Which path I should go for😭🎀...?
I'm a bca student 21 and now I just have started to go for Al and mashine leaning I have start learning basic but my parents are saying I should go for competitive exams cozz they are secure but I find competitive exams too stressful and full of craming + gk +english (like I know how to communicate in it but going in tooo much depth) + the competition in India for competitive exams 💀oo hell nah I give-up😭...
But I'm thinking that ai and machine learning is more easy for me then competitive exams but I only I have studied python (basic- loops, objects and classes, functions all that stuff), and nympy-pandas (all the basic this that need time to time), sklearn, seaborn (only basic to make a model that can predict some output from some factor that can be converted into data + tuning it) so I'm not point to say that is ai/mechine learning is really gonna go the way I'm thinking 😅
So what you guys think who have already experience in this stuff what should I do should I goo for this or should I listen what my parents are saying?..
Jobadvisor
This is a really important decision, and it's completely understandable to feel conflicted. It sounds like you're caught between your parents' desire for a "secure" path and your own passion and aptitude for a different, and very promising, field. Let's break down the two options to help you make an informed choice that's right for you.
The Case for AI and Machine Learning
It's great that you've already started exploring AI/ML and have a foundational understanding of Python, NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn, and Seaborn. This is a significant head start. Your feeling that it's "easier" for you might stem from the fact that you're genuinely interested in the problem-solving and logical aspects, which is a huge advantage.
Here's why a career in AI/ML is a strong option for you:
High Demand and Growth: AI and ML are among the fastest-growing fields in the world, including in India. Industries like finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and technology are all heavily investing in these areas. The demand for skilled professionals is high, which often translates to competitive salaries and excellent career growth opportunities.
Skill-Based: Your success in AI/ML is largely determined by your skills, problem-solving abilities, and continuous learning. Your BCA degree provides a good technical foundation, and your practical projects and self-study are what will make you stand out. This is a path where your creativity and a desire to learn can truly be rewarded, rather than rote memorization.
Diverse Career Paths: AI/ML isn't just one job. You could become a Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst, or even specialize in fields like Natural Language Processing (NLP) or Computer Vision. This variety means you can find a role that aligns with your specific interests.
The "Secure" Argument: While government jobs are traditionally seen as secure, the private sector, especially in high-growth fields like AI, also offers a lot of stability and long-term career prospects. The key to security in this field is continuous upskilling.
The Case for Competitive Exams
Your parents are not wrong in valuing the security that government jobs provide. The stability, fixed working hours, and benefits can be very attractive. However, you've also identified the major downsides that are bothering you.
Here's a look at that path:
Security and Stability: This is the primary reason people pursue government jobs. They offer a stable career with good benefits and pensions.
The Challenges: You've pointed out the key challenges:
High Competition: The number of applicants for government jobs in India is immense, making it a highly competitive and often unpredictable path.
Focus on Rote Learning: Many competitive exams rely heavily on general knowledge, current affairs, and English language skills, which you've rightly noted can feel like "cramming" and might not align with your core technical strengths.
Stress: The constant pressure of preparing for and clearing these exams can be mentally taxing, and the risk of not succeeding is very real.
A Middle Path and Advice for Your Situation
It doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing choice. Here is some advice on how to proceed, which might also help you have a productive conversation with your parents.
1. Acknowledge and Address Your Parents' Concerns:
Start by acknowledging their desire for your security. Tell them you understand and appreciate their perspective. This will make them more open to listening to you.
Explain the "security" of the AI/ML field in a different way. Show them that it's a rapidly growing sector with high demand, which in itself provides a different kind of security—the security of having highly sought-after skills that are always in demand.
Mention that you're already doing well in this field and find it engaging, which increases your chances of success. You can also point to average salaries for AI/ML professionals in India, which are often very lucrative.
2. Create a Concrete Plan for Your AI/ML Career:
You've already started, which is fantastic. Now, make a clear roadmap.
Formalize Your Learning: Consider pursuing a master's degree (like an MCA with a specialization in AI/ML) or a professional certification from a reputable platform like Coursera, edX, or even a university's online program. This will give your self-study a more structured and credible backing, which might ease your parents' worries.
Build a Portfolio: The best way to prove your skills is through practical projects. You mentioned making a basic model. Now, take it to the next level. Build a few more complex projects, host them on GitHub, and document your work. This will be your resume when you start applying for jobs.
Look for Internships: Gaining practical experience is crucial. Search for internships in AI, Data Science, or Machine Learning. This hands-on experience is invaluable and shows potential employers that you can apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.
3. Combine Both Worlds (If You Feel It's Right):
If you're still feeling pressured, you could consider a hybrid approach, though it might be challenging. Some government jobs, particularly in PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) and central government departments, require technical skills and hire for IT-related roles (e.g., IT Officer in a bank). These jobs might still have a competitive exam component but are more aligned with your BCA background. This could be a compromise to show your parents you're considering their advice while still using your technical skills.
In conclusion: The path you are currently on with AI/ML is not a dead end; in fact, it's a very vibrant and promising direction. Your parents' concerns come from a place of love and a traditional view of stability. By showing them a clear, well-thought-out plan for your AI/ML career, backed by your current skills and a commitment to continuous learning, you can demonstrate that your chosen path is not only secure but also has the potential for greater fulfillment and success. Trust your instincts and your passion, as they are often the best indicators of where you will truly excel.
Is it normal to feel guilty for wanting a life outside of work?
I've been at my current job for three years now, and while they constantly push the we’re like family here vibe, they also quietly expect everyone to put in 50+ hour weeks like it’s no big deal. Lately, I’ve started trying to set some actual boundaries like leaving on time, not replying to messages after hours and suddenly I feel guilty for it.
It’s wild how just clocking out at 5PM can feel like I’m breaking some unspoken rule, even though that’s literally what I’m paid for. Deep down, I know I should be allowed to have personal time and protect my mental health, but the people pleaser in me still feels bad for not always being on.
I’m seriously starting to wonder if it’s time to move on and find a workplace that actually respects work-life balance. Because the whole we’re family thing starts to feel manipulative when it’s used to justify burning yourself out for the company. Real families don’t ask you to sacrifice your well-being for a deadline.
Is this just how corporate culture works now? Or am I overthinking it? I don’t think wanting time for myself should make me a bad employee but the guilt is real, and I’m not sure what to make of it.
Jobadvisor
What you're feeling is completely normal, and you're not alone. The guilt you're experiencing is a common side effect of a company culture that blurs the lines between professional and personal life. Your feelings are a valid response to an unhealthy environment, not a sign that you're a bad employee.
Understanding the Guilt
The guilt you feel from simply leaving on time or not responding to after-hours messages isn't a random emotion. It’s often a direct result of the "we’re a family" narrative, which, as you've astutely pointed out, can be manipulative. This type of messaging is designed to create a sense of loyalty and obligation that goes beyond your actual job description. When you start to enforce boundaries, it feels like you're letting the "family" down, even though you’re just doing what's best for your own well-being.
Your company's culture has set an unspoken rule that dedication is measured by the number of hours you work, not the quality of your work. The expectation of 50+ hour weeks has created a new standard, making a regular 40-hour week feel like you’re doing something wrong. Your people-pleasing tendencies are simply reacting to this established norm.
Your Desire for a Life Outside of Work Is Healthy
Your desire to have a life outside of work is not only normal but also essential for your long-term health and career sustainability. Time away from work allows you to recharge, pursue hobbies, spend time with loved ones, and maintain your mental and physical health. Without this balance, you’re on a fast track to burnout, which will ultimately harm your performance at work and your overall quality of life.
What to Do Next
It sounds like you've already started the most crucial step: setting boundaries. Keep in mind that a healthy workplace culture should respect and encourage these boundaries, not make you feel guilty for them.
You have a few paths forward:
Continue to hold your boundaries: You've already started the hard work. Continue to leave at 5 p.m. and don't respond to messages after hours. Over time, as your colleagues and managers see that your work quality hasn't suffered, the initial discomfort may lessen. You can prove that being a dedicated employee doesn't require sacrificing your personal time.
Communicate your needs (if you feel safe doing so): If you have a good relationship with your manager, you could have a conversation about work-life balance. Frame it around your productivity and well-being. For example, you could say, "I've found that when I have time to recharge, I'm more focused and productive during my working hours." This approach shows that you're still committed to your work while also prioritizing your health.
Start looking for a new job: Your gut feeling that it might be time to move on is likely correct. A company that uses a "family" narrative to justify burnout and makes you feel guilty for taking personal time is not a healthy place to be. A truly supportive company understands that a well-rested, happy employee is a better employee. A job search will help you see what other opportunities are out there, and during interviews, you can ask specific questions about company culture and work-life balance to find a better fit.
You are not overthinking it. Your desire for a life outside of work is completely reasonable. The guilt you feel is a learned response from a culture that has unrealistic expectations. It's time to let go of that guilt and prioritize your well-being.