But I’m still confused. I still haven’t been able to make a decision,’ Shaheer said, looking bewildered.
Ali asked, ‘Why? What’s happened now?’ His patience was wearing thin.
‘Ali! One little mistake at this stage of my life can ruin everything.
I feel as if I don’t have the strength to carry this burden. Baba and Amma have left the entire decision to me.
They’ve trusted me to choose my own path and decide on my future career.
But I’m scared. What if I make the wrong choice? Then I’ll have no one to blame but myself. The weight of it all... I’m so frightened.
‘Why do you keep thinking like this? Things won’t turn out the way you fear,’ Ali said, trying to encourage him.
The next day, as Ali sat in the squash court waiting for Shaheer to arrive for practice, he found himself thinking about their conversation the previous day. When Shaheer failed to show up, Ali grew increasingly uneasy. Unable to shake off his concern, he decided to visit him at home.
When Ali arrived, he found Shaheer engrossed in his computer, working with intense concentration.
He was so absorbed in what he was doing that, instead of inviting Ali to sit on the sofa, he simply pointed toa chair beside him.
‘You didn’t come for squash practice today,’ Ali said, perhaps hoping to take his friend’s mind off his worries.
Without taking his eyes off the screen, Shaheer pointed towards it and began explaining, ‘Look! Over the past five years,interest in career options has grown beyond the usual disciplines. IT and related fields are now attracting a lot of attention.
Instead of answering Ali’s question, Shaheer had launched into a completely different discussion.
Seeing his friend’s distress, Ali became genuinely concerned.
‘Shaheer!’ he exclaimed. ‘You’ve taken all this pressure upon yourself, and it’s getting to a worrying point. Listen, I think you should come with me. I want you to talk tomy uncle. Maybe what he says will really help you.
It didn’t take long for Shaheer to feel at ease with Ali’s uncle. Before long, they were discussing the matter that had been troubling him.
‘Uncle, with so many career options available, how do I know which fields are in high demand and, more importantly, which path is right forme?’ Shaheer asked, openly expressing his confusion.’That’s a very good question indeed, my dear boy. Demand for different professions changes over time, but every profession has its place in society. The absence of even one profession can seriously disrupt the way society functions. All professions have their worth.’But the best field of study for you is the one you love and feel drawn to.
It’s the one where learning doesn’t feel like a chore, where you can innovate and create and where your mind naturally wants to engage. It’s the field that keeps you curious and makes you want to learn more. When studying something brings you a sense of fulfilment and peace, you may well have found your calling.
‘But when people say that a particular field is in high demand or that success is guaranteed in a certain profession, it makes me even more anxious,’ Shaheer admitted.
He understood his uncle’s point, but still seemed to need further reassurance.
‘You’re absolutely right. Such ideas are common in our society. But here’s something I want you to think about: if the number of professionals in any field dwindled, could society continue to function in balance and harmony?’ his uncle asked.
Before Shaheer could answer, he continued, ‘Of course not. The country might have to bring in experts and professionals from abroad to fill the gaps. They might only be willing to come for higher salaries, which could place a considerable burden on the country’s economy.
‘But I’m still scared... What if I don’t succeed? What if I never find my true calling? What if...?’ Shaheer voiced his anxieties.
‘Success, my dear, is never guaranteed to anyone. You can only strive for it, and I know you will. Anyone can stumble and fail at any point in life. But who ever said that failure has to be your destination? It can simply be a stopping point along the way.
To fall, learn, rise again with courage and continue your journey that is how you move towards success. And in the path you choose for yourself, you can find both honour and peace.
His uncle finished speaking and smiled at Shaheer, who was already beginning to look more reassured.
Soon, the two friends were walking down the road towards Shaheer’s house.
‘Ali! Do you know what fate has in store for us tomorrow? Something quite important,’ Shaheer said, his face brightening with a smile.
‘Yes, I believe so. We have to select our subjects at school tomorrow,’ Ali replied, sharing his enthusiasm.
‘That’s right! And now I’m confident that we’ll choose what our hearts truly desire. And Insha Allah, we’ll prosper,’ Shaheer said, his voice filled with conviction.
Ali smiled. He knew that, whatever the future held, they could face it with faith and confidence. Insha Allah.