IS IT TOO LATE TO CHANGE MY CAREER?

I’m in my second year at university and have realised the career I chose is not the right one for me.

I always thought I’d like to be a medical practitioner but I’m crazy about animals, not people. I love the bush and wild animals. I feel as if my soul can soar and my heart can sing when I’m in the bush.

My parents always encouraged me to become a doctor, so I’m studying medicine and feel I can’t disappoint them by telling them I rather want to become a veterinary surgeon. But it’s what I really want – in fact I know I want to specialise in wildlife management and care. What should I do? Christian, email

Choosing one’s career is a very important decision because it’s not only about the kind of work you do – it’s also about what sort of lifestyle you want, and about how you want to spend most of your time. So it’s not a good idea to choose it based on what other people want for you.

It’s important to have a passion for your work and it’s clear that your heart belongs to animals and the bush, so becoming a medical doctor is the worst thing you could do.

You need to be honest with your parents about how you feel. Tell them you yearn to be a veterinary surgeon and that you need their help and support to make your dreams come true.

Your parents may be upset at first but they love you and would want you to be happy, so I’m sure they will support you.

Choosing a career isn’t about making other people’s dreams come true – it’s about your own dream and your own vision for your life.

‘Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardour and diligence’

– ABIGAIL ADAMS, AMERICAN FIRST LADY