Why I don’t have a career aspiration

Picola123
Picola123
Aug 24, 2017 · 2 min read

I hate the idea that people have to ‘pursue’ their passion. Because what if my passion doesn’t correspond to a career? What if my idea of fun is knitting, or running, but I also want a decent income? Let’s be honest here, we all know that my knitting business is not going to be the next ‘Virgin’ and I’m not quite talented enough to beat Usain Bolt in a race. This is where this infamous western ideal is flawed: it only functions for those who happen to have the ‘right’ passion, like marketing. But, unfortunately, like many others; I do not have a lifelong passion for marketing, nor did I come out of the womb loving the prospect of any particular career. Of course, I went through phases: At 5, I decided I was destined for comedy, at 10, I fooled myself into thinking I’d actually be accepted onto a veterinary course, at 15, I confused gluttony with a destiny as a pastry chef, and now… well, I just want a career which grants me as much freedom as possible. Because that’s what we all really want isn’t it? That’s why we look forward to the weekend and favour £60,000 per year over £20,000; It’s because it allows us to be that tiny bit freer. And that’s also why, paradoxically, we eventually give up that £60,000 job in favour of some more time and sanity.

Perhaps this is why I envisage a future of incessant travel. Travel is the ultimate freedom because it’s devoid of everything we become accustomed to in our ‘everyday’ or ‘normal’ life. There is no timetable or routine and we don’t lock ourselves inside all day. Even that intoxicating car ride to the airport in the early hours represents a rebellious act against the confines and conventions of ‘the daily routine’. It’s addictive. And it really works. Every time I return from a trip abroad I receive a greater zest for life: My trip to Europe resulted in a newfound (but short lived) enthusiasm for exercise, Indonesia caused me to begin learning Chinese, and going to Singapore made me more intent on achieving my goals. But all these effects are ultimately useless, as they often last no longer than 2 weeks. This is why it’s more important, for me at least, to choose a career around my ideal lifestyle, rather than choose a lifestyle around my ideal career. Of course, having both would be perfect; But perfection is hard to find.

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