I don’t want these jobs, but I don’t want to disappoint my parents
I’ve been offered several jobs by my father’s friends who head Human Resource departments in various organisations in the city. My problem is, I no longer have any passion for HR. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- My problem is, I no longer have any passion for HR.
- I am even considering going back to college to study communication, my new career interest, a move that will definitely drive a wedge between me and my parents. What should I do?
Q.I am 23 and graduated in September this year with a degree in Human Resources Management.
I’ve been offered several jobs by my father’s friends who head Human Resource departments in various organisations in the city. My problem is, I no longer have any passion for HR. I am even considering going back to college to study communication, my new career interest, a move that will definitely drive a wedge between me and my parents. What should I do?
You are fortunate to have several job opportunities within reach soon after completing your undergraduate degree in Human Resources Management. It however appears that your passion for HR has since vanished and your eyes are now set upon a career in Communication, a shift you fear will upset your parents.
Jobs change, but most people remain in their careers for a significant part of their lives. Choosing and preparing for a career therefore befits the investment of time and keen consideration.
Before making the shift, enquire from the experiences of both HR and Communication professionals to better appreciate the requirements for success besides academic qualifications. Passion alone is not enough. To thrive in your career, you need both passion and ability. Seek feedback on your abilities. Reflect on what you are truly talented in. Considering both passion and ability will bring you closer to a career you are suited for and enable you to more readily recognise the right opportunities to pursue. You could also seek the advice of a career coach or mentor. Keep an open mind. You might discover that your best opportunities lie in a field you have previously not thought about.
It will be easier to engage your parents in a conversation about making the shift if it is clear in your mind how your passion and the abilities required in your preferred career are linked. Remember that regardless of the choice you make, your HR qualifications are not in vain as the subject of people remains fundamental to organisations.
Although you might not escape your parents’ disappointment, bear in mind that your relationship with them is anchored at a level deeper than career choices, and that you can only deploy and depend on your own passion and ability to drive your career.
