My Future? My Dream?
December 15, 2006 by kahhwee
When i say my dream is to help others in relieving from sufferings and probably in leading a happy and fulfilling life,
Wow~ how generous, how selfless, or even how stupid, how idealistic! You may think.
No, i am selfish.
I’ve always wanted to get Bachelor of Social Work since i knew it’s offered in some universities. I thought being a social worker or the like is what i really want to do in my life. Nevertheless, as many of you know, the pay isn’t very promising, sometimes is even considered miserable. Majority has discouraged me from going towards social work as my primary career. Some of them think i can achieve far beyond that, in terms of money and standard of living (i suppose). Some do encourage me to pursue my dream. That’s great! Thanks my friends. But some said it’s ok for me to earn less because my family is rich. I beg to differ.
Firstly, we are not really rich although sometimes we appear a bit more affluent than the locals. When current situation persists with my aging parents, it’s just not going to sustain as all of us spend rather lavishly, if not excessively. Last week, when i told a friend i’m not sure about my vision to be a social worker, he asked me whether i have any commitment, i said ‘not really’. But actually i have the obligation to support my family in financial terms. Please don’t try to pursuade me that i can leave the job to my brothers. I do hope so but it’s still uncertain that they are willing and able to do so.
My brother has one of the strongest opposing voices against my ambition. When i told him i want to work for the elderly in Singapore for a few months before entering university, i was questioned whether i really choose the old folks outside over the two at home. This reminds me of my selfishness.
Yes, i am selfish.
I wanted to pursue my dream of helping others in contempt of my family’s need. Help who? Others but my family? Although my parents have always been telling me that i am free to choose my path and they’ll support me, i know they are somehow disappointed when i told them my thought of being a social worker. I know they had placed much hope in me when i accepted the scholarship to study in Singapore but now i don’t seem to treasure the opportunity of having a brighter future. I know they don’t really like the idea and are actually worried for my future family but it doesn’t seem to concern me.
But today, just a few hours ago, i had a long chat with my parents throughout the journey back from Melaka. Nothing pertaining social work was discussed. I asked something about my brother and they just can’t stop lamenting about him. I know they’re truly disappointed. So am i. I started feeling compelled to fulfill my obligation to them. I don’t want them to be disappointed again in any way. Perhaps i should really sacrifice my dream and go for some more realistic career? Hmm…
Hey~ sacrificing for others (my family)~ isn’t that altruistic? Shouldn’t it be considered my dream of helping others too?
Duh… not that serious after all. What i need to do is just to postpone the vision of being a social worker until i earn plenty of money that makes me think that i’ve accomplished my responsibility… Perhaps 15-20 years later? Who knows…
hey, your dream really suprising me. Anyway, just keep on your dream. YOu still can achieve your dream although you in different career. Ganbatek for everything! I will always support you too. HIng
The choice is not about choosing your dream or family obligations. Its about finding a balance in the two.
True perhaps your parents might have expectations of you, but keep in mind that ultimately there are reasons for them. They want you to live a happy life, not one of regret by making the wrong choices. Perhaps choosing the life of a social worker is one that does not guarantee a stable financial future, and that would be your parents’ worry. But they do not oppose for in the end you’d probably live in regret by not pursuing this path instead.
Plus, you could always marry some rich man. Keke.
Just my 2.23 sen worth - you back in M’sia?
Marry a rich man… Haha!
That’s what i always told my friends when they seem worried about my future of being a social worker!
Hmm… perhaps Jun Hui is right. Probably what i should do is striking a right balance between the two and making sure that i’ll not regret it.
Thx hing for surpoting me
hei.. Dear friend…
FOLLOW your heart. Your mission in life is not to be without problems but to get excited. Be brave to pursue your dreams and your beliefs. If you have enough strength, you can make the impossible possible.
Your parents are worried about your future? Maybe they think that you are not mature enough to handle this situation… You can try your best to convince them, make them believe that you can…
You are worried about your parents’ future? Who said that you have to leave your parent behind to pursue your dream? You also can take care of them although you are a social worker… It is just the matter how you want it to be…
Your life belongs to you and nobody else… Nobody can plan your life for you even your family… Only you can decide for yourself… your life will work when you take full responsibility for your choices.
REMEMBER one thing: There is no one can live the life for you…
〈爱〉字拆开是〈心〉〈受〉，因此所有的爱，就是[用心]去[接受]，去[感受]。
我相信天下的父母都是爱他们的小孩，而爱能包容一切。
我也绝对相信无论你如何决定，他们都会接受，相信以及全力支持你，因为他们都爱你。
I will always support you as much as your family do… ^___^
要加油哦~~
Hey! Was just passing by. But to realise you didn’t put up the photo of you and me!!! *sob* Haha. Well, read about your dream. Agree with Jun Hui to find a balance in 2, if you don’t find it too tired. Believe in yourself. Because I know you can! =)
Alicia… i don’t hv the photo with you!!! Pls send one to me okay?
Thank you my friends… i’ll follow my heart in making decision… don’t worry.
oh ya roger, yup i’m back in msia
Ah… i suppose u dun have to go as far as Singapore to take care of old ppl? Why dun do that at home? I mean im sure that there are some Homes in Negeri Sembilan that you can sign up for? That way u can do what you like and at the same time keep an eye on ur parents =D… being a social worker doesnt mean that you have to go far far away to make it count… you can alwats start at home =D… Good luck and Happy New Year