[2muchcoffeeman]

No, it makes sense, go for the thing that will reasonably make you enough money to be comfortable and independent.

It's funny though, for me an education in computing was the practical thing. I have a science degree too but I had next to no intention of being a professional scientist.

[ScottBurson]

No, it really doesn't. Secretaries have been mostly replaced by computers already -- a trend likely to continue.

[2muchcoffeeman]

I as replying to why some parents attempt to curb aspirations in favor of practicality.

[ScottBurson]

I see. Well, if one is going to do that as a parent, one should at least be sure to understand what the practical considerations actually are. In this case the parents got it exactly wrong.