The silent gap shaping our children’s futures

Blog post description.

12/4/20252 min read

Last week, I visited a government school in rural Karnataka to address parents of high school students.

The intention was simple but deeply necessary: to create awareness about academic and career pathways beyond the narrow set of options most families are familiar with engineering, medicine, commerce, or a generic “degree.”

What parents say they want vs. what children feel allowed to want

We addressed parents and students separately.

When we asked parents what they hoped their children would do after Class 10 or as a profession in life, their responses were unexpectedly open and mature.

Most parents said:

  • “We want our children to be happy.”

  • “We will support whatever they choose, as long as they can stand on their own feet.”

  • “We don’t want to push them into higher studies just for the sake of it.”

When we probed further, asking if they would be comfortable with professions like dance, event management, or creative fields, the majority said yes.

There were, of course, a few parents who felt a degree was necessary for social respect and status, but even they spoke from concern, not rigidity.

Then we spoke to the students of Classes 8 to 10.

When asked what they wanted to do after Class 10 or as a profession, the answers were predictable:

  • Engineer

  • Doctor

  • Police or Army

  • Business

  • Factory work (a common local occupation)

When we asked why, the answer was almost unanimous:

“Because my parents will be happy.”

And then came the real answers

When we gently asked a different question. “What would you love to do if there were no pressure?” the room changed.

The answers poured out:

  • DJ

  • Dance teacher

  • Yoga teacher

  • Fashion designer (specifically tailoring and custom bridal wear)

  • Sports coach

  • Karate instructor

  • Farmer

  • Baker

  • Photographer

  • Teacher

But every answer came with hesitation.

They weren’t sure if they were even allowed to think this way. Because what they hear consistently is:

  • “First complete your 10th.”

  • “Then take a mainstream academic course.”

  • “Then get a ‘proper’ job.”

No one had ever told them:

  • these are real professions

  • these can generate income

  • these can be started early

  • these skills can support families

  • these paths deserve respect

The real problem is not ambition. It is awareness.

This experience made one thing painfully clear:

  • Parents are more open than we assume.

  • Children have clarity about their interests.

  • Teachers are constrained by the system.

And yet, everyone is operating in the dark.

  • The gap is not talent.

  • The gap is not willingness.

  • The gap is awareness of options, pathways, skill requirements, and earning possibilities.

For rural and economically vulnerable families, this gap is costly.

Pursuing degrees without clarity often means:

  • financial debt

  • delayed earning

  • underemployment

  • loss of confidence

  • and eventually, disillusionment

When what many families actually need is:

  • early skill development

  • practical livelihood pathways

  • dignified, income-generating professions

  • clarity before commitment

Why this matters to all of us

This is not just a rural problem. It is a systemic awareness failure. And it cannot be solved by schools alone.

We need:

  • educators who can expose children to real-world professions

  • professionals who can mentor and share lived experiences

  • institutions that validate skill-based and alternative careers

  • policymakers and philanthropists who understand that employability ≠ degrees alone

Most importantly, we need educated, privileged, aware individuals to step forward and support initiatives that:

  • expand career awareness

  • demystify non-mainstream professions

  • reduce unnecessary academic and financial burden

  • restore dignity to skill-based livelihoods

A quiet invitation

If you are someone who has navigated an unconventional career, built a profession from skills, or understands the ecosystem of emerging livelihoods, your voice matters.

Awareness is the first intervention. Clarity is the first empowerment.

And timely guidance can change the trajectory of an entire family.

This is not about lowering aspirations. It is about aligning aspiration with reality, opportunity, and dignity.

"No child should have to silence their dream simply because no one told them it was possible."