For the love of Economics!

My niece hates Economics! In her 12th now, she was getting advice from me, without her even asking for it, about her future career choices. I suggested, with a big smile on my face, "why don't you major in Eco?" I expected her to thank me for this wonderful and inspired suggestion when I heard, "Cheeee!! Eco!! It's so boring! Try as I did, I could not convince her to change her mind. And hence, I am writing this blog to show how interesting can Eco be. I love Economics! Due respect to all famous economists, I have taken some liberty here! Dear niece, this is for you!

In the last few weeks, we have been constantly hearing about the high inflation in our country and the PIIGS reeling under recession. I am actually feeling the after-effects of both. A recessionary Hairline and an inflationary Waistline! How I wish it were the reverse! But what gets me worried more is the fact that my Mom is also worried about this. Let me explain. She sees me like this and there is that look on her face. I DREAD what's coming! "Beta, what are you doing..Look at you!! I think you should get married now..before...........She purposefully leaves it hanging, like a noose..."Before what mom?! Before my Hairbank goes bankrupt and my trouser buttons burst open??!!"

What is with mom and other middle aged ladies! These ladies are the perfect example of a Cartel! Just like a cartel, they collude and scheme to get young people like me married, hooked and booked! They are active all year round, but they come into their elements during family functions - weddings, birthday parties etc. Just like a cartel, they do not actually give the appearance that they are colluding. They move around discreetly in groups of 2 to 3 and creep up on you, stealthily, when you least expect it. "Hello, Mrs. Parikh! Your son has become so big!" Sighhh..The tag has been made. I want to run away. Mom joins the action. "Yes, he is now an MBA, working with a bank" The cartel moves in for the kill. "Oh! I have just the perfect girl for him. She too is an MBA!" Mom gets that familiar look in her eyes. "I know! I have been telling him since when that he is set now." I know it's time for me to beat a hasty retreat..

Mom feels I am set now. I ought to be, right? An MBA, a decent job?? But I feel that there's something missing. Even though on the surface it seems I am moving ahead, rising higher up the ladder, but deep down I feel that I am stagnating..a case of Stagflation! There just seem to be too many things to contend with. Too many variables. And unlike that most fundamental of Eco Fundas 'Cēterīs paribus', here all the variables are constantly moving, in different directions pulling you along with them. But I know I have to move on, aware that the "Invisible Hand" is there to guide me, just like the "Invisible Hand" of Adam Smith worked for the benefit of all.

I think I have written enough! I am sure I have displeased economists by using such important terms in such a frivolous manner. But more than that I am worried that if I write any more, the purpose of this article would have been defeated and my niece will definitely not take up Economics. You see, the more I write, the more bored she will be to read even a single additional line. Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility at work!