A Job You Can Love
June 2011
Twelve-year-old Krish was full of his day in school at the dinner table.
“My Miss asked us to write an essay on what we wanted to do when we grow up,” he told his parents importantly. “So what did you write?” asked his father. “I wrote that I wanted to be a doctor,” replied Krish. “Do you really want to be a doctor?” asked his mother. “Not really, but Miss herself told us to choose between being a doctor, a software engineer or a pilot.” “Well,” said his father. “Earlier, parents expected their children to take on jobs that paid well or had status or security. But many parents today realise that the work you do is your chief contribution to the world, and therefore you should do something that you are good at and that you will enjoy.” “Really?” asked Krish, bemused by this novel way of looking at work. “But will it pay?” “Is Mahendra Dhoni not making money? Is AR Rehman not making money? Is Aamir Khan not making money?” countered his father. “And they are all doing what they enjoy and are tremendously good at.” “Wow,” said Krish. “So what am I really good at, Dad?” “At pulling faces and my plaits,” said his eight-year-old sister, Anjali, derisively.” “That’s not all he is good at,” said their father, looking admonishingly at Anjali. “He is a terrific tennis player for one.” “He draws very well too,” added his mother. “You mean I can make a career out of tennis or art? asked Krish disbelievingly. “Sure, you can,” said his Dad, “If you are willing to work hard enough on either of them.” “Dad, I dream of becoming an artist. I just so love to capture the beauty of nature or life on paper. Do you think I could really be an artist when I grow up?” “I don’t see why not,” said his Dad. “To be able to make a living out of what you love is one of the greatest privileges we can have and today our society is increasingly recognising that we need a spectrum of gifted people in every sphere and not just in IT or medicine.” Dad added, smiling, “So the next time you are asked to write an essay on what you want to be, you know what you will write, right? “Artist!” exclaimed Krish, with a sparkle in his eyes.
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