Introduction:
Success is the ultimate goal that everyone aspires to achieve in life. However, it is rarely attained by those who remain consistent, perseverant, and self-determined. It’s important to understand that success is not limited to academics alone—it can also be achieved in various other domains. The journey to success is filled with hurdles and is inherently challenging, whether in academics, professional life, or entrepreneurship. Life only becomes meaningful when we experience the taste of struggle.
This article is compiled with the objective of highlighting the struggles and hurdles students face while pursuing career opportunities.
A student begins to face challenges soon after completing Class 10, which is often considered a significant milestone in school life. The transition to Class 11 becomes a turning point, where students are compelled to make life-shaping decisions. Unfortunately, many students make these decisions under pressure, influenced by relatives or peers, without understanding their own interests or aptitudes.
I personally admit that I too was a victim of such circumstances during my Class 11. One of the key messages I want to convey—especially to the students of my own motherland, Ladakh—is to justify your decisions before taking any hasty action.
Allow me to say this without sounding condescending: “Going to Kota” has now become a trend in our society. I’ve heard from several students that they were forced to go there without even knowing their true interests or academic orientation. I hope readers understand the essence of what I am trying to bring to the table.
It is vital to introspect and understand what one truly wants in life. Success doesn’t have a single path, and not everyone needs to follow the same road to achieve it. For example, the Humanities stream has often been unfairly looked down upon in our society, and I fail to understand the irony behind such bias. Every stream offers its own set of career opportunities. No stream guarantees 100% employment.
These societal misconceptions create tremendous pressure on students and contribute to rising mental distress, often resulting in extreme outcomes like suicide. Every year, lakhs of students appear for competitive exams such as UPSC, JEE, or NEET. But not all succeed. What happens to those who have invested 3–4 years preparing for these exams without qualifying? Shouldn’t they have a backup plan?
I strongly believe that yes, in this digital era, every student must explore and cultivate their skills—whether it’s writing, singing, photography, novel writing, graphic designing, or any other talent. These skills can serve as valuable assets and alternate career pathways.
Competitive exams should not be the only yardstick for success. I’ve personally witnessed many of my friends—gifted in creative fields—forced into medical or non-medical streams by family or societal pressure. When we surrender our decisions to others, we struggle later in life.
I urge the youth to pursue careers aligned with their passion and potential, which will bring both prosperity and satisfaction. This will make life more meaningful and fulfilling.
Furthermore, social skill transparency—the ability to communicate, cope, and adapt to society’s expectations—is crucial. Many students in India have sadly ended their lives due to lack of such social coping mechanisms, according to various reports.
Every student has a different purpose in life, and it’s impossible for everyone to succeed in the same field. Each person can shine in their own unique way. The prevailing misconception that UPSC, JEE, or NEET are the only gateways to success is detrimental to the development of diverse skills and interests.
To be clear, I am not against students who aim for and work hard to crack these competitive exams. I appreciate and admire their dedication. My message is specifically for those who have been forced into these paths, while their true strengths lie elsewhere.
Let us encourage and support students in exploring diverse paths and redefining what success means for each individual.
Thank you.
By Imtiyaz Hussain
Class 11th student of Shri Hari Singh HSS Jammu
