As a freshly graduated, yet muddled uni student, writing a resume for the big bad world was a tricky task.
My arts degree in Japanese Studies could appear extremely niched, leaving job opportunities limited. Tour guide, anyone?
Yet, simultaneously, speaking another language fluently led to varied avenues – foreign and diplomatic affairs, international business, translating, interpreting, the list was endless. It completely depended on my own attitude.
And instead of asking, what was I capable of with a language degree, what wasn’t I capable of?
But as I sprawled out the strayed pieces of paper with numerous drafts of how I wanted to portray myself to prospective employers, it all became overwhelming.
What did I want to do?
What job would suit me?
My best friend at the time revealed to me, “Grace, your problem, is that you have too many options”
As it turned out, it took some interesting jobs (English teacher, office manager, interpreter, translator, public servant) to finally stumble into the career path of IT sales. Once landing there, I was intent that’s where I was to firmly stay.
The charged up drive and self-motivation it took to close a deal; the continuous momentum of presenting, selling, negotiating; thriving on the stress and the competition served my feisty soul perfectly.
Leaving that lifestyle almost 4 years ago was of no bigger shock to anyone but me. But blessings definitely do come in little disguises. Saying goodbye to the stressful, corporate world left me open to go on the hunt again. To search what will light that fire in my belly.
The beauty about blogging is the opportunity it gives to broaden waves of thought and flex the muscles of an open mind.
Where else but here can I write about what’s poignant to me?
I get fired up about capital punishment. I yearn for a multi-cultural Australia and voice my opinion on the prevalence of racism. I’m passionate about ensuring my family is raised in a bilingual and bicultural environment.
And while all these things set up little embers, I’m missing that all consuming element.
I know I’m close, though. Maybe it’s a case of encompassing all of these issues that I hold close to my heart and bundling them into one deliverable channel.
Perhaps it’s all leading me to another, completely different direction. That all of this – the blogging, the on-line interaction, the need to speak my truth – is a detour to something bigger. More significant.
Wherever and however I’ll be finding the fire, I imagine it’ll be like falling in love.
You’ll know when you know.
Your heart will skip a beat at the excitement and anticipation of what the future will hold. You take a deep breath, knowing that there’s a risk in stepping out of your comfort zone.
But you know if you don’t do it, if you don’t act on it, if you don’t contribute, then that will be a bigger regret than staying silent and stagnant.
What gets a fire in your belly? How did you find it?
Joining Essentially Jess for IBOT
Veronica@ Mixed Gems says
What an apt analogy,, Grace, “fired in my belly”. I’ve been on that search a while now, especially this year. Much is changing around me at work, but too much is still the same. I’ve taken a couple of risks though and a new challenge is around the corner. I’m still not sure where any of it will go. I think being offline has meant less space for me to muse and ponder pathways, even though the online world becomes a loud, confusing din at times too. Look forward to seeing what’s around your corner too. x
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Aroha @ Colours of Sunset says
I hope what you’re looking for comes along soon, even if it turns out to be something you didn’t know you wanted! I have been feeling frustrated lately. I’m ready for “the next big thing” but like you said, if you don’t keep an eye out for it and act on it you’ll never know. But then I guess it’s like a relationship in that when you stop looking, it finds you? I don’t know! It’s all too hard sometimes! he he. Thanks for making me put my thinking (and dreaming) cap on! x Aroha (#teamIBOT)
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Luisa says
I totally get this, Grace. Before kids, I was studying a Psych degree and have always wondered what on earth I’m going to do with it. I didn’t want to be an actual Psychologist but instead work within organisations. Now at work I’ve spoken up and doors have been opened and my belly is constantly filled with excitement. So hopefully it progresses well and opens more doors for me 🙂 I hope what you seek comes soon, too. Xx
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Danya Banya says
I know what you mean Grace. I’ve left behind a corporate sales career too. And I feel a bit stagnated being home with the kids, but I also know it’s where I want to be right now. I can worry about the rest later. But seems your later is approaching. Too many choices – it’s exciting for you!
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Emily @ Have a laugh on me says
I love that ”it’ll be like falling in love, you’ll just know”. I think we always need to keep searching, learning and looking for different/bigger things and that is part of our journey. I suppose while you have two very young boys you options are limited, but as they grow, they go to school, you meet new people, and you will, the world will open up new opportunities to you. xx
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Seana says
The world is our lobster! No really it’s the same thing, what can’t you do? Especially when twin let’s go to school, the world seems wider. More time to do things, or even not to do things. X
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Josefa @always Josefa says
That fire is so important! What an interesting path you have traveled Grace that has lead to right here and now! My fire is fueled by words, connecting people together with powerful stories and a burning faith x
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Mumabulous says
I can totally relate to this post today. You’ve exactly capture the way I have been feeling for the the past couple of years as a SAHM. I know that someone as intelligent, talented and vibrant as you are will find a new direction without too much trouble. Loves
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Lisa Wood says
I so hear you! I often think “there has to be more to life than this” or even “surely this is not all my life is” {I love my boys dearly but it can become a bit too much doing the same old same old every day}
Its funny but I have never ever known what I wanted to do with my life, yet now that my boys are getting older I think that I do know what feeds my fire, its a matter or working out how to get there!
Hope your doors start opening up, and your words are heard along with what you believe in. Go change the world, it only takes one person and more will follow xxx
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Deb @ Home life simplified says
so glad i popped over today hon . this is so true – thanks for writing it.
“Wherever and however I’ll be finding the fire, I imagine it’ll be like falling in love.
You’ll know when you know.
Your heart will skip a beat at the excitement and anticipation of what the future will hold. You take a deep breath, knowing that there’s a risk in stepping out of your comfort zone.”
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Kathy says
Grace I reckon you are really close to harnessing that fire and turning it into love. I really believe in the things that you write about – about racism, and multiculturalism and a fair and just nation (and world). I feel like I write about life, and maybe living it better, a bit of philosophy about living life to the full – helpful but not ground-breaking – but standing up to causes you believe in gives writing real meaning. You do that now and I reckon it will evolve. Turning good writing into a full-blown cause is a big commitment – I hope I’ll be ready to do that sometime soon and I feel confident that once your family circumstances permit, you will too.
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EssentiallyJess says
This post made me so excited, because I get it so much. There is something about blogging, or perhaps just writing that makes you think and opens up all the doors in your mind, that you would never have opened before.
Right now the thing that is burning inside me is simply the need to do more; focus on the important and eternal and forget about the insignificant.
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Jean says
Maybe you ought..run for school trustee or something like that. Sorry to surprise you. I suspect you could have great advocacy skills.
Once upon a time, Grace before blogging, before cycling passion bit me, I was volunteering heavily in Toronto in race relations for nearly a decade. After university, I moved from a conservative, fairly white city to Toronto. Got involved in a literary and arts magazine that focused on Asian Canadian matters and written primarily by…Asian Canadians. Then moved onto other stuff…long story. But I LEARNED so much..gifted people my age or even younger who were social workers, lawyers, etc. speaking at the national level on race relations, immigration service policy changes, etc.
It helped me….learn to speak out later, to have courage in general.
I don’t blog on this topic much, directly on the subject of racism (by the way, I loved your little story of what happened when you became an Aussie citizen as a girl). There are some things about history I have blogged about and will…have a few lined up over the next few months. There’s other stuff that is waiting for blog release.
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Jody at Six Little Hearts says
Grace, you blog so well I expect the next big thing will come along in this field. You are there now, travelling towards a super-future.
I feel in the same place right now, despite recently having a baby and having so many kids. My fire returned after number 5 and is sitting quietly while number 6 grows.
I love that feeling of looking out a door on a summer’s morning in the bright sunshine – full of promise… 😀
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Rita says
I felt all “strange” reading your post Grace mostly because I felt you were describing me… Three languages, lawyer, a diploma in journalism but here, I feel there are so many possibilities but it’s like if there are no possibilities… I don’t know if it make sense: I guess what I’m trying to say is the fire is inside me but I just don’t know what to do with it… Blogging gives me a voice at least and I love it but I feel there is more for me but I don’t know how to get it.
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Lydia C. Lee says
hmm, still working it out…
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Parental Parody says
I was waiting for the big announcement! It is surely just around the corner, because you seem so close. Fingers crossed you find it and it is as beautiful as the post was xxx (that is totally poetic and serious and stuff for me, right?)
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Leanne Winter says
I’m a bit like you, Grace. I don’t think I’ve quite been engulfed by fire yet but I love exploring new opportunities and the sense of anticipation when I embark on something new that “maybe this is it!”. It’s all a journey of discovery. Best wishes in getting that fire blazing.
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Mumabytes says
Salamat pagi, Grace! Asik banget post anda! I think you have captured the feelings of many of us out there who are seeking something: something more, something different, something else – and are reaching out to touch new surfaces, hear new people, walk new ground. I, too, feel a fire within. It was interesting to me that the fire began to burn brighter once my Surfer Husband whisked me away from a desk to live in Bali. It was there I was able to get creative and begin walking the path to what I’m doing now, which I feel is right for me. I think you, too, are on the right path, Grace. You have connected with so many people, you have a voice, and your words make a difference to the days of many. That’s a pretty cool thing! Keep up the good work. Katie xo (the new kid over at Mumabytes)
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Nami says
How true – my career before having the boys, used to consume my time and mind. Now, I can’t even think of sparing any of that power to that environment again. The appreciation of children is far more rewarding than that of any demanding client. I know what you mean by blogging, t0o. It’s been a soul searching journey that gets fruitful every year. Love your words, Grace.
Messi says
Hola recien lo degcsrao, lo provare para luego decir como me fue, pero les adelanto que esto de los softwares es muy importante para el desarrollo de los universitarios y no la porqueria de esos ingenieros que ensef1an a lo antiguo, es decir solo teoria
survey commissioned says
You’ve hit the ball out the park! Incredible!