The other day, my sister told me about her ex-colleague (who is same age with me) called Prad (yeap, he’s Brad Pitt’s brother. =_= not his real name of course). Prad has been an IT guy for at least 4 or 5 years now but recently, he told my sister that he’s getting tired of IT. He wanted to give up on IT and pursue his passion in drawing (not his real passion actually…just trying to cover up his identity). And my sister was quite worried for him and told me that one should always think about money first, because it’s still very important.

Lost and don't know where to go?

To a certain extent, I have to agree with both Prad and my sister. I’ve walked down this path before and I know how it feels. Honestly speaking, when you’ve lost interest in the things you do, you will start to feel that your life is becoming meaningless especially when you are pushing yourselves to work, just to earn enough money to survive. But sadly, that is how this world is. Some people can actually give up everything to pursue their passions and dreams, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. The question is “Are you willing to take that risk?”

For me, I wouldn’t do that, even though my interest is still drawing, comics, animation, etc. Why? Because it’s too risky especially when the world is undergoing a global recession. Furthermore, I have knowledge in IT which I don’t think I should waste it. What I’m planning to do this year is to keep my day job and also to work extra hours to pursue my dreams – combining what I like most (activities which require creativity) and what I know most (IT).

Okay, let’s cut the crap about me and my evil plan to conquer the world. Here’s my advice to those who are facing such situation including our friend Prad.

• Don’t quit your day job because it’s too risky. If you are going to go into something new, you will have to start from zero. Do you have the means to survive?
• Are you sure your passion will remain your passion after making it a full time job? Grass may seem greener on the other side but it’s actually not that green. That’s why you should try it during your free time or as a part time job, and see if you really like it. Don’t take the jump until you’re sure you’ll like it.
• Getting bored with your current job might not mean that you hate your current industry. Example, if you are bored with IT, that does not mean you’ve lost all love for it. Try find things which will trigger your interest again and also try to mix around with people who will help boost your self confidence. Being confident with your own skills will help a lot in deciding whether you like or dislike your job.
• Also, if you do feel that your job has no objectives and meaningless, it could be something to do with your company and the way your company manages people. A company without direction will not be able to keep the employees motivated. Everyone needs a reason to work hard and to be productive…and money is not really a good motivator – it is good, but there are others which are much more efficient.
• Think for yourselves and don’t be influenced by others especially those who have not walked down that path. If you’re surrounded by negative people or people who only know how to talk, you must think of a way to ignore their words and to motivate yourselves. Your boredom and demotivation might be caused by them, not by your lack of interest in your job.
• If you know someone who has walked down that path before, then seek their advice but don’t get overly influenced by them. Treat their advices/opinions as guidelines, not instructions. After all, what turns out okay for me might not be okay for you.

After all the points above, if you are still thinking of making a big change like jumping into a brand new industry, then by all means go ahead. Just make sure you plan ahead properly and do it without regret. I do believe that at the end of the day, all the dots will connect with each others. After all, things do happen for a reason.

And remember that, you can ask other people for opinions but in the end, you are the one controlling your own destiny. You have the final call.

Good luck and hope it helps.