In the 21st century, children and teenagers are given utmost freedom to choose their preferences, whether it be career , gender, or style of living. During the 1980s, most of the teenagers would walk on the path that their parents forged for them, which would either be a doctor or an engineer or any career choice involving a parent approval, but today the scenario has drastically transformed children are given the choice to choose their field And choose what they want to pursue when they grow up.Whether it be a lawyer, an artist, a psychologist, a dancer, and attorney or a musician.

A Change in Mindset: From Limited to Limitless Options

In the post-independence era of India, people had the mindset where only two career options prevailed and anything below that just meant that the child was a failure, professions like dancing, artist, or writers were heavily looked down upon and have the stereotype of not being good enough This old and rigid mindset limited students to reach their full potential as they were suppressed and never had a choice of their own . The huge difference between then versus now is the role of women in society .

Our society traditionally was dominated by men in all sectors like hospitality, entertainment, education or science. The modernisation of society resulted not only in more freedom for students but also for the women which encouraged them to discover their own identity and start working.

Today we can find women and girls working and competing with men in all sectors including airfare, politics or sports.

Freedom of Choice and Its Impact

Today, when a child is asked, what do you want to be when you grow up? Answers like diplomat, astronaut, lawyer or something in the liberal arts is prone to come up. This changed mindset of the new age of Indian teenagers and parents has heavily contributed to the growth of different sectors in India. Although this modern thought process helps students to grow and make their own decisions, it also has a big impact on teenage delinquents and joblessness .

Due to the huge decision making power in hands of students the percentage of dropouts from schools or colleges has increased significantly . The pros and cons of this approach for letting students forge their own path has also helped parents get involved with their children breaking the stereotypes that teenagers are usually distant and secretive.

These days students have also started to support their parents by joining small state ventures or clubs like internships , part time jobs or starting a small business.

The Informed and Ambitious Youth

The youth today is encouraged and aware of everything that is going on around the world. This awareness has motivated them to take their own action which often turns to career paths like activism or advocacy. It is also necessary to acknowledge the other side of the coin where such freedom and opportunity has led to irrational decisions resulting in teenage delinquency or huge disagreements between children and their parents.

In order to decide a field a child has to start exploring his or her interests from an early age . Learning several vocational skills , experiencing extra curriculars , choosing subjects out of the common circle and learning new techniques and languages has helped teenagers develop their own knowledge and skill set which immensely helps them in choosing an appropriate career path.

Along with an evolving mindset , the job opportunities have also opened up for young adults to go and explore . Careers in the field of design, psychology, artificial intelligence or foreign policy have expanded rapidly giving teenagers abundant opportunities and access to working towards something they like .

Expanding Job Opportunities in the Modern Era

The stereotyped jobs of working 9 to 5 is slowly disappearing and teens are breaking the cycle followed by their parents and working towards a new life. Even today, many people carry the mindset that there is nothing beyond JEE and NEET, but modern India is evolving and is going out of its comfort zone, seeing immense development in all fields of literature, art, environmental studies, et cetera .

This long due change didn’t only bring immense development in the country, but also psychologically changed the mindset of orthodox people who pressurize their kids to follow the path already chosen for them .

In the hope of a more accepting and vivid India, students have spread their wings and let their talents fly.

– By Sharvari Panse