Dear Auntie,
I am a student and I finished grade XII this year. My aim is to become a lawyer because I believe it is a good profession for me and I want to get into a law school. But my parents do not agree with this decision.

They want to see me as a professor and are continuously urging me to accept their advice. They always remind me that they only want what is best for me but they are pushing me toward the career they want for me. Hence, it is not easy for me to stop listening to their advice. It is also tough for me to give up on my goal because I don’t think I will do well in other fields.

So, I need your advice on what I should do now. Should I obey my parents or do what I want, or give me some helpful advice on how to convince my parents?
Student

‘I Want To Be A Lawyer But My Parents Don’t’

Dear Student,
From the name you gave, I am assuming you are a girl. And here’s a request to everyone writing in: please always let me know your gender. It has an impact on the response.

Your parents are not your enemies. They are advising you according to what they believe is safe and respectable. In many families, teaching is seen as a dignified profession, especially for daughters. So, try to understand that their resistance is coming from concern for you. Your parents are not against you and don’t deliberately want to crush your dreams.

However, at the same time, your feelings are also important. If the legal profession is something you genuinely feel drawn towards, then you should not take that feeling lightly. Make sure you don’t want to become a lawyer simply because it sounds impressive. You should want to be a lawyer because you truly believe that you have the abilities to do it well. A career is not just about earning money; it is also about whether you can see yourself doing that work for years. Also, not everyone makes it as a lawyer.

So let’s not turn this into a battle between your wishes and your parents’ wishes. That will make your parents dig their heels in further. Instead, speak to them calmly and show them that you have seriously researched the field of law, the universities, the career opportunities and the challenges. Parents are often persuaded more by preparation than by emotion.

You can also try to reassure them that studying law does not mean abandoning your values. Many parents hear “lawyer” and imagine a difficult life. Sometimes they need to see that you have thought things through carefully.

Also, keep your mind open. Sometimes parents notice strengths in us that we ourselves don’t see. Listen to their reasons as well before making your final decision. In the end, the goal is not to “win” against your parents. The goal is to reach a decision with understanding and respect.

Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is in crisis and/or feeling suicidal, please go to your nearest emergency room and seek medical help immediately.

Auntie will not reply privately to any query. Please send concise queries to: auntieagni@gmail.com

Published in Dawn, EOS, May 24th, 2026