Good to follow your calling

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Q. I am doing a Ph.D. in bio-chemistry from New York. Before I joined the programme, I was not interested in research. But I wanted to give it a chance to see if my interest developed. I got to join a good lab with a very supportive supervisor but I did not develop an interest despite the work environment being very encouraging. Alongside I got into cooking and I started liking it very much. But I could not generate that kind of interest in research. Initially, I decided to take leave to explore my options and thought of applying to food science programmes but now my heart is not allowing me to leave and I am not even able to focus on applying to food science course or do other things, as my heart says I should finish the work I started. I am very stressed out and don’t know what to do. Please advise.
Anonymous

A. My dear, we all go through dilemmas in life very many times. I’m sure you thought about it before starting your Ph.D. I know so many people who started their lives planning and trying out things and then found their calling. At the end of the day if you enjoy cooking and will be happy to do so everyday you have found your calling.
However, if you feel by getting your Ph.D. you could get a valuable degree you could do so and at the same time enjoy cooking courses that happen on weekends, etc. I think you could do whatever you want and what works for you and makes you happy. Write down the pros and cons and write down which course of action you want to take. Something that makes you go to work happily and makes you want to contribute as well. Be happy and relaxed. Take out some time before you decide.

Q. I am 22 years old and have completed a B.Tech in CSE. Now I am unable to understand how to plan my career, as the IT sector is not recruiting any graduates these days. Can you guide me please?
Anudeep
A. First of all as an employer and also as an employee of so many companies I want to tell you that what is most important when you go for interviews is to have the intent of contributing and taking responsibility for the company you would be working for. Most people go to work and only look at what's in it for them.
I’m sure there are places that would recruit graduates. You must read about the company you are going to approach for a job. Understand what it stands for and tell them how you could contribute and what your strengths are, that you would work hard, and then back it up.
Sometimes we do learn on the job. Until you do get a job I would advise you to work hard and read, learn and develop a good attitude to hard work and contribute. Or you could also do your Masters. Education is always beneficial. All the best!