"What are your plans after university?"
People always used to ask me this question. Family, friends, acquaintances, even those I do not personally know e.g. my parents' friends.
I do not blame them, because I know they are merely curious and/or interested. Because I genuinely want to know what my friends will be up to when I ask them the same question even though I know they might just give me a general answer as a way of brushing it off - like I always do. Hah.
Well, I always dread this question. It entails the unknown, like seemingly falling down a dark abyss where you cannot see where you are heading and that no one really knows where the endpoint is. Even if you have your own aspirations for the future, you never know what you will end up doing or where you will end up going.
Since then I have come to realise that successfully graduating from university is not even near the end of the finishing line.
Another reason why I dread this question is probably because I know my actual answer slightly deviates from the expectations of those asking. I am certainly not looking forward to receiving disapproving or doubtful looks from people I'm not even close to.
I have always told myself that I will take a gap year after graduating from university. I was determined to take a break between studies and work to do the things I love, whether it is travelling or volunteering or taking up a course I am interested in. I feel like there is so much to do before I commit myself to a full-time job where I will be working for the rest of my life.
Before I know it, I finished my final exams, got the grades I wanted, and was officially done with university.
Before I know it, pursuing my own passions somehow became buried under the norms set by society, especially after seeing my friends one by one getting a job after graduating. Though the pressure is not full on in your face, it still felt like I am not doing well as compared to my peers when it seemed like I was the only one left hanging without a job.
Right after my finals, I went to China for almost two months - I joined AIESEC's global citizen programme that lasted for six weeks and did some travelling after. Then I came back, and without knowing when or how, the thought of immediately getting a job has planted itself in my mind, and it seemed like the best option at that time.
I guess it was partly because I felt guilty for travelling so much (only months ago I was back from the UK after spending a year there) because I was financially dependent on my dad so I figured I had better get a job and start funding my own travels.
Coupled with the fear of not getting a job after a long break, I just decided to go all out and apply for jobs (basically any kind that interests me) after coming back from China. Not long after I got a job offer in the creative industry, which I gladly accepted.
I began to feel like I am on the right track.
A little while after that, I met up with a close friend and we had conversations about our future aspirations. He is one of the few friends who inspire me a lot, and after talking to him, I felt a pinch of regret from unconsciously abandoning the short-term goals which I have previously set for myself.
At the same time, our conversations reminded me of the importance of living a fulfilled life. Some people are contented when they have a successful career. I, of course, want to work in the areas I am passionate about, and I am incredible blessed to find that elusive kind of love for a job.
To digress, a friend once said to me, "dreams do not necessarily earn money." It was heartbreaking to hear that. Mainly because most of the time, the statement accurately reflects reality. But then again, it all comes down to what you ultimately want in life. Earning loads of money, or fulfilling your dreams?
If you are lucky, you could do both at the same time. For me, money is not the biggest priority in life. As long as I am able to live decently and comfortably, I am satisfied. I would rather spend my money on travelling instead of materialistic things because that is what fulfills me the most.
And I think it is important to surround yourself with inspiring friends who will be running alongside you and cheering for you on the path to chasing your dreams, whatever they may be.
I have recently found out that it is my close friend who fits perfectly into that picture. Somehow he is the first friend who drives my passion the most, and I am very thankful for that. Because now I know there is someone who completely understands where I want to go in life without directly or indirectly demotivating me, and that is a very encouraging thought.
He showed me his bucket list and inspired me to do one. I now have a long list (it has now come to the 13th page in Word) and I know it might look unrealistic to actually complete everything on the list - I am very doubtful about that - but everything begins with the first step. And writing the list with my friend actually helped a lot in refocusing my future plans. Talking about it as well makes me feel really excited for what life has to offer.
I have slowly come to accept the fact that I will be working soon. And is it going to be okay, because I know I will find ways to incorporate travelling into my working life. And I bet nothing feels more accomplished than being financially independent to go wherever I want.
People always used to ask me this question. Family, friends, acquaintances, even those I do not personally know e.g. my parents' friends.
I do not blame them, because I know they are merely curious and/or interested. Because I genuinely want to know what my friends will be up to when I ask them the same question even though I know they might just give me a general answer as a way of brushing it off - like I always do. Hah.
Well, I always dread this question. It entails the unknown, like seemingly falling down a dark abyss where you cannot see where you are heading and that no one really knows where the endpoint is. Even if you have your own aspirations for the future, you never know what you will end up doing or where you will end up going.
Since then I have come to realise that successfully graduating from university is not even near the end of the finishing line.
Another reason why I dread this question is probably because I know my actual answer slightly deviates from the expectations of those asking. I am certainly not looking forward to receiving disapproving or doubtful looks from people I'm not even close to.
I have always told myself that I will take a gap year after graduating from university. I was determined to take a break between studies and work to do the things I love, whether it is travelling or volunteering or taking up a course I am interested in. I feel like there is so much to do before I commit myself to a full-time job where I will be working for the rest of my life.
Before I know it, I finished my final exams, got the grades I wanted, and was officially done with university.
Before I know it, pursuing my own passions somehow became buried under the norms set by society, especially after seeing my friends one by one getting a job after graduating. Though the pressure is not full on in your face, it still felt like I am not doing well as compared to my peers when it seemed like I was the only one left hanging without a job.
Right after my finals, I went to China for almost two months - I joined AIESEC's global citizen programme that lasted for six weeks and did some travelling after. Then I came back, and without knowing when or how, the thought of immediately getting a job has planted itself in my mind, and it seemed like the best option at that time.
I guess it was partly because I felt guilty for travelling so much (only months ago I was back from the UK after spending a year there) because I was financially dependent on my dad so I figured I had better get a job and start funding my own travels.
Coupled with the fear of not getting a job after a long break, I just decided to go all out and apply for jobs (basically any kind that interests me) after coming back from China. Not long after I got a job offer in the creative industry, which I gladly accepted.
I began to feel like I am on the right track.
A little while after that, I met up with a close friend and we had conversations about our future aspirations. He is one of the few friends who inspire me a lot, and after talking to him, I felt a pinch of regret from unconsciously abandoning the short-term goals which I have previously set for myself.
At the same time, our conversations reminded me of the importance of living a fulfilled life. Some people are contented when they have a successful career. I, of course, want to work in the areas I am passionate about, and I am incredible blessed to find that elusive kind of love for a job.
To digress, a friend once said to me, "dreams do not necessarily earn money." It was heartbreaking to hear that. Mainly because most of the time, the statement accurately reflects reality. But then again, it all comes down to what you ultimately want in life. Earning loads of money, or fulfilling your dreams?
If you are lucky, you could do both at the same time. For me, money is not the biggest priority in life. As long as I am able to live decently and comfortably, I am satisfied. I would rather spend my money on travelling instead of materialistic things because that is what fulfills me the most.
And I think it is important to surround yourself with inspiring friends who will be running alongside you and cheering for you on the path to chasing your dreams, whatever they may be.
I have recently found out that it is my close friend who fits perfectly into that picture. Somehow he is the first friend who drives my passion the most, and I am very thankful for that. Because now I know there is someone who completely understands where I want to go in life without directly or indirectly demotivating me, and that is a very encouraging thought.
He showed me his bucket list and inspired me to do one. I now have a long list (it has now come to the 13th page in Word) and I know it might look unrealistic to actually complete everything on the list - I am very doubtful about that - but everything begins with the first step. And writing the list with my friend actually helped a lot in refocusing my future plans. Talking about it as well makes me feel really excited for what life has to offer.
I have slowly come to accept the fact that I will be working soon. And is it going to be okay, because I know I will find ways to incorporate travelling into my working life. And I bet nothing feels more accomplished than being financially independent to go wherever I want.
Looking onward to the beautiful things in life :) :) :)
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| Carrick-a-Rede rope brige in Northern Ireland, UK [May 2015] |
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