son’s an engineer/ doctor/ govt. officer now!” was every parent’s pride.

The earth revolved to the new millennium and the Indian ‘education’ arena witnessed a revolution! The youth now was not only centralised to career options that were strictly academic but opened up to the ’adventurous’ avenue too. Yes, the so-called ‘unconventional’ careers were ‘in’.

Now these career options are coming in the mainstream and gaining acceptance among all.
Simply because these out-of-the-box career options are not just lucrative but also attractive.
It includes EVERY sane/insane work under the sun! Be it writing, photography (abstract, fashion, wildlife), designing (jewelry, shoes, websites), food reviewing, DJing, acting, journalism, tatoo art, bar-tending, event management….just name it and it’s there on the list!

Such jobs help emanate one’s talents and help them grow too. It helps one realize that pursuing an unusual talent is not just a waste of time as was hammered to them in schools. It ushers an adrenaline rush that drives one to do his/her best in their fields. The main trait that traditional careers lack! Such unconventional jobs are mostly taken up by people who have the courage to follow their hearts.

People who realize early on that their real calling lies in not following the herd mentality but carving a career niche for themselves would go for these jobs. Odd jobs require a blend of passion, hard-work and perseverance too ’cause one should not forget talent needs time to grow and get a recognition.

These fields do not offer linear growth, are full of uncertainties and some have to struggle for years to get a foothold, but the mantra for success lies in remaining focused and not letting initial failures bog one down.

If you follow the crowd, you are likely to get no further than the crowd;
If you walk alone, you’re likely to end up in places no one has ever been before!

So dear reader,

Unleash your talent, realize your dream,
Wake up to the dawn, carve you own destiny,
Express to impress, feel the new breeze,
Just let it go, to explore where to go,
’cause UNCONVENTION is the new TRADITION!!

Neha Ubana