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Every year , I see it happen.

A teenager finishes 10th grade. They’re decent in academics. They’re not sure what they want to do — but they pick Science.

Why?

Because everyone says it’s the safe choice. Because it sounds intelligent. Because it keeps “all options open.” Because somewhere deep down, they feel people will validate, appreciate, and respect them for it.

But here’s the catch — they don’t really know what they’re signing up for. They don’t know the nature of work in science fields. They don’t know the reality of careers in engineering, medicine, architecture, or even trending spaces like genetics or biomedical research. They don’t know themselves well enough yet.

And so, they choose based on how something looks from the outside, not how it works from the inside.

The Truth About “Safe Choices”

Let’s break the myth: Science is not a guaranteed ticket to success. It is not automatically the best stream just because it sounds smart. It is simply one of the many areas you can express your talent, curiosity, and energy.

You still have to do the work. You still have to make decisions after 12th. You still have to build a meaningful career from it — and that depends less on the stream, and more on you.

The Real Work Begins With You

Whether you choose science, commerce, or humanities — the key question is:

Do you know what kind of work suits your nature? Do you know what kind of problems excite you? Do you know how you like to function on a daily basis?

If not, it doesn’t matter what stream you take. Confusion will catch up with you — maybe not now, but definitely later. Usually when you’re already in a college course and suddenly realise:

“Wait, this is not what I expected.” “This feels too mechanical for me.” “This doesn’t energise me.”

And by then, making a switch becomes emotionally and socially heavier.

The Cost of Realising It Late

This is where things often take a painful turn.

When a student realises after joining an undergrad course that it’s not working for them — the guilt sets in.

• Guilt about the time and energy already spent.
• Guilt about the money invested — sometimes a huge amount.
• Guilt about not meeting expectations.

And then comes the comparison trap.

Looking around, seeing peers who seem sorted, confident, and on-track — it becomes easy to spiral into self-doubt. Futuristic fears take over:

“Will I ever catch up?” “Am I falling behind?” “What if I never find my path?”

This phase, if not handled gently and wisely, can deeply shake a young person’s identity. They begin to question their worth, their potential, and sometimes even their dreams. The pressure to perform, to be someone, to succeed — it all feels too heavy.

And it all started from one uninformed decision, based on fear instead of clarity.

So What Should You Do Instead?

Start small. Start honest. Start with you.

• Get curious about different careers — not just what they are, but how they work.
• Spend time in understanding yourself — your values, your nature, your preferences.
• Experiment with your nature through small, safe experiences.
• If you feel confused, take external help — a mentor, a guide, or a professional who can walk with you and help design your journey one step at a time.

That’s exactly why HOLISTREE exists — to support young people in this difficult, overwhelming, yet important process. To hold space for clarity, courage, and conscious career choices.

Don’t blindly chase what sounds safe. Chase what feels aligned.

Because ultimately, it’s not about science. It’s about you.

And when you know who you are, any stream you choose can become the right one.