Follow a “Compass,” not a “Map”
“Can I read tarot cards and be a photographer who dances and writes?”
I’m naturally intrigued by many things. During college, having the freedom to explore was liberating but overwhelming at the same time. I switched major 5 times before finally settling down in junior year with a double major in political philosophy and statistics. Then, I felt the need to choose a career ASAP because my older friends were already talking about house mortgages and retirement. I tried to get advice from career counselors who would say something like, “students in your major usually do XXX after they graduate.” Or sometimes during networking events, alumni would suggest, “to get started in this career path, you can do A, B, and C.”
However, on the day of graduation, I was still very lost. I knew that I want a meaningful job so that I can make an impact in society. But I wasn’t sure what “an impact” would look like in the workplace. What kind of job should I do? What industry should I get into?
Soon, I got referred to an analyst role in an advertising agency - it wasn’t a typical “impactful” job, but I decided to give it a try anyway. Fast forward a month, I started to see the immense power that lies within the media world: we are literally helping well-known brands to launch ad campaigns that I see on my own phone! Our work impacts individual consumer’s choices which collectively add up to momentums that can move society forward. What if I do analytics for environmentally conscious brands? For businesses that promote healing & holistic wellness? Or for initiatives that support artists’ creative work? The way to make an impact is, in fact, endless...
In hindsight, this realization seems pretty simple. I couldn’t help but laugh at myself, “so you can be an Excel Wizard but not think of this?” The truth is, I knew what I wanted all along. I was well aware of my skill sets and my passion, but I kept referring to what others have done that I failed to see my own path ahead. Ironically(but luckily), by starting a job, I stopped looking elsewhere and the magic happened.
Our society often offers us a map, “if you do X, you will get to Y.” But every person is unique. As a result, another’s map would not guide me on my path. The guidance we need instead, is a “compass,” which is our inner voice, our intuition. And the beauty of life is to use this compass to create a map for ourselves!
P.S. I still haven’t figured out the exact path, but I’m content with where I’m at and will figure things out along the way!
P.P.S. Maybe my path will change again, but I’m very ready to accept it all, because I now have a compass that will guide me forever.
Wendy Chen, USA
