Young mind and money

“It is so cool these days that young people in their twenties live independently, and get highly paid at MNC. They enjoy holidays with their friends, parties, shopping, etc.” My teenage daughter told me one day.

I said, “Yes, it is happening these days. If you were given a choice, 1 lakh rupees per month for a job but not related to your interest and talent, would you take it up?”

She said, “Sure, who would not do that?”

I asked, “What about the hard work you have invested in a particular subject for many years?

She said, “At the end of the day, the target is money, right?”

I asked, “What about job satisfaction?”

She said, “That… I don’t know?”

Let me tell you a story about my friend Anu. She was the topper of the class. In class XI, she took commerce and I asked her, “Why commerce and not science?” 

She said, “Because Papa told me to take up commerce, there is a lot of scope in it.”

Anyway, she was brilliant at that too. After finishing her schooling, she easily got admission to B.Com(Hons) from one of the best colleges in Delhi.

After that, she joined a computer course and topped in that too. She wanted to pursue masters in computer science but suddenly she got an opportunity to work at MNC, a job that was not related to her talent. Her mother told her to take up the job and pursue post-graduation part-time.

The salary was good and her parents were happy. After 5 years, she finished her masters in computer programming with good scores. By that time, her salary at MNC had risen to a great height. 

She shared her conflict with me; if she pursue her dream job, it would be a fresh beginning and the starting salary would be less than half of her present salary. Her parents guided her to be practical; a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

I suggested to pursue her dream job, and one day the money will come.  But she could not leave her present highly-paid job. Ever since 25 years, she has been at the same job, the same company, and getting 1.5 lakh per month; saving most of her money for the future, and occasionally buying expensive bags, clothes, and shoes.

If we pursue our interests, we might not end up with a lot of money, especially in the beginning. Money is part of life, and it is important. But life takes care of it as we take care of our interests and be persistent. Also, in the end, you have a proud story to share.