@Anu Sadly, Anu, only you will have the answers to what you really want to do. It’s perfectly alright to feel undecided or even overwhelmed with all the choices, options that others are suggesting. But remember, it’s your life that you’re leading. Not theirs. Focus your energies on the things you need to do now, and that’s none other than searching for the direction within your own life. Take out a piece of paper and start writing/brainstorming on the careers or passions you’ve always loved and reckon how it would be like to make it a career. And review each introspectively and ask yourself what is it that you need to make it a reality. Seek advice and guidance from others as you go along but only when you’ve thought through that yourself first. And as you go along this, continually searching and taking up new experiences, you’ll be able to discover ultimately your path and direction.

Also, it’s important to continually look forward. What has happened in the past (i.e. missing all the fun while studying hard) are essential for formulating your current outlook and perspective. Use that as a platform – a launchpad for moving into greater heights, newer ground. Not baggage – sorry for the pun, Steven – for pulling you down. So what if you worked hard in college and didn’t have the time to take up new talents or skills? Use that as an impetus to encourage yourself “Gee, I didn’t have a chance to brush up on xxx, now that I’ve more time, I’ll learn it now!”.

Thats truly an inspiring article!! but what if, you are uncertain what to do next after quitting your frustrating job. I was always way above average in my school, college and got a job in the most reputed organisation even before finishing college. After 1 year or so, I realised that its not what I wanted to do, but then I continued just for the high pay and ofcourse for some of my best friends. Now I quit, but then I realised I was always doing what others wanted me to do (read as my family, relatives) , and I just didnt care about being myself. Through this journey, as I concentrated only on my studies I missed all the fun at school, college and never brushed up any of my other talents. I’m totally stuck up!!

I would like to know your comments on the same

Good on you!

About that “Keeping your options open” comment:

I listened to that siren call not so long ago and what a mistake (aka learning opportunity) that proved to be.

Go with your flow – and like the American Football video clip in your post, be the Titan you can be.

btw – I have linked to a book review on my blog for anyone interested in transitioning OUT of an IT career. Yes, it does happen…

regards
mark mcclure

I believe the convention of trading time for money is a deep seated idea. It’s not wrong, just a way we’re brought up thinking that that’s the only avenue… Frankly, I still trading time… not exactly for money but value. How much value I can create in my life. How much value can I create in the people who read my articles.

Btw, thanks for the link to your article too…

Wow your story is truly inspirational!

You CHOSE to break away from the Singaporean mentality that we have to trade our time for money.

You may think that “there’s really nothing glorifying about it” but in my opinion you did something GREATER than you think!

It’s easier to get stuck in the cycle of things and although it was risky, you were confident in yourself and went for it! That’s absolutely admirable!

You know what’s funny Ellesse. When I was reading this, I was thinking why does this sound familiar? And it turns out that I just wrote posted a video of Jim Rohn talking about the 4 Steps:

You can watch it here: The Day That Turns Your Life Around

To CANI,

SaiF
The World’s First Teen
Personal Development Video Blogger

I agree 100% with you on the statement that “It is not a safe route, but alas, one of happiness!”. Frankly, the only certain thing in life is its uncertainty. A seemingly safe option may not necessary be bona fide “safe” in the true sense. I’ve seen people lose their jobs from downsizing and quitting due to family commitments.

Since safety is not guaranteed at all, it’s seems to much more intuitive to just follow your gut feel and take the path that makes you happy. One that’s really close to your heart.

What a wonderful article. Spent a few years in several different careers, always thinking it was “it”. It was “it”, right until I worked my way through the ins and outs, and become bored and frustrated . When my oldest was 2, I “quit” corporate America…dawdled in various direct sales venues…then “quit” the networking world!

I think we all evolve, and I praise those who are brave enough to discover themselves. It is not a safe route, but alas, one of happiness!

I have dedicated myself to my mission, empowering women through my website, http://www.goddessinthegroove.com. I am also a “Goddess Butt Painter” (my son made up that title for me, and I find it much more entertaining that pendant maker!), and the day I decided to say “I am a writer” when people asked me, I began preparing to compile my work for a book. I recently self-published my first book, “Goddess in the Groove ~ Musings From the Goddess Within”.

Are sacrifices being made now that I live an “artist’s life”?? Absolutely! But I am on a path!

Greetings,
Heike Boehnke-Sharp

@Will Thanks for sharing your story! Age is frankly not an issue. As long as you’ve got the burning desire, faith and keep it strong… nothing is ever difficult for anyone. All the best and I hope to see a video of you strumming the jazz guitar on your blog one day!