Okay, this writeup is going to be a bit off topic and centered entirely around me (I know.. it sounds selfish.. doesn’t it?).
Lately I’ve been very unsettled in my current workplace - a Malaysian software development company (no, I am not a geek) which is my first full time job where I’ve been attached to for the past 8 years since graduation - where I’ve climbed from an entry level position to a key senior employee, working directly with top management. My job scope here is incredibly wide, covering areas from project management, website development, building online communities, overseeing various online publications, heading a customer support team, research & development of new technologies. Throughout my line of work, I’ve had the privilege of meeting the Deputy Prime Minister, working with the Ministry of Defence, working closely with the National Service Training Department, various other government agencies, top management of Malaysia’s GLC’s (CXOs), Microsoft, major banks, involvement in multi million dollar projects, etc - you name it, I’ve probably done it, and done it well.
But after awhile.. as time goes by… you begin to realise that no matter how impressive your job may sound like, if that’s not where your passion lies… it eventually becomes just a ‘JOB’, and you don’t get to work to your fullest potential and be all you can be! Anyway, my passion 8 years ago was pretty much EVERYTHING Computers and Internet-related, which is why I obtained a qualification in Computer Science - I’m now 28 years of age, and over time, over the past 8 years, I’ve seen my passion being re-defined in amazing ways, and my background, skills, knowledge, and exposure acquired over the recent years have given me the ability to exercise (pun not intended) that passion.
So WHAT exactly is my passion? Well you’re sort of staring at it right now. The countless mails I receive asking for help/advice, the feedback I get, and the satisfaction of being able to know that I’ve helped individuals out there achieve something they never thought was possible, is a feeling that words cannot describe.
Yesterday I received this in my Inbox, from The Word for Today*.. and it speaks about career fulfillment:
The Word For Today - 13th June 2007
Raised amidst arguments and money problems, Rich Stearns decided that education was his ticket out. Scholarships and hard work got him into Cornell University, then earned him an MBA from Wharton. Business came easily to Rich and he eventually became the CEO for Parker Brothers and Lenox China. He had it all: big house, nice family and secure job. So why did he still feel unfulfilled? He knew what his skill was: management. He knew where to use it: big organisations. But why? He considered becoming a missionary but didn’t see how God could use someone whose strengths were budgets and flow charts.In 1998 when World Vision United States invited him to be their CEO, he declined. It would be career suicide to move his family across the country, take a 75% pay cut and assume the reins of a ministry! But they persisted. When board member Bill Hybels told Rich, ‘This is a chance to marry your gifts with God’s call … to enter the zone in which you were made to live’, Rich prayed, weighed his options, and accepted. Looking back, Rich Stearns says, ‘This is the fulfillment of who I was created to be … I’ve found my stride … I wonder why I waited 23 years’. And World Vision has no regrets either. During his first six years, their annual budget doubled, making it the largest relief organisation in the world. It’s amazing what happens when you use your gifts “to tell … the wonderful acts of God.” So, what are you doing with your gifts?.
Now of course, I definitely cannot take a 75% pay cut, and I don’t want to be in such a position in the future and wonder why I didn’t make a decision 23 years earlier. So yeah.. to summarise everything above, what I’m trying to say is that I’ve been seriously considering a shift in my career for the past 2 months … and it’s about time I get started on it. This mail is only ONE of the MANY other forms of ‘nudges’ and constant reminders I’ve been getting that’s made me realise that I better stop procrastinating and begin my efforts for this career shift.
Well so there you go.. I just thought I’d share with you guys what has been strongly impressed on my mind lately. So YES… I’m looking for a career that is obviously health/fitness-related and that will enable me to in some way greatly amplify what it is I’m already doing right now. I’m not looking for an ordinary ‘job’, but a serious CAREER - a path that will be a general progression of my working and professional life.
Before you suggest that I become a Personal Trainer, I want you to know that I’m actually looking at something much bigger than that (and at the same time, similar in many ways), with a much wider reach and impact. Exactly what is it? I don’t know myself. I’m hoping that I can get some useful feedback from you guys that would help shape and direct my choices.
So people… any ideas?
Read also:
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
So, you want something as grand as World Vision? To be of influence to countless folks? Would you be content to be a nobody instead? Where you still touch lives in big and small ways but you will be a nobody. Not many people will know you, you will not be famous and neither will you earn pots of money. You ok?
TJ: Rich Stearns story with World Vision was just used as an example, which I decided to share. I’m looking for career fulfillment, and not popularity - so the question of whether I’m content to be a nobody is not relevant at all.
i read Andrew Matthews’ “Follow Your Heart” a few years ago. It has a wonderful chapter regarding career path change and it motivates me to change my job from electrical engineer (i graduated in Electrical Eng.) to software developer. I’m happy that i made the change although i earned less then.
Btw, ur case is much extreme than mine :P
some motivation for u: fitness industry is a multimillion dollar business and it is growing fast, haha
I can understand your feelings on changing your careers. You did mention that you are looking at something far greater than being a personal trainer. You are educated in Computer Science. Have you ever thought of combining your expertise in both areas together to achieve your goals?
My opinion is, if you want something, go get it. Especially since you’ve been thinking of it for some time. A degree is just a passport to a job, your passion is what keeps you going. Maybe with this shift you feel you can reach out and help many more people than what you’re doing currently. If you can do something that you absolutely enjoy AND get paid for it, why not?
Maybe you want to venture into a health mag/bulletin? That could help address many health-related/gym/exercise issues.
I’m in the health profession and i feel there is lack of awareness in certain diseases/health risks/how or when to take medications to achieve the best therapeutic effect.
DM, do something you want when you still can afford to do so.
Time will fly. Go for it.
Maybe you could come work for us at SNG?
You love fitness and to write…sounds like it may be a dream job, no?
I think what’s lacking in Malaysia is access to nutrition food that help people achieving healthly lifestyle. Not many people know and have time to prepare a proper healthly meal needless to say counting the calories (protein, carbs and fat) intake accurately.
There are meal companies in Australia delivering meals to your door and you know the exact calories that go into your body, wouldn’t that make life easier for someone who seeks to live a healthly lifestyle. I always think what these companies need is to offer professional advice on fitness, training and motivation and could tailor their meals further to suit muscle building, weight loss and general wellbeing.
May be it is a good idea to consider venturing into this business as most malaysians are not well educated in nutrition.
i know im digressing:
Adapted from Loving and Living the Good Life, by Helen Nearing (Chelsea Green, 1993).
The great pioneer of simple living, Helen Nearing, offers eleven wonderfully wise tips for living not only a less stressful life, but for living in a more connected and organic way.
1. Do the best you can, whatever arises.
2. Be at peace with yourself.
3. Find a job you enjoy.
4. Live in simple conditions; housing, food, clothing; get rid of clutter.
5. Contact nature every day; feel the earth under your feet.
6. Take physical exercise through hard work; through gardening or walking.
7. Don’t worry; live one day at a time.
8. Share something every day with someone else; if you live alone, write someone; give something away; help someone else somehow.
9. Take time to wonder at life and the world; see some humor in life where you can.
10. Observe the one life in all things.
11. Be kind to the creatures.
In my opinion….follow your heart! IT all depends what you want in life……..money cant buy happiness…if you have a lot of money but you are not happy to me that not LIVING!
Cheers
Well, its about time you move on. Its everyone’s dream to be able to do something they are passionate about and still make a living. But how many people are actually doing that? I know I cant afford to do that.
But I am glad you decided to make a career shift. Honestly, I cant imagine you being a Personal Trainer, I don’t know why. Haha. But you will probably make a great health/fitness/critique journalist, a healthy food consultant that help people plan diet/health menu or health/fitness website consultant.
Good Luck!
Is it just me or everyone else? i’m stuck in this rut and don’t know where to go as well.
Weird, I feel the same way! I’ve been a trainer for a while but have always been imagining something with wider reach.
I guess in your case thats why you have set up this site. I think in the fitness industry there are so many things you can be doing at the same time, many of which being opportunities that you create for yourself.
I guess you have to speak with as many people with similar interests as yourself, you never know who might inspire you or help you come up with an idea you never would have on your own.
If you think to yourself if you could be anything in the world, and achieve your hearts desire what would it be…. very few people actually shoot for their dreams and you might be surprised how many would try to talk you out of it if you did. I remember coming home from a trip and telling an old friend about some really cool stuff I intended to to in the next three months. The very first thing she said when I finished talking was.. “is that feasible?” ..and so begins the process of yourself and others unwittingly convincing you that you are ridiculous for even thinking a dream could be real. Often when people do this they are thinking about themselves not you!
Arnold Schwarzenegger (regardless of whether you love him or hate him) is just a man who followed his dreams and he would have been sure to have be talked out of every thing he ever achieved if he listened to what others thought……
Hey, i like Arnold Susunegar!
DM:
Still remember me? Sorry about not posting for a while. I’ve been very busy doing what you’re wanting to do, and that’s working towards what you’re passionate about. Remember that email I sent you about writing for me? Well that still stands and the project is still on its way to becoming a reality. I’ve been working on a few things here and there, got slightly sidetracked with another project (working with models), and now I’m back to start things back up again. If you are still interested in my offer to write articles for me on fitness (or even more if desired) then let me know. You still have my e-mail right? If not, I’ll email you again. You talk to Tim at Egonutritions? I’m sure he’ll be way too busy with that to consider jumping on board. Anyway, email me back asap. Looking forward to hearing from you bud.
Anthony
p.s. random coincidence that I would check back with you just to see that you’re looking for a “career shift” haha.
May you finally see the light and find peace to pursue your true passion ….. you will always have our support … :)
Thank you everyone. I’m still at my current job.. still looking at the various opportunities out there. If anything awesome does happen.. I’ll be sure to let you guys know.
i recently refuse to accept that im to do this job(my current job) till the time i retire! this current job does nothing for me, no satisfaction, stress inducing and absolutely crappy! this job has lost it appeal and for that, i demand a change and a change will come. i’ve just completed a basic PT course with NFC and the 4 days of theory and practical was absolutely divine! i took 4 days off from my annual leave to attend this training and now im on my 20 hrs internship! i live for the gym and this is where my passion lies! i had to lay off from gym for a month due to some change in circumstances and schedule, but later today after work, i will hit the gym for the 1st time in a month and i cant wait!
i cant walk away from this job at the moment, but i truly and deeply believe that i will be able to crave out a career in fitness, it is just a matter of time! i totally can appreciate all that your ur going thru! u just hv to keep looking and work towards it!
good luck!
The Cat: You seem to be exactly in the same situation I’m in. Congratulations on following your heart’s desire…
Following your heart is important. I remembered once I read a book writen by a Great Old Master- I was so impressed by him that eventually, I travelled to look for him (he stays in a remote town of another country). and I’m glad I’ve done that. And it remains the one of the 2 things in life that I am glad I’ve done. My point is I think that sometimes we need to break free from what society defined as a secured or safe, overcome our fears and work towards something that brings us greater happiness. If you love health and fitness, perhaps you can start to work on a book on health and fitness-on your spare time. But the design need be professional and yet cater for the Malaysian market (most books writen by Malaysian authors do not invest in layout, and hence suffer in sales- since it;s all bout judging a book by its cover). You can also organise events and seminars centered around your book and on health topics- you may not need to charge a lot but enough to cover cost and create enough publicity. Do this part time, save enough money and once you are comfortable enough, you can quit your job and persue what you believe in- give yourself a year or so to see if that’s what you want. If worst tak jadi, you can always go back to your desk job. Just my thots.
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