I think we’ve finally figured out (hopefully) why desi parents choose these 5 conventional careers for their daughters, and we’ll tell you what those careers are. But first, we want to get into the WHY!
Generally desi parents (and by desi parents we mean the majority of our society, minus the open-minded and forward, go-make-a-career type of parents) want their daughters to choose a career path that constitutes what a “good job” is and the “right kind of life” based on some basic factors.
- a path that is set, simple and straight
- thrives on a female-oriented environment
- doesn’t involve a lot of hoopla and distractions
- comes from their personal experiences
- is a family legacy
Now when desi parents choose these 5 conventional career paths for their daughters, they are either trying to protect their child from making the same mistakes that they probably made (intentionally or unintentionally), or they are not aware with an evolved mindset that will allow their daughters to learn, grow and develop by opting for opportunities that could pave pathways towards a brighter future (diving into the unknown which desi parents are very much afraid of). It has also to do with the cultural mindset which is more about pressurizing our daughters into doing what they deem fit. “beta humay apsay zada behter pata hai and we will make the right decision for you”.
While it maybe a good thing to take over a family business or if you don’t have any aspirations of your own so you do what you know sounds “comfortable”, but I think that we should let our children make their own decisions while guiding them so they can personally grow as individuals and find their own paths in life, gain more confidence and make informed choices, and be financially secure in their lives if anything goes sideways.
BANKING
Because it’s a secure 9-5 job, you come and go on time, and get paid on time. The environment is safe and you learn to be disciplined in life.
TEACHING
Teaching is definitely not an easy profession now since it’s become more strategic and more global with new methods, but parents living in small setups still find it to be a simpler and easy-to-do profession for their daughters.
DOCTOR
While it is a expensive profession but mostly parents choose this career for their daughters because its a honorable one (and they can secretly brag about it too), but it can also be because your grandfather was a doctor, I’m a doctor so you naturally have to be one too.
HUMANITY COURSES
Such as cooking, interior design, food and nutrition that lead to simpler jobs and simpler ways of life for our daughters since they eventually have to get married and be homemakers.
BEAUTICIAN
However you want to pursue your career in the beauty department, being a Beautician means you could open your own tiny salon at home one day. You can become a hair specialist, makeup artist, nail specialist or an all rounder, enjoy the income and take care of your family.
Disclaimer: All these professions mentioned above are honorable and we are in no way judging any human being based on their jobs, rizq comes from Allah, however we are only shedding light on an important part of society that patriarchy and our culture dictates the lives of Pakistani women.
