Hey everyone and welcome back to another episode of Modern Malayali.
For so many young Malayalis, career choices are more than just personal decisions, they’re deeply tied to family expectations, societal approval, and the idea of what a 'successful life' should look like. In this episode, we unpack the pressures so many of us grow up with: the push toward stable, 'respectable' careers like engineering, medicine, accounting or law, and the fear of what happens if we take a different route.
My guest today is Sharon, a medical student and hugely successful content creator on TikTok. She shares her journey of navigating not just the mental strain of pursuing medicine, but also the physical effects stress has had on her health whilst also dealing with chronic illnesses.
Together, we talk about why our community often treats dropping out like failure, and how we can start shifting that narrative to one of growth, exploration, and resilience.
Sharon also talks about how she’s learned to cope with these pressures, the role her creative outlet has played in keeping her grounded, and why it’s so important to normalize talking about stress and mental health in our community. She also shares some tips and advice for younger Malayalis who are considered choosing a career path, and for those who perhaps are feeling stuck in their studies.
Whether you’re a student right now or someone who still remembers those exhausting university years, or even if you just want to better understand the pressures so many young Malayalis face, then this conversation is for you.
Don't forget to check out Sharon's social media pages and show some love!
Instagram: @shazzamataz128
Tiktok: @shazzamataz128
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About the Modern Malayali podcast:
Have you ever wondered how other Malayalis live their lives outside of Kerala?
I have. I've always been curious about how other Malayalis navigate their culture while living very modern, Western lives. I’m talking about the influence our culture has had on the decisions and choices we've made — from choosing a career path to choosing a life partner, from how we talk about mental health to how we spend our free time.
This is a podcast where Malayalis from all over the world can connect and share stories. We’re all in this together, and I’m sure many of us have had similar experiences. Hopefully, one of these episodes will inspire or reassure you that you're not alone in this.
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To stay up to date with new episodes and upcoming guests, find me on Instagram and TikTok!
Instagram and TikTok are also a great way to connect with me, and to let me know if you’re interested in being on the show!
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Music by Kalpesh Ajugia from Pixabay.