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
