I’M DREADING A CAREER IN THE FIELD MY PARENTS CHOSE

Write to Dr Louise, PO Box 39410, Moreletapark 0044, or email info@drlouise.co.za.

I’ve recently completed my first year at university and I’m studying a BCom. My grades are good, but I hate my studies and I think I would hate to be a chartered accountant or even a normal accountant.

I began my studies because I didn’t know what career I wanted to pursue and my parents suggested a profession in finance.

My studies aren’t difficult, but they bore me to death. If I have to spend my life auditing other people’s books or getting them to pay less tax, I’ll most surely die.

I’m an outdoorsy type of person who loves animals, nature, adventure and so on. Sitting in an office each day is most certainly not my cup of tea.

I want to speak to my parents about this but when I do I’ll have to come up with a suggestion for a career that I want to pursue, and I have no clue what that might be. What should I do?

Daniel, email

Most universities have a career counselling unit or another facility where students can consult a psychologist. Make an appointment and ask to see a counselling psychologist, specifically someone who’s trained to assist people to make career choices based on their personality, aptitude and interests.

Career counselling is aimed at helping you to become more aware of your interests, skills, strengths and abilities so you can make an informed choice about the career you want to follow. It needs to be compatible with your personality.

Once you have a clearer idea you can then talk to your parents and if they want more context, they can also chat with your counselling psychologist. Tertiary studies are expensive, and it’s important not to move from one course to another unless without being absolutely sure about it.

Choosing the right career is important for your future happiness. You don’t want to spend most of your life doing something you hate.