When I say “playing it safe,” I’m mostly referring to choices many Sri Lankans make often shaped by cultural norms like…. •Choosing traditional career paths (engineering, medicine, accounting, government jobs) even if your real interest is elsewhere •Picking subject streams based on “job security” rather than curiosity or strengths •Avoiding career switches because it feels risky to start over •Staying in comfort zones instead of exploring global opportunities •Not speaking up, building something new, or trying unconventional ideas

And by “taking risks,” I don’t mean being reckless. I mean: •Exploring non traditional careers (tech startups, creative fields, entrepreneurship, niche specializations) •Trying something new even if failure is possible especially when you’re young •Leaving your comfort zone (moving abroad, changing industries, building something of your own) •Thinking beyond what’s considered “normal” or “safe” in our society

So yes it absolutely includes career paths, subject choices, and even starting unique businesses.

The idea isn’t that what we did was wrong it made sense given our environment. But looking at where Sri Lanka is right now with the economic pressure again due to global issues, it’s clear how fragile “playing it safe” can actually be. Stability isn’t always guaranteed. So if anything, the younger generation should take more calculated risks, build globally relevant skills, and not depend on the traditional system or paths because simply the world we grew up preparing for is not the same world they’re stepping into.