I love my job, I love my job I love my job! Sound familiar? For some, this is a phrase that is chanted just to get through the day but for other lucky individuals, it’s the truth.
Have you ever wondered whether you made the right career choice? And was it based on your passion or are you chasing those dollar bills (rands)?
At 18 years old, I started working part-time in retail –while studying– and I am currently working my dream job but I often find myself reflecting on how I actually got here because this was not the plan. I am living my passion but I had no idea it would be my passion. Here’s how it came to life:
What I actually studied
Before stepping into the fashion industry, I studied Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. I was on my way to graduating with my Honours degree and would have probably studied further towards a master’s and Ph.D. Those forms of qualifications have some serious bucks attached to them but I wasn’t happy. In fact, I was extremely ill, mentally and emotionally. I joke about it now but I always say that if I had to continue my studies, I think I would have been in a mental institution.
My dream job
Sometimes I wish my dream job was a stay-at-home mom but I know my creative brain and constant need to be on the move would suffer. In all honesty, I had no idea I would end up as a Fashion Editor. After years in almost every sphere of the fashion industry, I can honestly say I am 100% happy on my chosen career path. My passion became my purpose and vice versa. I am beyond fortunate and grateful to say those words.
The case for passion
Chasing my passion over any other profession that would have probably set me up for adulthood a little more smoothly was not easy but that just meant I had to work a little harder – the hustle never ends!
I pride myself on a dedicated work ethic and willingness to learn and do more. Even as a Fashion Editor, I am willing to be an intern for or an assistant to other, more established fashion stylists and Creative Directors (CD) because CD is the next goal.
I tried the full-time freelance life and it was not for me. Maybe it was the wrong timing because I only took it seriously when I was retrenched during COVID-19 when almost all industries took a big knock.
The case for financial security
However as a young, mostly independent adult, working toward financial independence, I need financial security right now and that’s okay. But, if that means an opportunity in freelance arises again, I will grab it with open arms.
I live life telling myself that if I put in the hard work and show my true potential, the blessing of money will find its way to me. That being said, I had to become good at budgeting and saving but that’s a conversation for another day.
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The case for both working together
I would rather hustle, learn as many skills as I can while enjoying what I do than be in an unhappy and more importantly, unhealthy, position just because the money is good.
Working life today
Today, many of us are faced with a common conundrum. If there’s another job that comes our way, do we move over for the money, or because it’s actually a better opportunity and we’ll be happier there?
There isn’t a right or wrong answer, but what I do know is that once you start chasing money, you never stop. There is truth in the quote: “The grass isn’t always greener on the other side” – the money might be better but is it truly what you want to do?
I am in awe of women who are working insurmountable hours in jobs, who are not often happy in their works but still do it because they have to. I know there are situations where people are forced to work purely for money but I believe you have to have a passion for what you do.
Your ‘right’ choice
The ‘right’ choice is definitely situation-based and there are ways to find your happiness in your job even if it doesn’t seem like it. But I can confidently say I am working for my passion and not for the money, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
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Featured Image: Own Image
