Dear Auntie Agni,
I am an undergraduate student, currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree from a private university. I have always been interested in pursuing physical therapy (PT) and recently was admitted into a PT program at a top medical university.

However, my mother does not support my decision to pursue PT. She believes that I should focus on becoming a businesswoman instead. While I understand her perspective, I have always felt that my calling is to serve people and I believe that a career in physical therapy would allow me to do just that.

I am writing to you today to seek your opinion on this matter. As someone whom I admire and respect, I value your opinion greatly. What do you think I should do? Should I listen to my mother and pursue a career in business, or should I follow my heart and pursue PT?

I know that the decision ultimately rests with me, but I am struggling to find a balance between what I want and what my mother thinks is best for me. I would appreciate any advice that you may have on this situation.
Best regards,
Under Pressure

‘My mother does not support my dream career’

Dear Under Pressure,
Many students face a situation similar to the one you are facing, with your mother trying to decide on your future career path.

Based on the information you have shared, it seems that you are passionate about physical therapy and feel that it is your calling to serve people through this profession. While your mother may have her own perspective on what she thinks is best for you, it is ultimately your decision to make.

You need to sit down with your mother and talk about this change that you are planning. It can be very annoying for a parent when a child decides to change fields. Parents will have to bear the financial cost of making the change, which is not easy for everyone. So talk to your mother to find out if that is one of her concerns about this change.

If cost is not an issue, it makes the situation easier, but you will have to build a case for the career change you are considering.

Since your mother wants you to be a businesswoman, you might want to point out to her that, statistically, the odds are stacked against business ventures. Many business ventures fail. It is not an easy path to go down. People who get into business usually have a roller-coaster ride and often require support from their families. You might want to ask your mother if she is willing to support you in the risk of doing a business. Also business people often work twice as hard (often they have no weekends off) for less money, at least in the initial stage.

On the other hand, by becoming a physical therapist, you will likely acquire a set of skills and experience through your degree. This will enable you to get a job that will further enable you to witness how the health business is run. It is a great advantage to learn on somebody else’s money. Furthermore, you are likely to learn more about the field of physical therapy and find out if you are really on to something. If you like the field enough, you can set up your own private practice. It will be easier to convince investors to invest in your private practice (which would be a business) when they know that you know what you’re talking about. If you set up a practice you will effectively become a businesswoman.

I hope this helps you in making the right decision for yourself. Remember, it is ultimately your decision, and you should follow your heart while also taking practical considerations into account.

Best of luck in your future endeavours!

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, April 23rd, 2023