When I was a kid, whenever anyone asked me what I wanted to be, I’d always have a different answer. For many years, I wanted to be an astronaut, but that was before I realised you needed to be good at math and science. I also wanted to be an artist, a teacher, an inventor, an interior scientist, and a writer (all at once).
My best friend from middle school used to laugh at me because she told me that since I couldn’t make up my mind, I would end up doing everything part time. In those years, I thought anything was possible and that I could be anything.
Growing up, the other career ideas simply melted away when I realised that the stories in my head could be written down and I could share my love of words and stories with people around me. Through writing, I could be anybody I wanted to be, could do anything I wanted to do.
But as I grew up, I was constantly told, both directly and indirectly, that my passion for writing wasn’t a suitable career or life plan. I needed something more solid, since writing was a very iffy prospect, with low chances of success. I knew all that. I’ve been writing since I was 10, trying to get published since before I was 15. I knew about the struggles, the rejection, the fears, all of it. But I allowed myself to be persuaded against it, and applied to teacher’s college, since I knew that a BA didn’t really lead to good job prospects.
This year was a big learning opportunity for me. I studied alongside individuals whose dream it was to be a teacher, who had left their good jobs to come and be a teacher, who had worked their whole life for this dream. I wasn’t one of them.
I worked hard. This one year was more gruelling for me than my four years of university were. But as I worked so incredibly hard for a dream that was not my own, I realised that my hard work was a moot point when I was working towards something that I wasn’t passionate about.
I loved teaching. It challenged me in ways I never knew possible. I loved interacting with my students and watching them grow. But I learned over this year that while I did love teaching, I loved other things more.
And that was when I realised that I’d rather be pouring my heart and soul into the things that I felt most passionate about, the things that I stayed up all night dreaming about, the things that I had already spent a large chunk of my life working towards.
So that’s when I decided that teaching wasn’t for me. When I told people of my decision, many people told me I had wasted a whole year and so much money. I don’t think any education is a waste. I learned so much this year, and I don’t regret my decision one bit.
Because now I know that I don’t want to waste my time with everything else but the things that make me happy. It sounds cheesy, but life is short. I want to work hard on my dreams. If they don’t come true, at least I can say I tried.
And who says you can only be one thing? I’ve been so stuck on the notion that I have to pick one thing, but I’ve never been able to. Being passionate about so many things has always made it hard for me to pick one career or dream only; I love to write, bake, design, and blog. Why do I have to only pick one?
Realising this has been so freeing. And I’m so excited to put everything aside, and finally do the things that make me happy. And I plan on starting now.
I don’t usually write such personal posts, but this one has been on my mind for awhile and I wanted to share my news with you all. 🙂
Hope you’re all having a lovely day!
As always, thanks for reading,
Ikhlas
This was a beautiful post! I completely agree with you that its very important to do the things that make you happy. I too also have a degree in education and right after graduation realized that is not where my passion lies. I shifted my focus to something that I believed was best for me and have been enjoying it since. You are an amazing writer and if that’s one of the things you love, keeping going!! You’re doing great!!
Thanks a bunch, Ruby! It was hard to make the decision but now that I have, I’m so much happier 🙂 Aww thanks for your kind words 🙂
aw Ikhlas! i loved this post. mashAllah you’re already so many amazing things, and blooming into so many more! i’m so excited for all you have to offer to this world!!
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Aww thanks so much, Fatima! Your support means the world 🙂 <3
Moulds are for jelly. Boxes are for things. Dream are for brave people 🙂
Aww thanks a bunch, Keshi!
great post .. love it
Thanks so much, Sahar!
I agree! Education is never a waste! And you can do multiple things with your life! I’m sure whatever direction you go in will be great 🙂
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Thanks, Natalie! 🙂