Question

Your elder sister learnt pottery as a hobby in college but is now keen to start her own pottery studio/shop and earn her living. Your parents feel that she should continue to study and choose a safe career. Discuss with your partner• what you could do to help your sister, and• what steps you would suggest to help resolve the issue.

Answer 1

THE PROBLEM:

The conflict between your sister and parents.

 

PROS OF YOUR SISTER’S PLANS:

Standing on her own feet- financial independence. Feeling of self-worth. In line with the modern trend of entrepreneurship. Environment friendly venture. Swadeshi products have great sales these days.

 

DRAWBACKS OF YOUR SISTER’S PLANS:

She might not be as skilled as she thinks she is. The business might not take off as well as expected- lack of business know-how and ineffective marketing. She might not be able to complete her studies. There are financial risks involved. In case of failure, she will suffer from a loss of confidence. It can even lead to depression.

 

IDEAL WAY OUT:

Get both the parties to reach a compromise. You can form the basis of the compromise. Some possible solutions can be:

As a short term test, your sister can start at a very small level and showcase her products to people in the neighbourhood. Once it is determined that she can in fact chalk out a career out of it, then she can be allowed to go ahead with her plans. Your sister continues her studies according to the wishes of your parents, but can keep working on improving her skills. Besides pottery, she also learns about how to go about setting up one’s own venture and how to market the products effectively. Your sister is allowed to open up her studio, but is given a reasonable time frame, within which she needs to ensure that her business gets established. If, even by the given deadline the business is not in a good state, then she will need to quit considering it as her main career and focus on the traditional academics as wanted by the parents.