Why Everyone’s Chasing Science: The Truth about “Sheep Mentality” and Its Impact on Students’ Lives

“My neighbour’s son took Science and now he’s in the U.S.”
“My uncle said only engineers and doctors are respected.”
“Everyone in my class chose Biology, so I did too.”
If these sound familiar, you’re not alone.

Each year, thousands of students are nudged, coaxed, or outright pushed into choosing a career path that isn’t truly theirs. And the most common direction? Science. Not because they love Physics or dream of dissecting frogs, but because… well, everyone’s doing it.

Let’s pause here and ask: Why is there so much pressure to choose certain career paths like Science? And what happens when we blindly follow the herd?

The Origin of the Pressure: Where Does It Come From?

1. Cultural Beliefs:
   In many families, especially in India, Science is seen as a “prestigious” stream. Engineering and medicine are viewed as the ultimate proof of intelligence and success.
2. Job Security Myth:
   There’s a strong belief that Science leads to stable, high-paying jobs, while Arts or Commerce are considered “risky” or “less valuable.”
3. Social Comparison:
   Students are often compared with peers or cousins. If someone gets into IIT, the pressure mounts on everyone around to do the same.
4. Lack of Career Awareness:
   Most students and even parents aren’t aware of the wide variety of fulfilling and lucrative careers outside the Science stream.

What Is “Sheep Mentality”?

“Sheep mentality” is when decisions are made by simply following others, without questioning whether it’s right for you. It’s like seeing 20 people stand in line and joining the queue without asking, “What am I waiting for?”

When students choose careers based on what others are doing — not what they want — they’re unknowingly stepping into a life designed for someone else.

The Real Impacts on Students’ Lives

1. Mental Health Struggles
   Choosing a field you don’t love can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression. Many Science students report feeling overwhelmed with subjects they never liked in the first place.
   “I hated Physics, but kept studying because I didn’t want to disappoint my parents. I now feel stuck.” — A 17-year-old student
2. Academic Failure
   Not everyone is wired for complex equations or biology diagrams. When passion is missing, marks often follow the same path — downhill.
3. Wasted Years
   Several students drop out mid-way through engineering or medical courses. That’s not just wasted tuition money; it’s lost time and confidence.
4. Lack of Career Fulfilment
   Even if you finish the course and land a job, doing something you don’t enjoy every single day is emotionally exhausting. You may earn well, but feel empty inside.

The Power of Choosing for You

Here’s the truth no one tells you in school: Success is not limited to Science.

• A student who loves writing can become a best-selling author or a digital marketer.
• A passionate artist can run a successful design business.
• A commerce student can become a financial analyst or start a fintech company.

The key is not to chase what’s “popular,” but to discover what makes you come alive.

So, What Should You Do?

1. Self-Reflection – Ask yourself:
   • What subjects do I enjoy most?
   • What topics excite me to learn more about?
   • Can I imagine doing this for years?
2. Talk to Experts
   Career counsellors, mentors, even seniors in college — speak to people who’ve walked the path you’re curious about.
3. Explore All Streams
   Don’t just focus on Science. Understand what Commerce and Arts offer too. Every stream has gold — if you dig in the right places.
4. Involve Your Parents in a Conversation (Not a Confrontation)
   Most parents want what’s best for you, even if their ideas are outdated. Show them you’re serious by doing your homework and explaining your passion with facts.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Different
   You were born to stand out, not blend in. The world needs thinkers, creators, builders, dreamers — not just doctors and engineers.

A Final Note to Every Student Reading This

If you’ve ever felt trapped, confused, or afraid to say “I don’t want Science,” know this: you are not alone. And more importantly, you are not wrong.

This is your life. Not your neighbour’s, not your uncle’s, not your best friend’s.

Success doesn’t come from copying others. It comes from knowing yourself, believing in your passion, and daring to walk your own path.

So, take a deep breath. You’ve got this.

And if this blog made you feel seen or helped you in any way — share it with a friend who might need it too. Let’s break the cycle of sheep mentality, one brave student at a time.