Orangeous Dailies

Let me share with you my experience about horrible conversations with Dad. We don’t have much disagreements, but when this topic comes up, it usually ends all conversations for the entire day. Just put yourself in my shoes for a moment. I’ll bring you up to speed as to how this happened.

When I finished my ‘O’ levels…

*I was playing Counterstrike on my computer*

Dad: Son… Any idea which course to take in polytechnic?

Me: No idea? Business?

Dad: Take I.T. You’re on the computer all day long. You can design software like this. The I.T. industry is paying well.

Me: Ok.

Playing games on the computer and programming are two different things… but they look alike. Anyways, I took an I.T. diploma. While I was at it…

Dad: You should have taken business instead. I.T. going down.

Me: Ok.

I took up an advanced diploma in business while I was in National Service. No issue here, because it was what I wanted to do. Dad couldn’t say much because I wasn’t at home most of the time.

When I moved on to complete a degree in business… that was when the conflict started.

Dad: My friend’s son is a lawyer. Making big bucks. So many people studying business nowadays.

Me: But that’s what I want. Besides, I’m already halfway through it!

Dad: I’m just saying. I mean, if you studied harder, you could have gotten into a law school. Anyway, you’re good at arguing with people right?

Me: That’s not what I want.

Dad: Fine, up to you.

A short while later…

Dad: My friend’s son is in the marine industry. He’s working on a ship. A lot of overseas allowance. He will become a captain one day. Will make big bucks.

Me: No. I like what I am doing.

Dad: Up to you. I mean, if you can’t find a job next time, don’t come crying to me.

A short while later…

Dad: You know that uncle of yours, Mr. XXXX from Indonesia?

Me: Who is he? I’ve never seen him before.

Dad: His daughter and son… Both doctors.

Me: So?

Dad: Next time when he grows old he doesn’t need to worry about medical treatment.

A short while later…

Dad: You know your cousin is in Singapore right? Back from London. Working as an intern for MFA. On a scholarship. Next time she’s going to be successful.

Me: …

Dad: You should have studied harder last time. What scholarship do you have?

A short while later…

Dad: My friend’s son in oil industry. Working as an engineer. You need oil for everything. His yearly bonus is a lot.

Me: So what?

Dad: You should have gone into oil industry… *then he finally remembers, pauses and corrects himself*… I mean, you should have studied harder. Now the market is full of business graduates? How will you find a job?

Me: There is always a demand out there. You just have to actively seek it. I’m in the school’s job placement scheme, and on my part, I will be personally looking for jobs and sending my resume out.

Dad: You are not a scholar. You are not from NUS or NTU. What makes you think they will hire you?

Me: Then… If everything I do is wrong. What do you want me to do?!

Dad: You should have studied harder last time. Go and do your Masters. Finish studying once and for all.

Me: I’m not doing my Masters, unless I have enough work experience and only if my job scope requires it.

Dad: I don’t think you can find a job then. You think it’s so easy.

Me: I’m proving you wrong then.

He walks off and slams the door behind him.

Initially, I felt stressed up, confused and hurt over his comments. Then I realized it was best to remain passive when conversations like this occur. I appreciate his concern, but there is no way I’m letting him dictate what I want to do in life.

I may not be rich or successful, but I am sure as hell… damn happy with what I do.