By Maitreyee Boruah
Bangalore, July 16 (IANS): Mohit Ahuja, a 17-year-old Bangalore resident, has just come back from a month-long holiday to Singapore and is in no hurry to hit the college campus. He wants to extend his "vacation" to think over his next career move.
He cleared his Class 12 examinations this year. But Mohit is in two minds - should he pursue engineering or should he complete his graduation in general science before going for a management degree?
"Most of my friends have got admitted to one college or another and are ready to continue their studies. But I am a bit confused on my next move. So I am at home now and want to plan my career properly before taking the next step," Mohit told IANS over a cup of coffee in one of Bangalore's upscale cafes on M.G. Road.
Mohit is not alone. A new tribe of youngsters in India's IT hub Bangalore prefers to take a "sabbatical" before making the next career move.
"On the lines of Western countries, more and more youths of Bangalore these days prefer to sit at home for a couple of months or a year also to plan their career," career counsellor Kamal, who only writes his first name, told IANS.
"I will say, taking a break from studies is no wrong if the time is used correctly to upgrade a students' skills and thereby take the next career step."
"Career moves must be backed with right decisions and proper timings. Instead of taking any hasty decisions, it is better to make a proper assessment of skills and available opportunities before enrolling in any new course," added Kamal.
The decision of the youngsters seems to have support from guardians and parents.
"I support my daughter's decision to take one year break last year after completing her graduation. Now she has joined a fashion designing course. I am happy with her decision. Pursuing a course just for the sake of it holds no meaning. Better to take your own time in deciding career moves in life," said Anita Nair, a physician and the mother of an 18-year-old girl.
According to experts working in the field of career opportunities, the variety of avenues creates confusion.
"Today's youth are a confused lot. Many opportunities are available, so at times they get distracted," said Prakash, who heads International Placewell Consultants Pvt Ltd.
However, experts also believe that the prevailing cutthroat competition in every sphere leads to apprehension among the new generation.
"Firstly, choosing traditional careers like engineering and medicine is passe. A lot of students now want to explore new avenues, but then also the competition is tough and only the best get selected in the top colleges," said counsellor Manoj Padikkal of Janus Career Solutions Pvt Ltd.
Sumit Hedge, 21, is another such youngster. "I am planning to take a break from my studies. I finished my engineering degree recently. Initially I was planning to complete my M.Tech immediately after graduation," he said.
"But now I am confused and would prefer to sit and relax for sometime and also gain some work experience, before going for further studies."