Introduction
Stop forcing kids to be doctors or engineers — in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, the dream of seeing one’s child become a doctor or an engineer is widespread in many families.
Academic pressure is a growing concern in South Asia, with South Asian Therapists highlighting the impact of academic expectations on students.
For generations, these professions have been considered the only guaranteed paths to success and respect. Parents go to great lengths—mortgaging property, taking out high-interest loans—to chase this dream. Sometimes, even when a child struggles academically, parents still proudly say, “We are trying for MBBS or BE.”
The Traditional Dream: Doctor or Engineer
I still remember a moment from my primary school days. Our teacher asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. Almost every student replied, “Doctor.” Just a few had different answers. I remember thinking, “If everyone becomes a doctor, then who will be the patient?”
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Why Parents Push Kids to Be Doctors or Engineers
Often, this pressure doesn’t come from pure love, but from societal compulsion. Maybe a neighbour’s son became a doctor. Maybe a family member couldn’t fulfil that dream. Or perhaps the family just wants status. Whatever the reason, the child’s personal interest is usually ignored.
From a young age, children are surrounded by doctor kits and toolboxes. Parents feel proud watching them play with a stethoscope, even if their academic performance suggests otherwise.
Sometimes, eager relatives even start calling a child “Doctor Son” or “Engineer Son” long before they’ve even chosen a path, cementing the expectation.
A deeper, often unspoken, reason is the perception that children are a financial investment, expected to yield returns much like shares in a market. Especially in lower and middle-class families in South Asian countries, parents might see their children’s future high earnings as a way to secure the family’s financial stability or elevate its social standing. This burden is particularly heavy when parents project their own unfulfilled dreams onto their children – “I wanted to be a doctor/engineer, so you must become one.” This cycle of expectation can sadly repeat for generations.
Children Grow Up With a Script, Not a Choice
Many kids grow up following a script written by others, especially when parents force kids to be doctors or engineers without asking what they truly want.
Long before they can make their own decisions, they hear their parents say things like, “My son will be a doctor.” The child accepts this as truth, even if their true passion lies elsewhere. Rarely are they asked, “What do YOU want to become?”
Looking Down on Other Careers
Sadly, in many South Asian households, any career outside medicine or engineering is seen as second-rate—even if it pays well, offers satisfaction, or has a powerful social impact.
This narrow mindset limits creativity and keeps many children from realizing their full potential.
What If We Taught Children to Serve, Not Just Compete?
Imagine if a parent said, “I want my child to become a doctor so he can treat poor patients for free and serve the community.” That’s the real spirit of medicine—or any noble profession. Instead of forcing children to meet society’s expectations, let’s guide them toward careers they are truly passionate about.
There’s Life Beyond MBBS and BE
Today, the world is full of diverse, rewarding career paths—graphic design, digital marketing, data science, culinary arts, animation, game development, social media strategy, and many more. Yet we often can’t see beyond two letters: MBBS and BE.
1. The Mental Health Toll
By forcing children into paths they don’t want, we may be unknowingly causing emotional harm. Many young people suffer silently under academic pressure.
The World Health Organization highlights the mental health challenges faced by adolescents worldwide.
In the worst cases, it leads to anxiety, depression—or even tragic outcomes like suicide. No dream is worth a child’s mental health.
One of the biggest harms caused when parents force kids to be doctors or engineers is the mental health toll it takes on children. Emotional pressure and unrealistic expectations often lead to anxiety and depression—no dream should come at such a cost.
2. The Evolving Job Market
We no longer live in a time where there were only five “good” career choices. With the rise of AI, data science, robotics, machine learning, and cybersecurity, the job market has evolved. Many of today’s in-demand jobs didn’t even exist a decade ago. Of course, doctors and engineers remain vital pillars of society, but they are no longer the only pathways to a fulfilling and respected career. Why limit our children to yesterday’s dreams?
3. Success Stories Beyond Medicine and Engineering
Look around or scroll social media—you’ll find young entrepreneurs, athletes, chefs, designers, YouTubers, and tech wizards. With family support, they’ve found success on their own terms.
They are earning well, gaining respect, and making the nation proud.
4. Schools and Educators Must Step Up
Schools play a critical role in shaping children’s futures. At least one class a week should be dedicated to career exploration and creative thinking.
During parent-teacher meetings, educators should highlight the value of supporting diverse interests, not just marks and ranks.
5. How Parents Can Truly Support Their Children
For a child, parental support is everything.
It builds their confidence and gives them the courage to dream big. Support doesn’t always mean agreeing—it means listening, guiding, and standing by your child, even when their dream looks different from yours. Parents should also take a moment to reflect on their own motivations: Are they truly guiding their child, or are they chasing a dream for themselves?
6. Vocational Skills Are Valuable Too
Vocational training programs are often dismissed as “not for us.
But many of these courses are supported by government schemes and can lead to fulfilling, well-paying careers. Plumbers, electricians, photographers, makeup artists, carpenters—these professionals are skilled, essential, and often earn handsomely. We must stop attaching shame to honest, skill-based work.
7. It Takes a Village to Change a Mindset
Breaking these deep-rooted stereotypes requires more than just parental change—it takes schools, media, influencers, and government policy working together. When society starts celebrating all kinds of success stories, only then will real change happen.
Let Children Write Their Own Story
Success is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Every child is unique, with their own dreams, strengths, and purpose. Instead of choosing a path for them, let’s walk beside them as they find their own.
🧠💡 Let your child dream beyond titles.
📚✨ Guide them to build a career that starts with what they love doing!
🎨🎮🎤 👉 Here’s how they can turn a hobby into a real career.
The world is full of possibilities—don’t limit them to just two.
🌟 Best Wishes, from 🖊️ SOSK — 🚫👩⚕️👨🔧 Stop Forcing Kids to Be Doctors or Engineers