What Do I Really Want?

Much has been said about planning and managing one’s career. Not many weeks from now, a new generation of professionals will tote up to the working force. But how many of them would end up to their dream job? How many would aspire to go abroad? How many of them would gamble in a career shifts? —countless.

You see, looking for a job is easy, but for the right one… is an enormous challenge. Most of us would take into consideration the remuneration because it’s what would feed us. Some would aspire for rank; others would just want to work. But what is really a worthy choice?

A few months ago I ventured into a career shift. I’m an arts graduate now into banking and finance. Why? —because a big opportunity knocked just in time for my immediate pecuniary needs and obligations. I didn’t have so much time to choose then and now I could not turn back from the bond. We can’t have the finest of both worlds as they say. Some people may have been in their ideal jobs, getting ideal benefits since day one, but for those who don’t, I bet you have heard numerous rhetoric solicited advice and otherwise. Most would say just listen to your heart…

…And then I realize that my family needs money for survival, that after I lost my dad, I had to work hard to make ends meet. Can I just listen to my heart?
…It is vividly clear that good jobs are scarce in the country and we have rotting institutional systems, full of biases, prejudices and egotism. Can I just listen to my heart?
…That what you really wanted to do isn’t enough to provide even yourself the quality life that everyone’s after. Can I just listen to my heart?
…That my heart and mind would like to teach, share and learn more, but I simply can’t because I’m boxed. Can I just listen to my heart?
…That every night I reflect on the promises I’ve made for the country as a young leader and seems that I have gone far— far away from them. Now tell me to listen…

Even if in deep sadness I write, that life really does not go the way we want it or even if we plan it; I look at the skies, I still see clouds with silver lining. Failure may define my personal plans at the moment, but I’m just starting… still have a lifetime of chances to fulfill my goals.

“Now what do I really want? I want a life not just a career. A life that is not just focused on earning a living, but a life that values living.”