Title: The Value of Following Your Dreams: Pursuing a Passionate Career Path
As an older mentor to a young individual seeking guidance on his career path, I find myself contemplating the significance of pursuing one’s dreams. The young man I have been working with has proven to be a capable employee, diligently fulfilling his assigned tasks. However, it is when he discusses his dream of becoming a pilot that I witness his true enthusiasm and passion. He has immersed himself in learning the intricacies of aviation, studying call signs and radio signals, yet he has not come close to realizing his aspiration of attending flight school.
These circumstances arise from a sense of trepidation within me. I fear that he may follow the commonly accepted route in Singapore, pursuing a secure and predictable office job after obtaining a respectable degree. While there is nothing inherently wrong with such a path, it becomes evident that his heart resides elsewhere. Despite finding brief excitement in certain aspects of forensic accounting, he acknowledges that he lacks the drive to become a lawyer or financier.
I have conveyed to him the importance of attaining a noteworthy degree, as it has become non-negotiable in today’s world. Neglecting his studies is not an option. Additionally, I have encouraged him to maintain his current employment with our organization so that he may accumulate the necessary funds for flight school, considering its significant cost. Simultaneously, I have stressed the importance of pursuing every available opportunity within the aviation industry, emphasizing that Singapore Airlines (SIA) is not the sole gateway to his dreams.
Trustingly, he has deemed me a father figure, and I cannot bear the weight of that responsibility lightly. By urging him to pursue his dreams, I may be seen as a terrible parent figure in conventional terms.
However, what alternative do we have? Should we coerce individuals into professions that fail to ignite their passion? Undoubtedly, the likelihood of achieving one’s dreams is uncertain, but one must give it their best shot. Far too often, people reach old age, consumed by bitterness and regret due to forsaking their dreams for the sake of security.
Steve Jobs captured this sentiment eloquently when he stated, There’s no point being the richest man in the cemetery. Since we all eventually end up in the same place, it is imperative to embark on the journey of life passionately and purposefully. As someone who has amassed years of experience, I believe it is my duty to inspire young individuals to pursue their dreams. Practicality should be taken into account, of course, as we all need to earn a living. Nevertheless, being enslaved to a profession that drains one’s spirit is futile. It is better to pursue one’s dreams wholeheartedly, even if some adjustments or modifications may be required along the way. In my own career journey, I have witnessed individuals in the advertising industry who, while yearning for a path in creative arts such as filmmaking, found alternative avenues to make a living while still nurturing their passion.
AI-driven technology will continue to infiltrate workplaces, ultimately reinforcing the notion that humans cannot compete with machines on the level of automation. Therefore, each individual should capitalize on their unique strengths and inject passion into their work in a way only humans can.
In conclusion, aspiring individuals should not be dissuaded from pursuing their dreams. While the path may be uncertain, the journey towards one’s passion is a rewarding endeavor. It is crucial to strike a balance between practicality and genuine fulfillment. By courageously pursuing our dreams, we can live a life of purpose and avoid the bitterness that often accompanies unexplored aspirations.
