[aravindb_0711]

Hey bhpians!
I'm a sixteen year old just entering into 12th grade. I would love to hear some advice from some professionals about the following:
1. My career:
A few years ago, I was dead set that I'd definitely study mechanical engineering and take up a specialization course in automobile engineering due to my deep passion about cars. (I also attend coaching classes for engineering due to this). But this has been changing. I've realized that my interests change frequently. One week, I'd be researching good courses for engineering in Germany, but the in the next week, you'd find me looking up the marks I need to get in NEET to get into reputable universities.

Long story short, I find myself interested in multiple things and I do not know which one to choose. What do I do? I think about engineering for 75% of the time and 25% about being a doctor. My whole family wants me to be a doctor too...

2. My study pattern:
Everything was going perfectly to plan until 10th grade. I scored good marks in my boards and looked forward to learning only my favorite subjects from the 11th grade. But probability thought of different things for me! Mostly locked up at home ever since.

This has drastically changed me from somebody who already used to be a lazy person to someone who does not even care about productive work. Even though I've been through hundreds of articles and books and self improvement, nothing seems to really have an effect!

I am unable to concentrate during my classes and study properly, leading to ever decreasing results in tests. You can guess how my family would react to this.
.........
I have an almost impossible dream of getting into an IIT and developing a career as a race engineer in motorsports. But taking this option may as well render me jobless in the future.

Doctors, engineers and college students who are part of this community, help me decide my career and improve myself to perform well in the future!

[SS-Traveller]

I don't know of a single 16-year-old who is not lazy, does not daydream, and dos not have fluctuating thoughts about being a doctor or engineer or a motor racing driver. Considering that, you are doing fine, and don't need to worry about your future career right away.

These are strange times, so your parents need to accept that their son would be behaving strangely. Which teenager likes being bottled up at home for weeks and months on end?

So, what are your favourite subjects? Your favourite movies? Who are your ideal role models (even cartoon characters are fine)? Once we know your preferences, there can be more focussed advice.

[Thermodynamics]

You may be thinking you are doing the right thing by seeking advice on this forum, but IMHO, this is only going to add more confusion if not skewed by abundance of engineers.

There is nothing right or wrong about any particular field. Medical, Engineering, Science, Law, Language, Arts, Media, Administration or ENTREPRENEUR.

That being said, there are some basic questions you can ask yourself that would help you pick a likely haven.

1. How good are you at Mathematics. It has to be very good to shine in Engineering, Design, Architecture, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and the likes.
2. How good are you financially. Medical field requires significant downtime before you can start earning. It may even take a decade as super speciality is the norm going forward.
3. How good are you at communication, that is important for Legal/Media/Language/Administration etc.

Again, we can always hone our skills given time and commitment. So my only advice is, choose it yourself to the best of your liking/affordability and own it.

[TheHelix0202]

Take it easy. Relax, breathe. Been there, done that; it'll get better, trust me. Focus on your calculus for now. Can't stress enough on how messy it is if you don't pay / haven't paid attention, use the internet if you have to. You can always take a drop year after 12th, or even write both NEET and JEE and then decide what to study later on. If you're going abroad for your Undergraduate degree, look up details regarding SAT or any other specific exams that may be necessary.

There's no wrong path. Only a wrong mindset. Of course, a bit of common sense and luck are required in the determining of your career trajectory too.

[Red Liner]

Once the pandemic is dead, go for a long long backpacking trip in the upper himalayas of Uttarakhand and Himachal. Keep aside 2 months. Shoe string budget. Sleep anywhere. Make friends with everyone.

Then see where life takes you.

[avingodb]

I am 40 and a midcareer teacher at a university. I find that my productivity levels have dropped considerably as the lockdown has progressed. Plus the last 2 months have been terrible where one was hit by tragic news day after day. So you are not alone and be kind on yourself.

On careers, I keep telling my students this too. Do something that you enjoy doing the most and money will follow. If you follow a career path depending on the best salaries burnout is possible.

Maybe take a break year after 12th doing multiple short internships in diverse fields to explore what you really like. A lot of my students are doing that too.

[GTO]

Great call in creating this thread , and welcome aboard. Some really smart BHPians have already given you excellent advice.

Don't stress too much, kiddo. None of us knew what we wanted to do when we were 16. My sister today is a Managing Director at a Big 4 firm. Before she entered the auditing world, she had flunked her 12th (science), got into fashion designing (NIFT), started a furniture business and worked in the export business.

Speaking for myself, I spent a couple of years in Dad's plywood business, the education business and finally, Team-BHP. In my MBA, I was consistently scoring 3.7 - 4.0 GPAs (90 - 100%), but in my 10th? I got a lousy 50%. From not knowing how to use MS word or excel in 2001, I went on to create this website 3 years later.

Right now, just focus on the fundamentals. You don't know where life will take you. New career opportunities will emerge and the science / business / technological environments will keep changing. But yes, 4 things I can tell you:

1. Whatever you choose to do, do it well. I like to think that I can review cars well. But its not just because I am working in the area of my "passion". When I was selling plywood (hardly a passionate industry), I was a heck of a plywood salesman.

2. Don't forget to have fun. Look forward to your driving licence, date some wonderful gals, party hard, take holidays with your parents etc. It's these memories that make a special life.

3. Don't slack. Work hard, play hard. Read. Meet. Exercise. Learn new things like public speaking (being a good orator will take you places).

4. If unsure of career, pick a stream that gives you a ton of opportunities. I chose an MBA in Marketing because - armed with that knowledge - I could start a business in any stream or industry. It was "general" business knowledge versus something very specialised. Specialised is awesome when you are absolutely sure of what you want to do; I wasn't. Hell, I came back to India with the idea of starting a car dealership and had even thought of the name "Rush Honda".

If you become smart (study, read, learn, interact) & are willing to work hard, you will succeed in any line of work (just like Schumacher could drive any F1 car fast). At 16, focus on the building blocks & fundamentals, but again, don't forget to have fun!

[dhanushs]

Originally Posted by aravindb_0711

..............

I am unable to concentrate during my classes and study properly, leading to ever decreasing results in tests. You can guess how my family would react to this.
.........
I have an almost impossible dream of getting into an IIT and developing a career as a race engineer in motorsports. But taking this option may as well render me jobless in the future.

Doctors, engineers and college students who are part of this community, help me decide my career and improve myself to perform well in the future!

Understanding the problem is the first step to a solution. Most 16 year olds don’t even know they are skewed or not, and have chest full of confidence. Congratulations, you are well on the path to success.

As for your problem. I’d suggest reading everyday a habit. Read non-fiction books. You will get to know where you stand. Also, while choosing a professional course don’t just go by how it ‘sounds’. Everything is available online today, go ahead and check out the syllabus and some modules of the course. If you think you will love studying it, go ahead.

Also. Make sure to see the world as how it is. Make sure to do what has to be done at each age. Never regret what you’ve done. Have a lot of fun and passion in life.

[gkveda]

The way you have written this post, the way you have put forth your problems in the post clearly proves that you have
1. Very good clarity of thoughts
2. You know what you want to do in your life and career.

Sometimes, while driving, the fog will create a barrier to see the road and you feel you can't drive anymore. This is exactly what has happened to you. All of us know the fog vanishes the moment there is a sunshine. So, just wait for the sunshine.

Talk to your parents, siblings and friends to spend quality time when you are away from study desk. When you are at your desk, forget everything and think about only your text book and subject in hand as your world. Avoid Mobile phones, internet and social media. The subjects get deeper after your 10th standard.it requires 25 times more focus in 12th standard to secure same percentage of your 10th standard.

Regarding your ambitions to study engineering and parents aspirations of you becoming doctor, I suggest you to sit with them to discuss your thoughts and come to a conclusion. They are your God. Respect them and NEVER EVER disregard them. This will give you immense strength to cross any barrier in life and achieve what ever you want. Getting IIT seat is just a cake walk. Don't ever think it to be unachievable.

[roy_libran]

My advice, albeit philosophical -


Spend your time and effort to find that one thing that holds your attention for substantially more than a one-nighter, spend a few years exploring it's depths while you yourself mature, without caring about prospects or consequences, before finally committing to exploring even deeper for the foreseeable future ahead.
This holds for both careers and women!

And don't worry if you can't nail either at 16, 26, 36, or even 56 - you get the drift?

[2000rpm]

Originally Posted by GTO

Right now, just focus on the fundamentals. You don't know where life will take you. New career opportunities will emerge and the science / business / technological environments will keep changing. But yes, 4 things I can tell you:

Like a lot of senior BHPians have told you, you can worry, but do not panic.

Let me tell you, a lot of us in the 30s, 40s and 50s also do not know our true calling. Not everyone can be Ken Miles or Sachin Tendulkar.

Whatever you do, give it your best shot. Engineering, Medical, Commerce. Any field you get into, be sincere and you should be fine.

Also, like GTO mentioned, do learn new things, meet new people. This is the age to learn new things. Things which I learned at 18 in one week, would take me more than a couple of weeks now to learn. (example - Volley ball).

[KL01toKA03]

I was in a similar dilemma 18 years back with a "small" difference. I wasn't good in studies. I was hoping and praying to clear my board exams, while my parents (both post-graduates and holding respectable jobs) were thinking about which engineering college to choose. Medicine was thankfully ruled out, because they knew that I did not have any chance at getting an admission or completing it. Engineering was chosen, even though I did not understand the basics of differentiation and integration. I somehow managed to clear the course in 5 years. However, I was able to get a job easily, and now I am earning much more than most of my classmates, and doing work which I find interesting.

I don't know if my experience would be relevant in your case, but I tell children who ask me for advice to think if they are passionate about any particular field. If yes, try to learn that. It is also important to think about how much time/effort/money it will take to complete studies, and what you expect to do after that. Engineering is a safe choice, considering the number of employment opportunities or prospects for higher studies. Medicine is not a safe choice unless you are confident about clearing the entrance exams for MD/MS and DM/MCh. If you are interested in medicine, joining the armed forces makes life easier while trying for admission in post-graduate courses.

Think about what you find interesting, discuss all your concerns with your parents, analyze the risks and rewards, and decide.

[superguy282]

A lot of really good advice has been given here, I can't help you on whether you want to become a Doctor or Engineer, as that's something I believe is entirely your decision, something you have to put your foot down about and I don't have any sort of experience to comment about either. What I can do though is help you get some clarity for the upcoming year. I was in the exact same position when my 12th started 14 months ago. 11th went really well, I was taking studies seriously unlike quite a few people who termed 11th a 'rest' year, and there was steady progress. There were still doubts in my mind about my short term future i.e which exams to give, what course to take up, do I leave the city or stay, do I dedicate everything to JEE or do I divide it to get a good overall chance at various colleges, yada yada yada. And then the lockdown happened. Studies quite literally went for a toss. We all know just how concentrated and focused we were listening to online classes, just how seriously we gave tests and how the overall uncertainty looming over our head screwed up our motivation. So as someone who'll soon be facing various entrance exams, especially in the light of cancellation of board exams and who's attempted 2 attempts of JEE, I have a few things that I could've done better on the top of my mind.

1. To do or not to do

I have always had second thoughts about JEE. Is IIT really something for me? Now don't get me wrong there's a very good reason there's such a massive cut throat race that takes place every year to get into it, but what you have to figure out is whether or not it's for you. What's your primary motivation to go to IIT, How's the branch your interested in, Where's the branch your interested in better among the various campuses of IIT, Do you wish to go to IIT simply to get that on your Resume, etc. You should look it up and fix up a goal ASAP. I've just taken IIT here as an example, it could be any college for that matter. But my point is, fix it up now. It can be vague, such as giving certain entrance exams and trying for certain colleges. Don't think you'll take it in your stride as it comes along, as that leaves regrets which can be either way of "Why did I waste my time on this" or "Why didn't I give more time to this". You either give it your all, or don't give anything at all after careful consideration of your options and manage your time and resources elsewhere. The more dedicated you are early on, the better chance you'll have to achieve whatever your goal is, whilst giving you the direction you seek.

2. Persistence

As I said earlier, our studies are in more or less of a mess right now, with some people better off than others, in your stage however, all I can stress upon is persistence. No matter how little, even if it's just a teeny tiny bit, study everyday. Atleast go through your textbooks everyday. This may not seem like much right now, but man is it helpful later on when you realise the 'Postponed until further notice' exam is suddenly going to be held a month later. This probably was one decision that came like a guardian angel in times of need.

3. Outreach

Talk. Just like you've started up this thread, initiate conversations IRL especially with people who are in the same boat. You many not think it, but your friends are going through exactly what your going through, regardless of how smug they may look :P. All it takes is one word about how studying sucks these days and you realise that's it's just as bad for everyone. This is quite reassuring and helps ease out the 'Why is everything going wrong with me' feeling.

4. Relaxation

Take a break once in a while, watch some movie, get into that show you've been wanting to watch or just go outside and touch some grass. Doing something other than studying is just as important. Without running the risk of violating the 3rd point I mentioned, if your on a schedule to complete x% of syllabus in y days include break days according to your leisure. Don't overdo it, make sure it's just enough so that you don't get burned out and quit doing anything for a month.


I went on a tangent here, your looking for directions and I emphasized the need for them and what to do after you do get them, but I hope this helps, even in the future. If you want you can PM me anytime!

[Rajeevraj]

Originally Posted by aravindb_0711

Hey bhpians!
I'm a sixteen year old just entering into 12th grade. I would love to hear some advice from some professionals about the following:

Just making a few comments(can also be considered advice)- Only my personal opinion.

• What you feel is totally understandable and considering these pandemic times also expected. It is a challenging time for every single person in some way or the other. And as a 16 year old who would normally spending most of your time outdoors and with friends, it would be even harder. So don't be too hard on yourself.
  
• You mentioned you are a good student, bring back the focus on your studies, it is an important year and there is no point wasting it. Think positively, lockdowns should end sooner than later, and you can get back to school and your friend circle.
  
• Don't worry too much about career and IIT and all now. It seems fairly clear that you seem to prefer engineering. Pick a branch that you think you like, there are 100's of good colleges all around, focus on getting into any one of them. A lot of colleges provide a lot of flexibility on the subjects to pick, when to study it, extra activities etc.. (personal experience from my niece studying engineering in VIT). It is much easier than before to learn and build your expertise in areas you like.
  
• See where your interests take you, you can always specialize in a field post an engineering degree. It need not be fixed the day you enter a college.
  
• Don't become a doctor because someone wants you to be. It is an important profession and you really really need to be fully invested in it not only for your sake, but also for your patients.
  
• Talk to your parents, understand and address the concerns they have and put forth your thoughts also. Hopefully they understand. As I mentioned in the first point, I am sure they are going through their own lockdown challenges.
  
• If there are any hobbies you have, pick them up again. There are threads for pretty much everything in the forum. Those might rekindle your interest in things you have stopped/have lost interest

Wish you all the best

[richie4u]

My dad always told me , You want to be an Engineer , Doctor, or even be a Carpenter but be the best one there is. Today , you my friend are in a skill oriented world where more than just "knowing" what to do is not enough, its actually "doing" is what is important.

Many of my fellow Bhpians senior to me have advised you well and you need to understand the crux of their experience and where the advise is coming from. They've all been there and have faced a dilemma that you seem to be in. I have been there too, being the top ranker in the entire University in my state, awarded at the hands of the President infront of all the University, today I still question my decision sometimes.

So trying to summarise my rant, I'd say relax, take sometime to decide, dont get into a rat race.Its not worth it. It's a cross to bear with for a lifetime so choose wisely, and even if you choose wrong the first time, its never late to change.