In countries like Pakistan, my country, it is a moral value that what your elders decide goes no matter how big or personal the matter is that is even about their careers or even worse their weddings.

Hey I am not saying that these decisions totally go wrong or something,they are quite experienced people and have seen high and lows of life and some of the decisions are really a master stroke and it is helpful when the kids are spoilt for choices that is can't decide or confused but people don't really face same experiences in their lives same thing that was miraculous to someone may turn out to be a nighmare for someone else.It worstens when they almost force their chidren what they feel is right for them.

When a girl is doing well in her studies then she will/have to become a doctor and for boys it is Engineering or one other option is BBA (He may choose to be doctor that is also okay) even if he she wanted to be a fashion designer or something.A example of this sort happened when brother of my friend was forced to be a doctor when he really wanted to do hotel managment and the guy is sick of his life as he is sensitive and can't stand burnt or bruised people. This could easily been avoided if his parents respected their son's wish and helped him on his way but instead of making him take profession of their choice.(It is also because a Doctor or Engineer is a highly respected person in our society and someone realted to him/her is also respected). How can somebody do something when not interested in it he would make matters worse for him and also for the people around him.

One of the reasons for this is that parent want to secure the future for their kids as every parent rightfully would and feel that that only a few notable professions are enough respected or give enough outcome to lead a succesful life. I blame this on the government as their are no career plans made for the youth or no guideline. They are no advisors or planners who would help students and inform their parents about the positives and negatives of any profession.One more thing here is people are most interested in things which are the flavour of the month and supported by the government really ignoring all others.

Another thing is inherited professions like a barber's son would have to be a barber and a buisness man son's must look after his family buisness.

I have a suggestion that the parents should let their children decide what is good or bad for themselves and if the parents have some reservations about it then they must discuss it with their kids and take them in confidence over it.