<p>I just explained all this to my mother who is much more open and understanding. When I asked her what she thought she said I don't know right now, let me sleep. Then she said we'll be embarrassed because we told everyone back in India that you're going to be an engineer, and now you're doing this accounting/finance and that's not good. Basically my mom and dad are basing their assumptions off of opinions of people who are in the engineering and IT fields. This seems highly biased and inaccurate, but they won't listen to me because they think I'm young and naiive..</p>
<p>Also consider going to college part-time or at night. There are many such options; not everyone has to do 4 years full time.</p>
<p>Indian, your parents are wrong about accounting, It has one of the highest starting salaries for a four-year degree, Every single business in the US needs an accountant or bookkeeper - it's much more versatile than an engineering degree, Plus, you have evidence that chemistry and engineering is not for you - what is the point in your studying engineering when you can't devote yourself to it? You will be setting yourself up for failure.</p>
<p>Keep the discussions open and try to find a middle ground with your family. That means a compromise on both sides. You must be willing to make some sacrifices in order to get most of what you want. Also, please stop blaming them for spoiling you - that is NOT the mature person's approach to a difficult situation. </p>
<p>Since you have decided on your school, go ahead with what you need to do, and keep having conversations with your parents that show respect for their ideas. They need time to get used to a change, so don't push it. By the time you need to select your courses, you can reach an agreement about what to study, if you take the right approach.</p>
<p>I feel for you Indian. I have pakistani parents, who have been grown up with the same mentality that smart people ONLY are doctors and engineers. I, am fortunate,however, that my parents are understanding and want me to be happy (and rich : ). Yet, I can't help but remember my mom sighing and saying what would she tell her family about my future profession. I have a feeling that her family doesn't even know what a businessman even is! I did some convincing, nevertheless. Why does this stereotype go on (in both cultures?) But, I really hope everything works out for you.</p>
<p>I talked to my dad again. He said a bunch of ******** about how women and cripples do accounting, how it doesn't pay much, how it's not a tough major, how there is too much competition, and that he will disown me if I decide to do it. So I gave in and said I would do engineering on the one condition that he sends me to my dream school (Purdue), and that if I don't like chemical engineering I would switch to biomedical after the first year program. Thoughts?</p>
<p>Edit: He refuses to go to the occupational handbook on the government website (bls.gov), and check out accounting. Every single thing he says sounds like an assumption.</p>
<p>I already told you to lie.</p>
<p>L. I. E.</p>
<p>It's not that hard particularly if you make you case airtight. When you go to college say that you are getting your breadth requirements out of the way (when you are actually taking accounting classes). Its what I did when I took premed classes when I was actually trying to major in econ and become a lawyer. It is also likely that you can hide your transcript from him or jack a friend's transcript and change the name. THis is not hard to do. By the time he realizes it will be like the 2nd or 3rd year of college. How would he know if you're an engineer if he's not one himself? There's no way! Just lie. </p>
<p>If he pulls the plug you will likely have landed internships and can withdraw and work a while. Then you can come back and finish your degree if necessary by taking the appropriate loans.</p>
<p>Just milk him for as much money as you can. Is it deviant? Yes, but some asian parents do not listen ever. THEY. DO. NOT. LISTEN. So just lie to him.</p>
<p>"I have pakistani parents, who have been grown up with the same mentality that smart people ONLY are doctors and engineers."</p>
<p>Wow, my parents are American and have the mentality that doctors are idiots and only engineers and businessmen are smart...and guess which one I want to be! Anyway, I'm fortunate that my parents are willing to let me do what makes me happy. </p>
<p>Anyway, the only advice I can give you, Indian, is DO NOT LIE. If you do that, you are just setting yourself up for estrangement from your family and a possible sudden withdrawal of financial assistance by your parents if they find out what you are up to. You can always start by getting basic requirements in during your first year, which would give you more time to convince your parents. If your dad won't look at the websites, print out statistics on the two professions and show it to him. Good luck.</p>
<p>Lol thanks fatlard</p>