The Choice Is Yours

A thirst for books, an undying love for various characters and a desire to be buried under books always- this is what drives many students to take up English Literature after school. I am one of them. But before I reached my decision and was firm that I would do Literature, I was confused and in doubt. Not because I doubted my love for the subject or thought I would not do well, but because I knew how the world would react and how they would look at me. These are my true thoughts and feelings. The reaction I got from people when I told them I was sitting for the entrance exam was a trailer of what I’d be getting later on. When people would ask me what I planned to do, I’d tell them I am preparing for Bachelor of Business Studies and they would exclaim loudly and say “that is a very good course”. But then I would add that I’m also preparing for the English entrance exam, they would say “oh, you want to be a teacher?” in a dry voice, with a smirk. Or if not that then they would say in a dismissive voice “what can you do further after English.” They feared I’d have no choices in/for the future except thankless minimalistic jobs.

A point came when I thought I’d do B.Com and be done with it, life ahead would be all set and I wouldn’t have to worry about anything. Then the cut offs came and when my parents asked me if I was sure about B.Com, I said no and told them I wanted to do Literature. And they didn’t argue with me, they didn’t question my decision. They knew where my interests lay and what would make me happy. And I took admission in the course I wanted.  They supported me. Thankfully.

Now I am not worried about those people and their thinking. I am not concerned with what they say about my future because now I know those people don’t know anything. Anyone who is half educated would know that in today’s world there is no longer that question of what one will you do in the future. Anybody and everybody can survive out there. If people are unaware of what the world has evolved into nowadays, then they have no right to poke their elongated noses in these affairs. An educated person who has done a course in literature can easily earn more than those who start at the basic level in some management related job. There are various avenues open for literature students- MBA , advertising, public relations, language related jobs, journalism (print and electronic), editing, university teacher, school teacher, translation and interpretation after learning another language, web designing and creative writing- to name a few. 

Now I really have to say- I’m spoilt for choices.

;-) :D

P.S: To be honest I don't understand why one job is looked down upon and the other one highly revered. Every job is a form of work and work requires energy and power (both mental and physical). So why is it such a bad thing if one earns less than the other? I agree money is a VERY important factor but is not the ONLY factor. If you are happy doing doing what you like and enjoy it, you have more than just those revered green notes. You are content and happy and enjoy life while working. The choice is obviously yours.