[Points: What it is—need of choice—how to make the choice—conclusion.]
Man has to earn his living, and different persons do this in different ways, which are their professions or vocations in life. Formerly there was no question of choice in the matter: the profession of a man was generally determined by the profession of his family or father. Thus, a weaver's son became a weaver, a carpenter's son became a carpenter, a shopkeeper's son became a shopkeeper, etc. Even in the learned professions, doctors, lawyers, administrators, etc. desired their children to step into their shoes.
But with the spread of education and growing complexity of social forces, men have been compelled to take up works quite different from those of their fathers or grandfathers. The profession of a man Las, therefore, become a matter of individual choice. As the future. of a man's life depends on this choice, great care has to be given to it.
The first thing necessary for a wise choice is to note the natural aptitude of a person from his boyhood. No one should be put to a course that does not suit his taste or abilities. If a boy who shows a talent for mechanical devices is put on the medical line or legal profession, he may prove a failure. But he has every chance of shining as an engineer Similarly, a boy who has no idealism and love of education cannot be a good teacher. One who is inclined to ease and comfort is unfit for business or professions like engineering.
Sometimes it is difficult to make a proper decision. The ability of some develops rather late in life. Poverty may stand in the way of some following their aptitude. Still it may be laid down as a general rule that 'career is open to talent. So a young man must choose his profession with great care. Once a line has been chosen, he must follow it with firm determination. He must not lose heart or give it up at a few upsets. He should bear in mind the proverbs: "A rolling stone gathers no moss" and "Slow and steady. wins the.race." This will give him strength to overcome the initial difficulties and soon lead him so success in life.
