My Career from Science to Social Sciences

Career decisions can feel overwhelming. Responsibilities weigh heavily on our shoulders, and we often find ourselves trapped by questions:

What if my career doesn’t work out? What if I’m wasting my time? What if I’m left behind by my peers? What if I fail?

These are valid questions, but they’re just that—questions. It’s impossible to predict where today’s decisions will lead, but I’ve learned that the only way to truly know if a career path is right for you is to take the leap and see where it leads.

As a student, I excelled in academics and was naturally steered toward a career in science.

I chose Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Computer Science (PCMC) in 11th and 12th grade, but something didn’t feel right. The further I went, the more I felt disconnected. I realized that a career in science didn’t call out to me.

When I shared my concerns with my parents, they weren’t supportive.

They believed that social sciences lacked security or prestige, and after many difficult conversations, I chose to take a gap year—not willingly, but out of necessity.

That year was one of the most challenging periods of my life. The uncertainty and pressure to conform were overwhelming. But instead of letting it defeat me, I used the time to explore. I read voraciously—books on history, sociology, psychology—anything that sparked my interest. I also worked part-time at my uncle’s restaurant, which taught me valuable life skills and gave me space to reflect.

As the months passed, I discovered a national-level exam that provided a pathway to a five-year master’s degree in social sciences at one of India’s premier universities. It felt like a lifeline—finally, a path that resonated with me.

I poured everything I had into preparing for that exam. The stakes were high, but I was determined.

When the results came out, I was stunned—I had topped the exam; AIR: 1!

That moment validated not just my hard work, but also my decision to follow my passion despite the obstacles.

Joining that university opened doors I hadn’t known existed. It gave me the confidence to trust my decisions and the courage to keep forging my path. I thrived in an environment that challenged and inspired me, reinforcing the belief that sometimes, the right path isn’t the one laid out for you, but the one you carve out for yourself.

You can watch countless YouTube videos or read numerous books on finding the “right” thing to do, but the answers won’t be found in those sources. Whether you choose a creative gig or a more conventional job, both are worthwhile investments of your time. But don’t wait for someone else’s approval to explore your interests. It’s easy to resign yourself to the idea that there’s too much work, too many obstacles, and too many ways things could go wrong. That may be true, but the real question is: What will you do about it?

I chose to leap into the unknown, and yes, I stumbled. I failed, and my work often fell short of my expectations. But each failure taught me something invaluable—it wasn’t about getting it right the first time; it was about learning and growing along the way. If others can achieve what you aspire to, there’s no reason you can’t at least try.

Remember, even the job you hold now was a choice you made. If it no longer serves you, don’t be afraid to move on. The sunk costs might seem daunting, but you’ll never know if something better awaits unless you take a step toward it.

So, take that step.

You won’t find the answers in the asking—they lie in the doing. And if you fail? You’ll be in good company. The only failure is not trying at all.