Why I quit my dream job
ISTARTED my undergraduate year by enrolling for a diploma in Information Technology at Multimedia University (MMU) even though I wanted to do something that would get me a ticket into the world of fashion magazines. In the two years of my study, I remember strolling around campus thinking to myself, “Seriously Min, there’s not a single bone in your body that would enjoy anything related to IT.”
I was just 19 when I finished my diploma, and on the first week of my degree course in MMU, I had to build a robot. A ROBOT? That’s when I knew I had to do something ... I was not going to build robots for a living!
Luckily I got accepted into Universiti Teknologi Mara’s (UiTM) Mass Communications programme, certainly a step closer to my dream job. This led to an internship at a well-known Malay fashion magazine, the only Malay fashion title in the market at the time.
After six months, I left with a full-time offer in hand. I was graduating from a great school and starting my dream job in an exciting industry for a big company, getting to do what I love all day long, with lots of travelling around the world.
After two years of writing and directing photoshoots, I realised that although being in an editorial squad may be many people’s dream job such as Andy’s (played by Anne Hathaway) in The Devil Wears Prada, — suddenly, it wasn’t my dream job, not anymore.
One Saturday morning, five years into my job as a full-time editor, I was just about to sit down with my girlfriends when I felt the familiar buzz of my phone in my pocket. I pulled it out, already knowing what lay ahead. I turned to my friends and said, “I’m really sorry, guys. I hate to do this, but I have to go. Again.”
This had happened several times before, not just with friends but also, when my family needed me. It struck me that my dream job was not heading in the direction I had imagined it would.
I didn’t want to continue living a life that offered little happiness (well, I was not happy and under a lot of pressure). Looking around, it seemed to me that most editors either succeed in their careers or in their personal lives... but not both. I have never come across one who had a happy personal life and a fantastic career to boot.
So I thought, “Min, let’s find your pursuit of happiness.” That realisation terrified me but it also gave me a sense of relief. Months of stress and anxiety disappeared immediately. While the next step scared me, I knew I had to take it. So I quit my job and entered unchartered waters — and have never looked back.
At least I really enjoyed my five-year ride with the magazine; lots of amazing memories and great friendships! OK, fine, it wasn’t quite that easy. Life isn’t a movie and one epiphany cannot move mountains overnight. I spent a year thinking about my decision before handing in my resignation, recalculating my new budget, and figuring out what I wanted to do in this new career. And, along the way, I picked up a few life lessons.
SUCCESS ISN’T A ONE-SIZE FITS ALL
Coming out of school, I equated success with a fancy title and a fat pay cheque. But for what? What validation was I seeking? What stamp of approval was I looking for to solidify my intelligence and worth? After realising that particular dream wasn’t for me, I saw that success comes in many shapes and sizes.
And as cliched as it sounds, success is truly what you make of it.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE ISN’T NICE, IT’S NECESSARY
I worked upwards of 70 hours a week (yeah, it’s possible) and ate all my meals either at my desk or in my car while driving around town. I didn’t date, could barely take time off to see family, and had zero hobbies. I firmly believe you should be dedicated to your job. And yes, you should take pride in your work but there is a fine line between being dedicated and letting it envelop your life.
MONEY ISN’T ALWAYS WORTH IT
Sure, no one’s going to deny that getting paid handsomely is nice. But at what cost? What good is having all that cash if you never leave the office? I can personally attest that having more doesn’t make you any happier. (But yes, I’ll admit that it does make it easier).
Since leaving the magazine industry I’ve actually taken jobs that have paid significantly less. Why? Because I’d rather be working for a job that values a work-life balance, encourages a great office culture, and allows me to do work that’s meaningful to me.
Does looking at my smaller pay cheque make me want to cry? Yes, sometimes, I’m only human. But tears aside, I’ve never regretted my choice. The perks of building your own empire is that your bank account translates directly to how hard you work. More jobs mean a better bank statement.
I’m not indulging in humblebragging by telling you my story. I’m telling you because I wish someone had told me. I wish someone had sat me down before I signed my offer letter and said: “There’s so much more to your career than brand name companies, money, and titles. It’s about working at a place where you feel valued, a place where you’re proud of the work you do and even more proud of the work your company’s doing.”
Because that’s the job I have now, and it feels pretty good.