Left the Profession to Chase the Passion: Two Stories of Shifting Career Paths
by Anne Marielle Eugenio, March 26, 2019 9:50am
Art by Dani Elevazo
There’s a popular quote that goes “Stay if you’re happy, leave if you’re not.” While this sounds cliche (and corny), it’s also true. Why invest in things that are not worth your time anymore? This not only applies in relationships but also in other aspects of life, including careers—especially careers.
Now, changing jobs are normal, but shifting careers into a different one is another story. It’s a serious decision to apply for a job not remotely related to someone’s bachelor’s degree. Changing careers requires a great drive and determination. It’s risky but young professionals Ginyn Noble-Cadavillo and Iya Gueco, both 27, showed it’s not impossible to succeed even when you pursue a path away from your line of work or education.
A bend in the road
Ginyn had a degree in nursing and is a registered nurse. She did a three-month paid training in a hospital a year after passing the board exams. While she was in training, she helped in the daily treatment of patients in a hospital’s pediatric ward. It was fulfilling to help in their daily treatment but she felt nervous whenever she had to give them medicine. Ginyn knows one mistake could make a patient suffer or end their lives, realizing she wasn’t cut out for the pressure of the medical field. That pushed her to go back to her first love: writing. Currently, Ginyn is a digital marketing specialist in a top-tier wedding planner company.
Iya, a Tourism Management graduate, was a marketing practitioner in an advertising company. She loved her job but soon, she developed a large interest in makeup artistry—a fascination that began in her childhood years. She tried to juggle her corporate job and her makeup gigs but then thought this would be unfair to her employer. When she invested more time on being a freelance makeup artist, she didn’t think there’s anything left to do other than quitting the corporate world. Now, Iya is making a name for herself in the makeup industry.
What they are doing was not their dream job or even in their plans. Both of them pursued a different career path—they both pursued completely unrelated jobs. They never expected they would be in the field they are in. But now, they wouldn’t trade their fulfillment with their passion for anything.
Not all rainbows and butterflies
But as we know it, following one’s passion is not always as ideal as it seems. Both Ginyn and Iya faced struggles.
As a freelance makeup artist, Iya spends irregular hours, and it sometimes stresses her out, taking a toll on her body. The makeup industry is already well-established when she was starting out and she didn’t have many connections in the field. Until now, it’s still a struggle to put her name out in the industry. But despite the pressure, she’s thankful that her family is supportive of her choice.
Ginyn didn’t land a writing or editing job at first try. Presenting a CV with a different background didn’t make it easier, and it took time before a company took a chance on her. Admittedly, she still finds it difficult to be natural at grammar, but she finds the time to learn and read whenever she could. There are also times when she envies some of her batchmates who have high-paying jobs as nurses abroad. She sometimes questions herself about her decisions, but she had long learned that her choices come with a lot of sacrifices.
Despite the occasional regrets and discouragements, going back to their old career path is something they don’t see themselves doing. It’s a long process but they finally learned that if they would have to pick one, they would rather choose a career that fulfills than a job that pays.
“I don’t think I can ever give up being a makeup artist. I still work on other projects as a freelancer sometimes, but working in an office full time just isn’t for me anymore. My makeup business is my baby and I’m determined to keep growing it,” Iya said.
“Going back to Nursing has crossed my mind, but I don’t think I’ll do it unless it’s the only choice I have to earn for my family. I’m happy with my career now, and I know it has a lot to offer,” Ginyn agreed.
"If they would have to pick one, they would rather choose a career that fulfills than a job that pays."
It’s your call
Two different stories but both have the same reason on why they pursued their current careers—passion. And for those who would want to follow this path, they have the same advice: go for it. But also be wise about your choices. Not all good things happen overnight and it might take time before you can succeed. Just believe in your passion and in yourself, and you will find that all the sacrifices are all worthwhile. As Ginyn said, “Don’t hesitate to take that leap of faith—faith in yourself, that is.”
Sometimes, things won’t always make sense. You might love your job, but you wake up the one morning and crave for a certain level of satisfaction. It might be your passion trying to tell you to answer your calling.
Will you ignore or answer it? The choice is always yours.
Interviews have been edited for clarity and brevity.