Do you have some final advice to give graduates and young professionals who are looking to make a career switch?
Farshad: Perhaps, the first step ought to be certainty – or at least a conclusion – of what you would like out of your life and career. For me, it was the ability to be involved in something bigger than myself, and leave a lasting impact and legacy. Once I was sure what I wanted, it was a matter of determining my next course of actions.
Too often, I spent days asking myself if this was worth it, or what I wanted to do, but when I determined for myself what made my life fulfilling and what mattered, I found it easier to decide on what I should spend my days on.
The next would be to work on discipline as a foundation. It can be a contentious subject, but what worked for me was to build my endurance, and instil in myself a disciplined mindset in order to achieve what I wanted. Motivation is a great tool to get things done, but I found once motivation and inspiration were dissipating, discipline helped me to pull through the dreary days. Motivation helps me jump over difficult obstacles, and discipline helps me reach those roadblocks.
To build discipline, create a routine. Clean your room, have breakfast, go for a run, play a game daily, so long as it works for you. Be disciplined in one area and hopefully, it’ll distil to other parts of your life.
Huimin: No matter what you thought your career would be as you were growing up, and even as you were studying for your undergraduate degree, it may not pan out the way you thought it would. I know many people who are in jobs that have nothing to do with their degrees, and they’re flourishing.
So be open to new experiences, look forward and not backward, take the step of faith, do away with all the “what ifs” you ask yourself and be comfortable being uncomfortable. That’s the only way you know you’re growing.”
