If you ask most of the people why are they studying (in India ), you will get a prompt reply that 'To get a decent job'. If you again ask them why does one want a job, the answer would be 'to earn money'. If you still persistent, why does one need money - you will get the final answer 'need money so that I can have a happy life'.
Yes, getting a 'employable' degree will increase your chance to get a job. But, that's not all. You need right knowledge to build a career. A job might increase your chance to make money to a decent level - only to a middle class decent level. Not above. Then the billion dollar question - even if you earn money , will you get happiness in your life? No guarantee - because, money has very little leverage in happiness :) - Most of us realize that fact only when we have enough money to spend on stuff which we thought would bring us happiness( good house, LCD TV, car etc..). I met most unhappy people who has degree, job and money. They are very unhappy that they don't know what to do next! At least for those lesser fortunate folks - they still have a hope that if they get money their unhappiness would be over. The first category( lucky ones with money) - that hope is also not there !!!
Or in other words - A good degree will no way get you a decent job ( it will increase your chance - but how much is a big question.). A decent job will no way get you rich ( in fact, a decent job might highly likely result in you always remain in middle and you will see yourself end up compromising on lot of things). And attaining all these three - degree, job, money - have no connection to reach happiness in life.
By respecting the scope of this topic - If you let your children study something which they enjoy studying you will get all of the above. But, then the order of steps will be bit different.
By studying something which you love to know(study) - you will enjoy the time you spent on learning it. If you enjoy doing something, you will be happy. The chances are very high that the subject you are passionate about will make you an expert in that subject. So, study something so that you are enjoy learning it. Then, you get a degree in it. Build a career over it( own / salaried) and the money will follow, which you can use to get more physical happiness.
So, Please study for pure happiness of its knowledge. It does not matter the subject. Everything else will follow. Do not study for a job.
Getting a
Sunday, 12 April 2009
Is it good to study Computer Science now?
I am being asked by this question by students or parents of students for last couple of months.. They want an opinion - is it good to study IT now. They hear that its recession everywhere, IT companies are not recruiting etc...
Short answer - YES. If opting for computer science or a career in IT was good in couple of years back, its still good in coming years also.
reason : Some one needs an MCA or BTech in getting a job in tier-1 software companies. For a student who completes +2 now, it will take next 4 - 6 years to get a BTech or MCA. The current crisis should be settled by then. Will the hiring spree (spell java - get a job), be on same line after this crisis in IT? Not sure. During 1998 - 2000 and 2005-07 there was a huge demand for s/w engineers in India. demand was high and supply was less for programmers(good or bad). But, during next demand spurge (expected in 2012-2014) for IT professional in India, the scene going to be bit different because of the following factors
- there will be a sizable pool of professionals by then.
- s/w professionals are ageing. more experienced people will be available in market with much less cost.
- Salaries are going to be stabilised for roles (not for number of years of experience, as currently practiced) in IT - A much awaited correction.
- still demand rules the market ;)
What ever it is, IT professional are still going to enjoy the salary advantage against other professionals or fields in India - because of the fact that its an export oriented business.
Long answer : It does not matter. The times have changed. Do not study just for a job. Jobs are plenty now-a-days. Even if you studied BA -Malayalam (considered to be the least job oriented course), you will get plenty of offers from all these media /communication houses ( TV channels, radios, news papers etc), if you are REALLY GOOD IN THE SUBJECT.
My advice - One can excel in a area of subject which he enjoys doing. If you enjoy studying History, Economics or Computer science. Please go ahead and get a graduation in respective fields. Do not worry about the job future. Read more about the subject out side the syllabus. Be a master in the subject. and enjoy speaking about the subject... be passionate about it. You will get a career and money.
Short answer - YES. If opting for computer science or a career in IT was good in couple of years back, its still good in coming years also.
reason : Some one needs an MCA or BTech in getting a job in tier-1 software companies. For a student who completes +2 now, it will take next 4 - 6 years to get a BTech or MCA. The current crisis should be settled by then. Will the hiring spree (spell java - get a job), be on same line after this crisis in IT? Not sure. During 1998 - 2000 and 2005-07 there was a huge demand for s/w engineers in India. demand was high and supply was less for programmers(good or bad). But, during next demand spurge (expected in 2012-2014) for IT professional in India, the scene going to be bit different because of the following factors
- there will be a sizable pool of professionals by then.
- s/w professionals are ageing. more experienced people will be available in market with much less cost.
- Salaries are going to be stabilised for roles (not for number of years of experience, as currently practiced) in IT - A much awaited correction.
- still demand rules the market ;)
What ever it is, IT professional are still going to enjoy the salary advantage against other professionals or fields in India - because of the fact that its an export oriented business.
Long answer : It does not matter. The times have changed. Do not study just for a job. Jobs are plenty now-a-days. Even if you studied BA -Malayalam (considered to be the least job oriented course), you will get plenty of offers from all these media /communication houses ( TV channels, radios, news papers etc), if you are REALLY GOOD IN THE SUBJECT.
My advice - One can excel in a area of subject which he enjoys doing. If you enjoy studying History, Economics or Computer science. Please go ahead and get a graduation in respective fields. Do not worry about the job future. Read more about the subject out side the syllabus. Be a master in the subject. and enjoy speaking about the subject... be passionate about it. You will get a career and money.
Monday, 20 October 2008
I feel proud of American democrary and little jealous too...
I watched the speech of both US presidential candidates at Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York, 16 Oct 2008.
They are in real tight fight. Sometimes it went to personal levels. But, here they attended a dinner together just 3 weeks before the election day. And both of them joked each other. Its all laugh everywhere.
They are rivals. They respect each other. End of the day, they are Americans! that feeling is there...
I would say this is one of the proud moments of being in a matured democracy. This is what democracy is all about!!! Blessed nation it is!!!
Wish one day, India also will be like that..
see this : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SkFjTCscM4
They are in real tight fight. Sometimes it went to personal levels. But, here they attended a dinner together just 3 weeks before the election day. And both of them joked each other. Its all laugh everywhere.
They are rivals. They respect each other. End of the day, they are Americans! that feeling is there...
I would say this is one of the proud moments of being in a matured democracy. This is what democracy is all about!!! Blessed nation it is!!!
Wish one day, India also will be like that..
see this : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SkFjTCscM4
Monday, 6 October 2008
Paln's stand on Iraq war and great leaders
I wached the 90 min. VP debate in TV.
One statement really striked me and could not find any reference on this in any of the news analysis on any medium..
Its the answer Palin gave on America's future plan on Iraq war. She replied that 'It will be complete surrender to withdraw troops from Iraq without 'winning' the war'!!!
It sounded very unprofessional and naive. Its like a great nation takes 'success'/'surrender' in a very personal manner!
What you menat by surrender?? I think the greatness lies where someone admits his/her mistake and accept the failure. The talks of surrender or defeat is utterly childish here....
Whom you are fighting in Iraq?? what's the objective fighing there? you entered ina wrong place and removed a stable goverment ( the govt was right or wrong is secondary). you created instability and you are not able to create stability - because you are an outsider!!!
We lack great leaders who understand their responsibility and position in history and power!!! even in US this is the problem... Or is it the problem of this century..
We do not have great leaders in world politics now - take any country - who has a vision about mankind's future.
That's the real tragedy and risk that humanity faces now :(
One statement really striked me and could not find any reference on this in any of the news analysis on any medium..
Its the answer Palin gave on America's future plan on Iraq war. She replied that 'It will be complete surrender to withdraw troops from Iraq without 'winning' the war'!!!
It sounded very unprofessional and naive. Its like a great nation takes 'success'/'surrender' in a very personal manner!
What you menat by surrender?? I think the greatness lies where someone admits his/her mistake and accept the failure. The talks of surrender or defeat is utterly childish here....
Whom you are fighting in Iraq?? what's the objective fighing there? you entered ina wrong place and removed a stable goverment ( the govt was right or wrong is secondary). you created instability and you are not able to create stability - because you are an outsider!!!
We lack great leaders who understand their responsibility and position in history and power!!! even in US this is the problem... Or is it the problem of this century..
We do not have great leaders in world politics now - take any country - who has a vision about mankind's future.
That's the real tragedy and risk that humanity faces now :(
The confusion of financial system and me.
The entire financial system works on debt.
Its like I buy something, where someone ( bank) gives the assurance that they will gurantee the payment now, in turn bank 'trusts' me that I will reply the debt to bank with a 'cost' associated with that assurance.
It all started from the fact that I should have the means in the future to pay the debt back. What's my assurance - my plan or expectation in future!
If something goes wrong in future - I will be ruined as well as the bank's commitment. If everything goes good - I will make good forture as well as bank. But, I fault - everything is gone.
It starts from me. What if I dont buy something on debt? what if I have decided to save first and then buy - my growth will become slow. But, I think misery will help in long term... But, let me be selfish - what about the time which I 'waste' till I save enough wealth to enjoy these things...
Confusion ???
But, I believe in all practical purposes, its the conservatice financial management is what is more sustainable.. Atleast you have a moral happiness that you did not ruin some stranger to make your wealth ( as in the case of stock market).
I am still not confortable with the way stock are changing hands in stock market. Something wrong.. no one looks at company and its products. Its only buy and sell and get the profit!!! pure speculation.. its the speculation that spoiled that entire system.
My pledge - I am going bit concervative.. cut down my expence ( so income for some others), try to invest in something really 'productive' i.e., create some product or service which brings some wealth rather than some trade on promises....
Its my thoughts...
Its like I buy something, where someone ( bank) gives the assurance that they will gurantee the payment now, in turn bank 'trusts' me that I will reply the debt to bank with a 'cost' associated with that assurance.
It all started from the fact that I should have the means in the future to pay the debt back. What's my assurance - my plan or expectation in future!
If something goes wrong in future - I will be ruined as well as the bank's commitment. If everything goes good - I will make good forture as well as bank. But, I fault - everything is gone.
It starts from me. What if I dont buy something on debt? what if I have decided to save first and then buy - my growth will become slow. But, I think misery will help in long term... But, let me be selfish - what about the time which I 'waste' till I save enough wealth to enjoy these things...
Confusion ???
But, I believe in all practical purposes, its the conservatice financial management is what is more sustainable.. Atleast you have a moral happiness that you did not ruin some stranger to make your wealth ( as in the case of stock market).
I am still not confortable with the way stock are changing hands in stock market. Something wrong.. no one looks at company and its products. Its only buy and sell and get the profit!!! pure speculation.. its the speculation that spoiled that entire system.
My pledge - I am going bit concervative.. cut down my expence ( so income for some others), try to invest in something really 'productive' i.e., create some product or service which brings some wealth rather than some trade on promises....
Its my thoughts...
Saturday, 1 March 2008
Even Rama, Still being Rama, had to kill Ravana!!!
Its about good versus bad.
Truth versus lie.
Positive versus Negative.
Divine versus Evil.
When bad people are playing really bad games, politics against you - what should you do, if you are a decent, polite, good-nurtured person and you have the responsibility of protecting your ideologies and people against these evil forces??
When confused with these kind of moral or philosophical questions while facing day to day challenges in the world where you are leading a set of people or when you have to make decisions - its always better to go back and understand what our great civilization and philosophy teach us.
Rama is considered as a emblem for goodness. He is the 'sarvothama' - complete man. The epitome of goodness, decency, politeness - words are not enough to praise his positive qualities. But, he too had to face Ravana and kill him - though killing is an act which is considered an ultimate crime even then. But, that's regarded his most celebrated act of bravery, best thing that he did to humanity and that event created one of the largest and popular epic in the world which is told and read by millions of people for thousands of years.
Rama was right - Morally and philosophically. He was a good person, but being good and kind did not make him weak. That was his strength. He knew that he has left with no other option but to wipe out evil force to save his people, protect whatever ideologies for which he stood for.
Same philosophy applies in this time as well. Please don't allow bad people to take advantage of your goodness, your straightforwardness and your decency. These qualities are not your weakness, they are your strength.
Face the bad people or their worse tactics with your goodness. In this age, you can not kill anyone physically. But, be firm, be stern and be clear while facing these people. Some times, you have to be even rude with them. Do not feel bad. They deserve it. Your firmness in actions against them will save your ideologies, protect your people.
Being good may not necessarily mean being soft always. Be really firm with bad people.
Remember what the great epic and our great culture teaches us:
Even Rama, Still being Rama, had to kill Ravana!!!
Thanks,
James
Truth versus lie.
Positive versus Negative.
Divine versus Evil.
When bad people are playing really bad games, politics against you - what should you do, if you are a decent, polite, good-nurtured person and you have the responsibility of protecting your ideologies and people against these evil forces??
When confused with these kind of moral or philosophical questions while facing day to day challenges in the world where you are leading a set of people or when you have to make decisions - its always better to go back and understand what our great civilization and philosophy teach us.
Rama is considered as a emblem for goodness. He is the 'sarvothama' - complete man. The epitome of goodness, decency, politeness - words are not enough to praise his positive qualities. But, he too had to face Ravana and kill him - though killing is an act which is considered an ultimate crime even then. But, that's regarded his most celebrated act of bravery, best thing that he did to humanity and that event created one of the largest and popular epic in the world which is told and read by millions of people for thousands of years.
Rama was right - Morally and philosophically. He was a good person, but being good and kind did not make him weak. That was his strength. He knew that he has left with no other option but to wipe out evil force to save his people, protect whatever ideologies for which he stood for.
Same philosophy applies in this time as well. Please don't allow bad people to take advantage of your goodness, your straightforwardness and your decency. These qualities are not your weakness, they are your strength.
Face the bad people or their worse tactics with your goodness. In this age, you can not kill anyone physically. But, be firm, be stern and be clear while facing these people. Some times, you have to be even rude with them. Do not feel bad. They deserve it. Your firmness in actions against them will save your ideologies, protect your people.
Being good may not necessarily mean being soft always. Be really firm with bad people.
Remember what the great epic and our great culture teaches us:
Even Rama, Still being Rama, had to kill Ravana!!!
Thanks,
James
Sunday, 24 February 2008
I am a professional, that too an extremely good one!!!
( Originally dated : 23rd Jan, 2008 )
Some times, we stop and think about the real meaning about the words which we have taken for granted. 'Professional' is one word which is in my mind for last few days. Today I decided to understand the real meaning of it and spend some time for the same.
The word meaning of 'Professional' as per dictionary is as follows :
(adj) following an occupation as a means of livelihood or for gain
(noun) a person who is expert at his or her work
So, I should be an 'expert at my work' to be called as a professional.
Now, I googled to get what the world think about professional. Here are two articles which I found interesting.
1. http://www.rediff.com/money/2007/jul/24prof.htm
The essence of this article is as follows :
1. Professionals are responsive
2. Professionals are knowledgeable
3. Professionals care about what they do
4. Professionals teach you something
2. http://www.systemsguild.com/GuildSite/TDM/Professionalism.html
This is a big article about 'software professionalism' - take your time ( or print it out ) and read it. But, the essence of the article summarizes in the last paragraph. Let me quote here for your easy reading.
"If the work is noble, the catalytic function that is management of that work is even more noble. We need to assert and re-assert the essential respectability of what managers do. It is not a far-fetched contention that management is a noble calling. What could be more admirable, more professional, than the manager's most essential tasks: guiding, forming, coaching, and inspiring people, building healthy corporate culture and safe and productive teams? We will never succeed in building professional awareness among programmers and analysts and designers and testers and integrators, unless we also succeed in fostering a professional awareness among their managers."
So, my confusion is over.
I am an expert, I am responsive, I am knowledgeable, I care about what I do, I teach my team & my customer something. I guide, form, coach and inspire people and help building healthy corporate culture and safe and productive team.
So, I happily realised that I am a professional - that too an extremely good one!!!
Enjoy!!!
Some times, we stop and think about the real meaning about the words which we have taken for granted. 'Professional' is one word which is in my mind for last few days. Today I decided to understand the real meaning of it and spend some time for the same.
The word meaning of 'Professional' as per dictionary is as follows :
(adj) following an occupation as a means of livelihood or for gain
(noun) a person who is expert at his or her work
So, I should be an 'expert at my work' to be called as a professional.
Now, I googled to get what the world think about professional. Here are two articles which I found interesting.
1. http://www.rediff.com/money/2007/jul/24prof.htm
The essence of this article is as follows :
1. Professionals are responsive
2. Professionals are knowledgeable
3. Professionals care about what they do
4. Professionals teach you something
2. http://www.systemsguild.com/GuildSite/TDM/Professionalism.html
This is a big article about 'software professionalism' - take your time ( or print it out ) and read it. But, the essence of the article summarizes in the last paragraph. Let me quote here for your easy reading.
"If the work is noble, the catalytic function that is management of that work is even more noble. We need to assert and re-assert the essential respectability of what managers do. It is not a far-fetched contention that management is a noble calling. What could be more admirable, more professional, than the manager's most essential tasks: guiding, forming, coaching, and inspiring people, building healthy corporate culture and safe and productive teams? We will never succeed in building professional awareness among programmers and analysts and designers and testers and integrators, unless we also succeed in fostering a professional awareness among their managers."
So, my confusion is over.
I am an expert, I am responsive, I am knowledgeable, I care about what I do, I teach my team & my customer something. I guide, form, coach and inspire people and help building healthy corporate culture and safe and productive team.
So, I happily realised that I am a professional - that too an extremely good one!!!
Enjoy!!!
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