Parents' ideas of jobs and where they are, are always wrong

[epenguin]

and even where not, should be ignored. At least in case of conflict. Discuss.

In parents' imaginative, somehow at the same time ideal and dismal, worlds there are only engineers, doctors, lawyers and maybe a token economist.

Inspired by posts like this

Straightforwardly, my parents want me to become an engineer since they can easily get a job. On the contrary, a professor is the only job that a mathematician can get. But I want to pursue my career in mathematics, especially the number theory, since life is once and I think one should do whatever he loves to do for his career. I am a high school student. How does mathematics career look like?

I would not even stand too strongly for my own advice on the same thread if anyone has a real revulsion at the other subjects and is unable to see how anyone could be interested in them, even if that is IMHO a bit disqualifyingly narrow-minded. (But it could be a sop for parents).

 

[raam86]

I am actually in the midst of a conflict in question. I wanted to study math or physics with philosophy minor. Although people will always justify there own choices ignoring my parents (and in my case spouse) advice would be a mistake. I have no evidence I will donate to the field and it's not even sure that after getting a PHd I would get a faculty position.

Studying math would only satisfy my need for knowledge which is great, but will probably will not satisfy my need to take care of my family to be or sense of fulfillment (considering I will probably not donate greatly to the field)

Studying Engineering (Comp. E+Applied Physics) and minoring in math will still satisfy my need for knowledge and will grant me a more lucrative career path will donating 'stuff you can touch' to the world - Hopefully in the green energy field.

I would have not reconsidered and dig deep inside myself to find these reasons without the push from the environment.