Compromise career to settle down faster??? I won't!!!

I understand that there are many cultural differences between Indians and the West. But why is it that "settling down" at a younger age so very important in our country?
At 26 years of age, I feel I have had a lot of fun :)
I roamed a lot of places, worked at different places, learnt new languages, made new friends, and did ALL that a guy would dream to do (lol not all... don't misinterpret!!!). The best part of all this was the happiness I had when I was doing all these.
I met an old friend a few months ago (let's call her Kay to cover her identity) and asked her what she was doing. She said she joined her M.D. in pathology...
This girl was an academic genius. She was very determined and industrious, and always had wanted to be a paediatrician.So, I asked her what drove her interest towards pathology. She was a little uncomfortable in the beginning, and answered "I had to settle down.. and was not willing to waste another year preparing."
I was shocked! I think life is to be lived, experienced. The falls and the rise of a person in life are the things that make a person. I cannot compromise on my dreams just because I have to "settle down"!
I have seen the miserable state of medical PG entrance in my state, and do agree that justice is being denied to the deserving. But dreams are not to be compromised... for anything!
There were points in life when I used to joke that choosing to be a doctor was one of my worst mistakes in life. There were situations when I sincerely felt the same. But being a doctor was my dream, and I made that dream come true! The satisfaction of being able to achieve my dream surpasses all the negatives that come along with it. (Poor family life, no time for self, modest pay packs are a just a few to name).
I tried to reason with my other friends if Kay was right. Many said she was, in view of the current state of the medical graduate in AP. But will she really be happy if she doesn't do what she likes?
Why do we have to compromise our happiness in life to settle down? Why do people live their life in such a haste? Why cant you postpone your PG for an year, and rather join a branch of your choice later?
People give me lot of reasons
> Getting late for marriage. (That's by far the commonest :P )
> Family financial pressures.
> Not willing to waste another year, especially because they might not get even this seat next year! Etc... etc...

I have always opted to tread the path shown by my heart, because it gives me immense pleasure. Compromise always comes with a burden. And in the case of career, compromise can bring a lot more than pain. I cannot say Kay is wrong, but just that my view is different. Happiness in doing what you like is far more important than anything else in life!

P.S: Wanted to share this because Kay is currently taking treatment for depression, has abdicated her seat (because of which she might not be eligible for the next year's PG entrance), and am trying to convince her to try for DNB paediatrics.

Daasaradhi karunaa payonidhi

One of my dad's favourite padyas from Daasharadhi shatakam. Written by the great Poet and devotee of Lord Sri Rama, Shri Ramadasu

Muppuna kaala kinkarulu mungita vachchina vela,
rogamul gopparamainacho kaphamu kuththika nindina vela,
Baandhavul gappina vela,
mee smarana galguno galgado naati kippude,
Tappaka chetu mee bhajana... daasaradhi karunaa payonidhi.

When death's messengers arrive at my doorstep,
When in disease phlegm fills my throat,
When I am deserted by my relatives,
I may not be able to recite your name,
So let me sing your hymns now.. Hey! Son of Dasaradha! An ocean of compassion!