In today’s world, educational degrees have become more than just qualifications; they've become the yardstick for measuring a person's worth. People are often judged and labeled by the degree to which they pursue. Society tends to rank individuals based on their degrees, equating certain academic paths with intelligence, success, or status. A student studying medicine is automatically seen as intelligent and hardworking. Meanwhile, a student pursuing filmmaking or fine arts might be viewed as someone who "didn’t cut" for a more prestigious career. Engineering, medicine, and law are typically placed at the top, while degrees in the arts, media, or other unconventional fields are often viewed as “lesser” choices. But is it really fair to judge a person’s capabilities, passion, or future based solely on the degree they hold?. This hierarchy of degrees is not only unfair but also damaging. It ignores the individuality behind every choice, the passion behind every pursuit, and the circumstances behind every decision.

From a young age, many of us are taught to look up to certain degrees in medicine, engineering, and law as the gold standard of education. There’s a widespread belief that these degrees lead to secure jobs, higher salaries, and, therefore, successful lives. But in doing so, we overlook an important truth: success looks different for everyone. The path that brings one person joy, purpose, and fulfillment may not do the same for another.

Let’s pause for a moment and think about why people choose different degrees in the first place. Some follow their dreams. Others are bound by practical concerns, financial limitations, family responsibilities, geographical restrictions, or lack of exposure to other options. Someone may dream of becoming a doctor, but cannot afford the cost. Another might have the grades for engineering but chooses a path more aligned with their artistic passion. Every educational choice is made in a unique context, and these decisions often reflect a complex mix of circumstances, rather than just academic merit or ambition.

Take, for example, two individuals: one studying medicine and another pursuing a degree in media and film-making. Immediately, society tends to place the medical student on a pedestal. Meanwhile, the film student may be met with skepticism and questions. But, what if the filmmaker ends up creating powerful documentaries that change public opinion or inspire social change, while the doctor becomes overworked and emotionally drained in an under-resourced hospital?

This comparison highlights an uncomfortable truth: our society often equates worth with status and salary. But success should be measured in terms of personal growth, contribution to society, and above all, happiness and satisfaction. A degree is just a starting point, a stepping stone, it does not determine the entire journey.

Yes, medicine is a rigorous and life-saving profession, and doctors absolutely deserve respect. But so do filmmakers, writers, educators, designers, technicians, social workers, and countless others who contribute in their own meaningful ways. If we look back at the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world was locked indoors, it wasn’t just doctors who kept the spirit of society alive. It was also musicians making new pieces, comedians making people laugh through screens, and artists offering comfort through their work.

Moreover, comparing degrees without acknowledging the mental, physical, and emotional costs of each profession is narrow-minded. A doctor might earn more money and be brilliant at surgeries, but what if their schedule is so tight that they barely sleep, see their family, or enjoy their life? On the other hand, a media professional may earn less initially, but have more freedom, more creative satisfaction, and better work-life balance. Isn’t that a kind of success, too?

So, when we compare degrees, we are not just comparing fields of study; we are comparing people’s stories, dreams, and limitations. And that is something we have no right to judge. We need to understand that: Every degree requires effort. Every profession comes with its own challenges and obstacles, which cannot be compared. Like a musician may not wear a white coat or a suit, but the emotions they evoke through their art can heal in ways medicine cannot.

Even studies show that the linear path from degree to career is fading. According to a 2022 survey by LinkedIn, nearly 40% of professionals work in fields unrelated to their college degrees. Additionally, a report by the WHO stated that over 60% of university students face mental health challenges linked to academic pressure and career expectations. These figures highlight how deeply the pressure to choose the “right” degree can affect young minds.

A powerful example comes from the iconic Bollywood film 3 Idiots, where Farhan Qureshi is introduced as a young engineering student studying at one of India’s most prestigious institutions, not because he wanted to, but because his father wanted him to become an engineer. However, deep inside, Farhan dreams of becoming a wildlife photographer. He's passionate about nature, photography, and storytelling, none of which aligns with the traditional expectations placed on him.

Despite the fear of disappointing his parents and society, Farhan ultimately chooses to pursue his dream. In one of the most powerful moments of the film, he confronts his father and explains how he's been living someone else’s dream, not his own. His decision to follow his passion is met with resistance at first, but later, with understanding and pride. This turning point in the film sends a loud and clear message:

"A degree may get you a job, but only passion can give you purpose."

Farhan’s story resonates with many real-life individuals who are pushed into careers due to societal pressure but fear finding the courage to pursue what they truly love.

Also, consider how fast the world is changing. Careers that didn’t exist 10 years ago, UX designers, ethical hackers, and YouTubers, are now flourishing. Degrees are no longer the sole gateway to a successful career. What matters more is adaptability, creativity, and skill. In such a dynamic world, holding on to rigid comparisons is simply outdated.

Instead of judging people by their degrees, let’s shift the focus to how they use their education. A literature degree becomes more powerful if the writer uses it to advocate for marginalized voices. It’s not the piece of paper that defines success, it’s the person behind it.

We must foster a culture of collaboration, not competition. Imagine the power of combining diverse talents: a doctor and a filmmaker creating health awareness documentaries, or a teacher and a coder building inclusive educational platforms. These powerful collaborations only happen when we stop ranking professions and start valuing their unique contributions.

In conclusion, educational degrees are not trophies to be compared. Behind every degree is a human being with a journey, a story, and a dream. Judging them by the label on their qualification is not only unjust and unfair.

As a society, we need to move beyond the question, “Whose degree is better?” and ask instead, “Are they fulfilled?”. Because ultimately, a degree can open a door, but it’s the person’s passion, resilience, and purpose that truly shape their path.

So next time you meet someone studying something unexpected, pause before you judge. Ask them what they love about their field. You might just learn something new. Let us create a world where no one feels less for following their heart. As readers, you can start by reflecting on your own biases. And most importantly, teach the next generation that fulfillment matters more than approval. Because in the end, it’s not the degree that defines a person, but the person who gives meaning to the degree.

.    .    .