Career path: who decides - you or your parents?

I saw 3 idiots recently (one of the brilliant films ever made in Bollywood) - while the movie focussed on the lives of 3 friends it also spoke about the importance of career.

Who should decide what you want to do in life? Your parents?
The answer is NO (in capitals!) Parents are there to guide you but it is "you" who should decide what you want to do in life. Your father might say "you should become a doctor or an engineer or a businessman like me!" Well, if you have an inclination for any of the careers mentioned by your dad then go for it! But if you have an inclination or liking for something else then DO NOT MAKE THE MISTAKE OF FOLLOWING YOUR FATHERS FOOTSTEPS. You will curse your father or your parents for the rest of your life. Why would you want to curse your father for your MISTAKE?

Parents might go against you for choosing the career of your choice - not because they are selfish but because they care for you and want you to be successful. Also, our society as such is not aware of the new openings or opportunities that exist in today's market. I am sure things will change on that front in the next 10 years!

The basic funda is that one must choose a career of his/her choice. By "choice" I mean things that you are "good" at or things that "you like doing". If writing is your "passion" then get a degree in "Arts" and make a career out of it. There are so many options available - creative writer, author, copywriter, ghost writer, journalist, etc. If you love "photography" then do a course in photography - there are so many good institutes in India as well as abroad - just go for it! Don't think about people - they will not be paying for your studies - your father would be.

One can aspire to be a "wildlife photographer", "fashion photographer", "cinematographer", etc.

In short, one must choose a carreer that suits him/her the best - do what you like doing the most (can be anything under the sun). Do not think about people - you will be the one laughing at them once you become successful in your respective career.

Listen to your heart and go for it! Excel in whatever you do - success will come to you on its own!