At a crossroads

With low graduation scores, I haven’t got any placement. I searched for a job and found one but turns out it is a BPO, though they keep telling me it's not a BPO job. I tend to think a lot but not act. I want to pursue a government job but feel it's a huge risk and involves a lot of competition. I am desperate to start a new life. Please help.

Aakash Upadhyay

Dear Aakash,

You obliviously seem frustrated with your current job and life. I sense huge complacency creeping in as well and you are not happy. The time is NOW! Make the most of your life right now when you are young and you can set the foundation of what you would want to reap in the future. Set a goal and an achievable target for yourself to start anew, afresh and take up the government job exams with new zest and motivation. The choice is always yours! “Past is Past, you cannot change it, you can only look forward to the future”! Good Luck!

I am completing class XI. I like to click pictures, take videos, combine them through video editing software, and present them as a short documentary. This is my interest, hobby and passion. I can’t live in peace without doing any of these tasks. I would like to take up a multimedia course after class XII, as an offbeat path. But I am confused whether it is right to do so. Please advise.

Kushal Dasgupta

Dear Kushal,

What a wonderful email I am so happy that you are so aware of what you love and are passionate about. God bless! There is huge scope with your passion and interests post your class XII. There are many good institutes and colleges in India and overseas that offer an array of interesting courses – certifications, diplomas and degrees that you could consider for your undergraduation - videography training for multimedia, animation, photography, videography, art of telling a story – via script, screenplay, direction, editing, music, virtual reality engineering, shooting and editing digital videos and short films, film making - film production, film editing, script writing, documentary film making, etc.,to name a few. Ensure that it is from an institute of repute and that they have some good alumni credentials. Also, read through the course and curriculum choices in detail to ensure that you resonate with the subjects and this is what you want to do in the full programme. You can follow this up with an internship at a production house / director / editor / scriptwriter closer to completion of your coursework. Wishing you the very best!

I am sharing with you a link. Do you think I can become an actor? I am now preparing for competitive examinations (Bank and SSC). I have done theatre for about six months and completed graduation in BSc Hons. Biochemistry from DU.

- Lakshay Nagpal

Dear Lakshay,

Thank you for sharing the video clip. It was brilliant, to say the least. Very well done indeed. I have no doubt that you cannot become a successful actor, however, you need to be practical and not only romantic about this dream. There are millions who nurture fondest dreams of becoming blockbuster heroes in Bollywood but then there is only one SRK, Salman and Varun. I feel you must give your competitive entrance exams your very best right now and see what doors can open for you. It will get you a foothold to stay confident, economically stable and boost your self-esteem.

However, do not give up on your acting and theatre classes. Continue doing what helps you express yourself – be who you are – in fact, get a portfolio clicked and send it to modelling agencies, casting offices – take part in auditions, contests and shows that can help showcase your good work to the right people and agents in Bollywood. I am sure one day, not so far away, you will be able to showcase your talent to the world.

All the best!

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’.