Careers

I’m Switching From Finance To Content Creation

And My Family Is Against It

I work in Finance and despise it. The decision to move on and hang up my 9 to 5 did not come easily. It took years to build the courage to leave and months of saving.

I stumbled into my current profession by accident. Growing up, I never knew what I wanted to do for a living. I always found it ridiculous to ask children that question anyway. Adults rarely discover their path, how can we expect a child to do the same? We refuse to test their aptitude or foster their skills and gifts.

My parents made the decision for me. Throughout high school, I had no clue what field suited me. And when graphic design piqued my interest, I asked my parents’ advice. They “knocked sense” into me, of course. Only a profession in Finance would do. I relinquished the opportunity to explore what I loved, even before joining the workforce.

…when I gleefully discovered photography at 12 years old and approached my mother about it, she immediately shut me down.

At the time, scholarships were challenging to come by because I lived in the Caribbean. Only students studying specific fields — like Medicine or Agriculture — were granted scholarships. My parents’ jobs provided educational assistance, so in essence, they indirectly paid for the majority of my college tuition. Because of this, it only seemed fair I listen to their advice. Ultimately, it didn’t take much convincing from them for me to choose the path I did. They had already used poverty fear tactics on me anyway. They reasoned there would be no shortage of jobs in this sector, and I would be financially set for life!

With the devastating effects of COVID-19 affecting our health and our livelihood, one can’t help but wonder whether my parents’ view on “alternative careers” was accurate. I know we live in a time where technology has become master. There are few limitations to what entrepreneurs and freelancers can do. In fact, it seems to me that brick-and-mortar establishments suffered the most during this crisis. I am writing this article from a laptop through an online platform that doesn’t require I leave the house. However, it is the traditional professions — the doctors, scientists, accountants, bankers, and grocers — that are holding the needle and thread to our existence.

My parents, having grown up in abject poverty, were determined to give me the opportunities they never had. And when I gleefully discovered photography at 14 and approached my mother about it, she immediately shut me down. When writers and authors praised my literary prowess, and I began leaning in their direction, she scolded me for my naivety. If there was an economic downturn, I would be caught in the cross-hairs, penniless and without a job. My parents thought that Finance was a safe bubble for me. It was almost as if they were undermining my ability to be successful in any other field. I even once overheard this discussion between them.

I was miserable throughout my university years. But I knew there was no other degree that would satisfy my parents. They mercilessly criticized anyone who frequently changed programs and applauded me for “being level-headed” and “sticking it out.” I wanted so desperately to please them. They didn’t know I cried every day of my senior year.

When I finally entered the workforce, I was beyond miserable. I hated being in a cubicle; it felt like a cage. I worked hard to impress my superiors and poured over my laptop. This nearly broke me. I thought perhaps a new job would help my mental health, and that making more money would be the answer and motivate me to love the profession. It did not.

My mental health spiraled, and it developed into physical illness. I had a perpetual cold that made it difficult to function. One day, I was driving home from work and blacked out. Luckily, there were no other cars on the road, and I was able to catch myself before crashing into a rail. When I relayed what happened to my therapist, she tried to convince me I simply lost track of time — I no longer see that therapist. And for the record, I most definitely did not lose track of time.

Something had to change.

I lacked the aptitude to function efficiently, but my work environment was toxic as hell. My supervisor was manipulative. The work culture was passive-aggressive. I couldn’t help but feel like I was wasting time. I questioned my purpose each morning.

When I asked my friends for career advice, they told me I should be grateful to even have a job. What it really sounded like was advice to stay with an abusive husband because I was lucky to be married. My peers explained that I was far too deep into the profession — in reality, it’s barely been ten years.

My siblings encouraged me to get a managerial degree; this, however, was counter-intuitive. My ex-therapist assured me that most persons despised their jobs and that how I felt was normal. I wondered why I had to be a part of that statistic.

No one was listening. The individuals I relied on the most for support were dismissive. I knew I had to forge this path alone. And that I had to be ok with the journey. What I have discovered is that everyone enters life alone. No one holds your hand and guides you. Everything you require resides in you. You are the only one who can reach deep within and create the life you deserve. But first, you have to believe you deserve happiness. You have to embrace every flaw and every gift. The two work in tandem to create philosophies, and businesses, and software, and decisions that change the world; the two work in tandem to create you!

My loved ones and peers’ reaction to me questioning my life path stems from being raised in a culture where getting jobs in “respected fields” — science, law and Finance — are the only pathways to self-actualization. From early on, my parents recognized how gifted I was in artistic expression but groomed me to be someone else. They groomed me to be the child every parent would want their child to be, at least in our society.

Today, I look in the mirror and don’t know the person I see. Growing up, others saw my potential, but my parents were in denial. The starving artist wasn’t a good look for them, so it wasn’t a good look for me. Being exceptional wasn’t good enough to provide financial stability, financial stability, which they would ultimately benefit from.

After years of being in Finance I have grown the backbone to leave a profession that serves no one, not even myself if I stay. I firmly believe that by staying in spaces we are not supposed to be in, we rob someone of an opportunity they deserve, an opportunity they would thrive in. You, the round peg, are taking up the square peg’s space. You cannot change shape, even if you will yourself to.

No one in my life supports my decision. Maybe they think I will fail. Perhaps they wonder about the fragile state of the current economy. Maybe they think about the money I could be making if I stayed.

I am in my early 30’s. Even at this young age, I’ve already given much of my youth to others, but none to myself. I do not truly enjoy living. Many persons don’t. And this has become the norm in society, to pour from an empty cup.

Tonight I watched a YouTube video about a child prodigy — a cellist named Sujari Britt. In one segment, her parents speak about discovering her extraordinary abilities at a young age and deciding to invest in her.

I would like you to know that I do not blame my parents for their attempt at gifting me an easier life. They did an excellent job as parents. And no matter the past, we as human beings must take accountability for our present regardless of the past. I thank my parents for directing me to a space that has had me cultivate humility, patience, grace, honesty, tolerance, balance and maturity. Everything happens for a reason. But, my reason is here staring me in the face. I am willing to embrace it.

I am taking note of my past, making strides not to repeat these mistakes in my own family with my own children. I am simultaneously carving out my present while mapping my own course.

I’ve taken mental note of what the myriad of creative professionals expressed to me throughout my youth. And because I know what I should have done but didn’t, I can now do what I must.