Reality vs. dream job
Dear Nanay,
I’m one of your many readers who find solace in your words. I want your opinion on a matter, Nanay.
My problem is just like what other readers have shared before, but like everyone else, every situation is unique with different circumstances.
When I was a little girl, I wanted to be an artist and go to art school along with my close artist friend. However, due to inevitable circumstances, I had to follow my parents’ decision to enroll in a commerce course instead. I know my parents just wanted for me to have a stable job.
Even if I had a commerce course I was able to continue my passion for the arts. Finally, I graduated with flying colors and tried to work in a job that was near my passion, so I accepted a job in a well-known retail store as an ads and promo assistant. Sad to say, I was unable to last long in that company. I could not bear staying in a company wherein I didn’t have my own computer and desk, the constant travel and the way our supervisor treated us.
After that job came a series of other jobs. I constantly shifted from one job after another. My last job was as admin and finance assistant in an IT travel company where I stayed for a year. Despite the nice pay, desk and other perks, I and other assistants were contractuals. And despite everyone’s protestation, I took a leap of faith to finally follow my art dream. I planned to be an admin assistant for an art school so I could take classes after work.
By some twist of fate, I didn’t make it in time for that job opening, although I had already resigned from my former job. My turnover of duties from my former job took some time and the other job was given to someone else who was able to start immediately.
I tried my best to have a positive attitude despite that setback and joined some of my artist friends in selling our artworks as keychains and bookmarks in an art booth during a three-day event in a convention. I didn’t sell much but was happy to have tried that booth. Unfortunately, one of my close friends (the one with whom I started my art dream) had a falling out with me and she eventually “blocked” me from a site and refused to talk to me.
I was left alone now with my dream. Jobless, with bills to pay, siblings I need to help send to school and some debts by our family and a sick grandmother in the province that needs help.
I feel I have made the wrong decisions and have failed to achieve my dream. I have tried several times to apply for positions with art-related companies but always end up being turned down since my course isn’t art related and I don’t have enough experience.
With resources dwindling, I don’t know what to do anymore. I tried applying for jobs that are suitable with my past work experience but then I’m starting to lose hope since it’s been two months already.
I pray to God everything will eventually be all right. Should I still follow my dream or let it go? — Confused
Dear Confused,
I do not think that following your dream and making a living are mutually exclusive. You can do both. You do not have to give one up for the other. However, what you might have to do is to prioritize one over the other.
What do I mean? For example, your dream is to be an artist or to have an art-related job. But your degree and work experience do not necessarily match with what you really want to do. This does not mean you have to completely give up your dream because you have to earn a living.
But because you need a job as soon as possible, I would suggest that you take the first job offer that is made available to you. Kunin mo na muna yung trabaho. After you have a job and are making a stable living, then you can start to work towards your real dream and your real goal. Maybe you need to take some more art-related classes. Maybe you can work another part-time job that will give you experience in the field you want. Perhaps you can spend some time networking with people in the art industry so you can get to know what they are looking for and what you need to do in order to penetrate their circles.
With regard to a job search, like I keep saying, looking for a job is hard work. You cannot just give up after two months. You have to keep trying. Widen your search. Apply not only to jobs that are directly related to your qualifications but even ones that are partially related. Do not quit.
Good luck.
Sincerely,
Nanay
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