Ask HN: Seeking Advice on Choosing the Right Stream for My Son

Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for some guidance regarding my son, who is currently in 10th grade and at a crossroads in deciding between the science or commerce stream. His assessments indicate that he has strong reasoning skills, is inquisitive, and has an enterprising spirit. He excels in physics and is above average in math, although he’s not interested in biology despite his aptitude for it. He’s curious by nature, enjoys challenges, and loves building with Legos.

As an electronics engineer, I naturally lean towards encouraging him to pursue a career in engineering, particularly in fields like computer science, electronics, robotics, or AI. However, I’m aware that I might be biased in this regard. My son, on the other hand, is considering a career in accounting, drawn by the perception of it being a well-paid job with what he believes to be less effort compared to engineering. He feels that the math involved in accounting is simpler than that in engineering.

I’m uncertain about the long-term career prospects in both fields, especially with AI potentially disrupting areas like accounting. While I see a wide range of opportunities in engineering, I’m also trying to consider his interests and the possibility of job satisfaction in finance.

I would greatly appreciate your insights on the pros and cons of these two streams:

Engineering: -Competitive pay -Potential for a balanced work-life (depending on the organization) -Opportunities for travel -Challenging and dynamic work environment -Possibility of freelancing or starting his own business

CA/Finance: - Competitive pay -Likely less travel involved - Freelancing might be challenging or less lucrative -Concerns about long-term job satisfaction

Any advice, insights, or personal experiences you can share would be incredibly helpful as we navigate this decision. Thank you in advance!