Risk v/s Reward : Choosing the right Career path

There comes a time in a student’s life when he/she has to make a decision, and there’s a fork in the road. In today’s age of multiple opportunities, the decision of career paths seems to be a very difficult one. In a social structure where passion and profession seldom come together, here are a few things to consider while choosing the right career path.

There are inherently two paths to choose from as far as careers go. One might choose to be either an academician or a professional. As an academician, you must have an aptitude towards learning. You must have the innate urge to know, to understand, and to question. Another aspect of an academician’s life is teaching. Some may have a knack for teaching others and others may not.
The life of a professional however, offers a stark contrast. Professionals are solution oriented people who need to get work done in what at times are the strictest of time frames. If you are the type of person that wants to learn things from a practical and real-world point of view, you  are probably more suited to the life of a professional.
The life of an academician is relatively simple- academic scholars might find themselves professors, heads of departments or even principals of educational institutions. It’s a relatively stable life, with much fewer upheavals on a professional level. The life of a professional is much more unstable. Job security is not what it used to be. At every post, there are many others who can take your place. You have to carve out a niche for yourself in the ruthless environment. With this high instability comes a better chance of career growth in terms of monetary gain. An academician can not earn, even at the highest level, as much as a professional can hope to earn at the highest posts.
Another consideration is where you want to settle. While living abroad has it’s benefits in terms of a better infrastructure and a more stable future, living in your home country provides you with a family support system, some people to bank upon in times of need. Living in a country like India is full of uncertainties, travails, and one might easily be put off by the sheer pace of life itself.
In the end, the choice boils down to a simple equation- risk versus reward. While there is an uncertainty associated with every career decision that is made, with confidence, determination and most importantly clarity, anyone with the proper credentials can carve a brilliant career path.

Joohee Shherma

Honest, fun-loving and totally NOT sarcastic. Writer. Hobbyist photographer, dancer, cook. Aspiring Electronics Engineer. Derpina-hater. Anti-anime. Dexter disciple. Totally. Oh yes, I'm a vegan.

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