Breakfast Babble is ED’s own little space on the interwebs where we gather to discuss ideas and get pumped up (or not) for the day. We judge things too. Sometimes. Always. Whatever, call it catharsis and join in, people.
I once mentioned wanting to switch careers at a family gathering, and suddenly, I became the subject of an intense debate on what was best for my future. My Chaachi, who once read an article on LinkedIn, is now my career counsellor.
My Tauji, a mechanical engineer, believes my lack of interest in government jobs is a sign of youthful rebellion. Welcome to the grand panel discussion that is every Indian family gathering, where qualifications are optional, but free advice is mandatory.
Diagnosis By Distant Relatives
In the world of Indian families, if you have a relative above the age of 40, congratulations, you have a lifetime free subscription to unsolicited life advice.
Thinking of changing jobs? “Beta, just prepare for the UPSC; why waste time? Government jobs are the best.”
Relationship issues? “In our time, we just adjusted. You kids don’t know the value of compromise!”
Want to travel? “Why waste money when you can invest in gold?”
I could be struggling with burnout, but according to my Mamaji, it’s because of my bad lifestyle choices. It was as if my brain had personally called him and complained.
The Ultimate No-Cost Life Plans
Professionals give guidance. Relatives give theories straight out of Dadi Ma Ke Akhand Gyaan Nuskhe, Volume 128. Forget life coaches; my family believes all wisdom is inherited through DNA.
Marriage solves everything. Depressed? “Shaadi kar lo, sab thik ho jayega.” Feeling lost? “Shaadi kar lo.” Mild headache? Guess what? “Shaadi kar lo.“
Saving money equals never spending money. “Why do you want to go on trips? Arey, save money! When we were young, we only went to our nani’s ghar. That was our vacation!” Oh wow, thanks; now let me just cancel my Goa plans and book a train to Bareilly instead.
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How I Handle Their Free (and Unsolicited) Life Advice
The key is to nod, smile, and pretend you’re listening while mentally planning your escape.
The ‘Haanji, Bilkul’ Approach: Agree enthusiastically. “Ji, Tauji, I’ll definitely quit my job tomorrow and start preparing for the UPSC.” It works like magic; they feel validated, and you get to live another day with your actual plans intact.
Blame the Internet: “Actually, Google says this advice is outdated!” This triggers a debate between relatives and technology, effectively distracting them from my choices.
Just Laugh It Off
At the end of the day, our relatives mean well (even if their advice sometimes belongs in an alternate reality). Their enthusiasm for gyaan and free counselling is just their way of showing they care—loudly, persistently, and without a real plan. So, the next time they prescribe an unsolicited life roadmap, just take a deep breath (or maybe a vacation, just in case) and remember: this is what makes Indian families so uniquely entertaining.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go “prepare for the UPSC” before my Bua thinks I’m an ungrateful soul rejecting ancestral wisdom.
Sources: Blogger’s own opinion
Find the blogger: Katyayani Joshi
This post is tagged under: Indian families, family drama, Indian relatives, career advice gone wrong, shaadi pressure, UPSC obsession, adulthood struggles, Gen Z problems, life struggles, surviving relatives, Indian parenting, middle class life
Disclaimer: We do not hold any right, copyright over any of the images used, these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly mail us.
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