Aeti Arora 7 Mar, 2025
Imagine this: you hold one of the most unique degrees in the country, backed by years of experience across various levels of hierarchy. Your expertise is sought after—you are consulted by the media, respected by institutions, and admired by peers for your multi-disciplinary insights. And yet, one day, someone reduces your entire career—your talent, skills, and accomplishments—to a single piece of paper.
They tell you you’re not eligible for a promotion because, years ago, you pursued a diploma in your chosen field instead of an undergraduate degree. Not because you lack the ability. Not because you haven’t proved yourself. But because your path didn’t align with a narrow, outdated checklist. And the worst part? This isn’t just about one missed opportunity. It’s a symptom of a larger problem, a mindset that prioritises conformity over capability, labels over leadership, and boxes over brilliance.
Why is my future being held hostage to a past not of my own choosing? A whole generation of adults suffers silently like I do, trapped by choices they didn’t truly make. Choices that were made for them by well-meaning but misinformed parents, by societal expectations, or by the lack of proper guidance. You were told certain professions would secure your future, or that certain degrees would open doors, only to discover later that those doors lead to rooms where you don’t belong.
But, of course, it all makes sense on the big screen, doesn’t it? You cheer and clap for Ved’s final confrontation with his father in ‘Tamasha,’ where he breaks free from the life chosen for him. Yet, as the credits roll and you exit the theatre, the applause fades, and the reality of your own unresolved struggles sinks in. “Stay curious.” “Embrace your individuality.” “Think outside the box.” These words sound empowering until reality unfolds.
The box doesn’t disappear; it simply hides inside a larger, stronger box stamped with the word ‘conformity.’ A box that insists you can only be as good as the degrees you hold, no matter how far you’ve come or what you’ve proven. That’s when the truth hits: the system isn’t broken—it was designed this way. The greatest hypocrisy is the claims you hear about: inclusivity, unconventional thinking, and fresh perspectives. But the actions prove the opposite: sticking to outdated benchmarks of degrees and age brackets, with zero flexibility to look beyond them.
Innovation is celebrated, as long as it fits neatly within the prescribed confines. Unless, of course, you’re a Gates or a Zuckerberg; then your degree magically ceases to matter. But here’s the thing: I was never one to be deterred by setbacks or hypocrisy. If anything, I thrive in the face of it. I’ve always been the person who turns the worst circumstances into opportunities, who sees a road where others only see walls. My diverse background isn’t a flaw—it’s my strength. It equips me to tackle challenges from perspectives that others might overlook. It enables me to innovate, to connect dots that don’t seem connected, and to create something extraordinary out of the ordinary. I refuse to be bound by their rules, their boxes, or their limited imagination.
My career, my skills, and my worth are defined by my experiences—the ones I’ve earned, learned from, and continue to grow, tirelessly and consistently. I choose to embrace my journey, with all its twists and turns, and to honour it by staying curious, adaptable, and open to lifelong learning. Irrespective of conventions, the truth is apparent that the world thrives because of those who dare to colour outside the lines, who shatter conventions, and who refuse to shrink to fit into someone else’s box.
To the decision-makers, and recruiters: It’s time to rethink these rigid frameworks. The world is evolving, and so are the ways people learn, grow, and contribute. A piece of paper is not the sole measure of someone’s potential or worth. Real talent lies in those who have overcome challenges, adapted, and excelled despite the odds. I’m calling for a mindset shift—not just for myself, but for everyone who’s ever been told their path wasn’t good enough or wasn’t linear enough.
I didn’t plan to be where I am today. I didn’t map out every step of this journey, nor did I imagine the exact shape my career would take. What I did plan was to be creative and successful, and to be a kind and decent human being, someone known for putting good into the world. And today, I am doing just that. Today, I practice two very different professions simultaneously. One feeds the childlike curiosity within me, the part that craves creativity, exploration, and the joy of building something beautiful and meaningful. The other comes from a place of deep purpose; a need to do right by others so that they don’t find themselves caught in the same dilemma I once faced. Both paths light me up in their own unique ways.
And here’s the thing: I love what I do. I love how these two worlds intertwine and how they challenge me to grow every single day. So, spare me your judgment. Spare me the outdated metrics, the narrow labels, and the unsolicited opinions about what my career should look like. I’ve found my calling, and I’ve earned my place. I stand tall in the work I do, and I refuse to let anyone dim the pride I feel in it.
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