I am an avid reader of your column. My education and career have been a complete roller coaster ride. I completed a diploma in rubber technology. I was not interested but my father’s unexpected death when I was just 13 and no jobs for graduates in 1983 forced me to take up a diploma. I then worked in tyre industries for 10 years. Then I went to Dubai and worked as a warehouse supervisor for six years and came back to India, but didn’t get a job in the tyre industry.
So I took one more turn and worked in BPO and rose to the position of team leader. Then my brother-in-law called me to the Middle-East again in 2009. I worked there as warehouse supervisor. I lost my job due to the recession and came back to India in July 2016.
Finding a job was very difficult. After unemployment for nearly a year I got job as a correspondent for a local media company in August, and I am now earning ₹18,000. In addition, I am pursuing a post-graduate diploma in guidance and counselling.
This is just a one-year course which I will complete this June. I have sufficient bank balance, my own house, no liabilities, and my wife works as a lecturer in private college.
Should I continue my present job and check the option of working as counsellor part-time? Full-time is not possible as there are not many opportunities, and I cannot work with young girls and boys, as I have rugged looks and am 6 feet tall. I also intend to continue my graduation in psychology. What is your opinion? Please guide. — Aithappa
That’s been ONE long roller-coaster ride indeed and hats off to you. Well done! You have showcased your strength, courage, grit and determination brilliantly. Varied changes, a difficult life and many job situations must make your life so rich with learning, knowledge and experience. You come across as someone who perseveres, is responsible, adaptable, hard working and brutally honest. You also seem content with your present job.
Congratulations on your PGD course. This is good, however; it might be a mere certification is my hunch. Where will you gain your ‘experience’ of treating clients and understand the ‘why’ of their problems?
Completing your graduation is a fantastic thought. The University Of Madras – Institute of Distant Education might be a great place to start.
Use this time to equip yourself with all necessary courses, credentials and training that you need for a career as a part-time counsellor. Opportunities will present themselves all the time but it’s important to have the right certifications, training and know-how before you can start on your own. Once you complete your course, look at interning with a reputed, qualified practising counsellor where you can train and sharpen your basic skill sets. Lastly, physical features are hardly a deterrent in our profession, especially if you are brilliant at your work, confident with your art and genuine to the cause of empowering your clients.
I’m 22. I graduated with an engineering degree last year. But I have no interest in making it a career. I spent a year studying French and dance thinking it would motivate me to do something. Unfortunately, it didn’t. Now I want to do a master’s in social work.
I’m not a people’s person but I really want to do something good with my life. I just have the thought of doing this degree, but haven’t taken a single step towards it. It’s too terrifying to even think about convincing my parents about it. I have no motivation at all except to watch things related to it. — Kavya
You seem to be really confused and all over the place, my dear! I think it would help you to go to a qualified guidance and career counsellor to clear your mind. I understand that you want to contribute by doing something for others and feel good in the bargain. That’s a great plan, but unfortunately, one cannot pour from an empty cup. Identify what you would like to do and then do it with your heart. Fix a timeline and meet a competent professional who can help you.
I am 24 years old. I completed my M.Com last year and I am currently preparing for competitive exams. I have even joined a coaching class for UPSC. I want to get a job and achieve something in life. But my problem is I do not have goals. I am usually too lazy or uninterested in making any efforts. My parents are very supportive and encourage me but I still end up doing nothing. I want to see my parents happy and help them financially but cannot start studying. But studying is the only way I can achieve anything. Please help. — Stuti
I believe that you are interested but perhaps not motivated enough. You wouldn’t have taken the trouble to write to me otherwise.
Getting a job and achieving something in life is a ‘goal’, wanting to see your parents happy and helping them out financially is also another ‘goal’. But there seems to be lack of consistency and passion. Signing up for UPSC tutorials but not studying sincerely for the same — are you sure you are passionate about this as your career choice? Please spend some thought on this and hopefully you will get a clearer direction.
Many people criticise me because of my attitude and behaviour. I usually stay silent, but I don’t fear talking to people. But my silence is misunderstood: people keep on saying that I’m afraid of talking to those around me. What should I do? — Venkata
A silent boy can be ‘quiet’ in the company of certain friends, peers, relatives, siblings and/or parents but that is no indicator of you being an introvert or that you are afraid of talking to people.
Who are these people who criticise you? Are they important to you? Maybe they are not of your wavelength and do not share the same interests, so there is really nothing common or fun to talk to them about. Maybe you also don’t make small talk.
That is YOU — be yourself and feel comfortable in your own skin! If they are not significant and important, don’t waste your time over them, I am sure there is enough that needs your time and attention. Take care and be strong!
Disclaimer: This column is not a substitute for long-term therapy. It is merely a guiding voice. Some issues may need medical intervention.
The author is a practising counsellor and a trainer. She has worked extensively with students and young adults across a range of issues. She will answer questions sent to eduplus.thehindu@gmail.com. The subject line should be: ‘Off the edge’
