Discovering What I Wanted to Do with my Career

Here’s a personal story I’d like to share with my younger readers—especially those who are just about to graduate high school. I think I mentioned this a few times on the blog, too.

Let me start by pointing out my dilemma. I knew what I wanted to do after high school—and that was to take up Creative Writing. But I also knew that writing and writing alone wasn’t going to sustain me, especially if I wanted to have a family of my own someday. Unless of course, I became a JK Rowling and I suddenly started earning billions from the novels I wrote. But the chances of that happening were quite slim (I’m not trying to be negative; I’m just being a realistic female, non-western writer) and so I knew that after college, I needed to find another career that would be able to sustain my needs and lifestyle.

In college, I still pursued Creative Writing anyway and assured myself I would eventually find a job after graduation. I wasn’t sure with what kind of job it would be, but I was sure I was bound to find something. After all, what I lacked in knowledge of numbers (a.k.a. I really suck at Math), I made up for in good grammar, hard work, dedication, and the thirst to learn more about anything and everything.

My first job was in a start-up advertising agency in Makati, where I worked as a Copywriter and Marketing Assistant. It wasn’t the best first job, but it’s rare to find a first job you’ll love anyway. At the same time, I was hired as a freelance contributing writer at Glamourbox so in a way, it was a win-win situation for me. I had a job that paid my bills, and had extra income from something I loved doing, which was writing! I stuck to my first job and to my surprise, after getting regularized on my fourth month, I was promoted to Brand Communications Manager. It was this promotion that opened my eyes and eventually, opened up opportunities for me. Even though I knew so little about marketing, and lacked marketing theory.

This was my desk at my first job!

After 10 months with the company, I was hired by a bigger digital marketing agency where I worked as an Account Manager, and from there, I learned a great deal about marketing and how to deal with different kinds of people. I was still working freelance with Glamourbox, so at least I was still writing. But this was also the time I decided to start my blog, which sort of served as my outlet especially when I was getting stressed with my day job. Working with Glamourbox also influenced my love for skincare and makeup, so naturally, the direction of my blog led towards more of beauty and lifestyle.

More than a year later in digital marketing, and with the expansion of Glamourbox to retail, a position opened up and it was then offered to me by the CEO. And that’s where I am today! I get to be the Marketing Manager of four beauty brands exclusively distributed by the company, and I still get to write every day! I’m happy to say that it’s gotten so much better for me. There are so many days I get so stressed from work or I’m on the brink of breaking down—but I remember how fortunate I am, and how fulfilled I feel now that I’m actually doing something I love.

My current desk!

So what’s my point after sharing this long story? It’s this: finding the best career for yourself is all about self-discovery. You need to learn more about yourself, your likes and dislikes, your strengths and weaknesses—and you have to match that with available careers. It may sound cliché, but trust me. This will help you grow.

How does one “self-discover” exactly? It’s easy! Don’t be afraid to try new things. Once you experience more things in life, you’ll know better what works for you and what doesn’t. Also—surround yourself with people who inspire you or push you to become a better version of yourself. Let go of those who are toxic to you, like friends who back stab, take you for granted, or only use you because they need something from you.

My family pushes me to be strong, selfless, and well-rounded.

The Cupcake pushes me to never give up and keep an open mind.

My boss pushes me to work harder and learn more everyday.

Lastly, do your research. Don’t get into a career just because it sounds fancy or it pays big money. Visit websites like FutureYou.ph, so that you’re aware of up-to-date information on what jobs are available out there and in the future, as well as how to get these jobs. It minimizes the guessing and uncertainty, especially if you’re not sure with the career you thought you wanted for yourself.

So that’s my story! I hope it was able to inspire or help you out, even in a small way. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to comment below!

Disclaimer: Futureyou.ph is not a recruitment site. It is a project of the Philippine Business for Education in partnership with United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Philippines.