Growing up I did what was expected of me. I became educated and, after graduating college, got a job in corporate America. But what I really wanted to do after college was to be an aspiring actor and move out to Los Angeles or New York. Ever since I was a kid, it was all I ever wanted to do. If it did not work out for me, then I would go ahead and pursue a nine-to-five job. Those aspirations were quickly shot down by my parents who convinced me it was a terrible idea. I have heard the term that parents are “dream killers” and that holds true for mine. I understand that my life has a very specific path, but I can’t help but wonder what it would have been like to have tried to pursue my childhood dream.

Although I am grateful to have a career in corporate America, I realize that I am always at the mercy of my employer. I can be let go at any time, which has happened to me three times in my career due to the volatile nature of my industry. I was never fired but laid off due to structure changes.

To get ahead in corporate America, you must prove yourself to many people. After that, there is still no guarantee you will get a promotion. I am not a conformist and do not “kiss butt” to anyone, and sometimes that is what it takes to get promoted. Also, personal bias can get in the way of moving up in a company. Lastly, there is not much creativity in corporate America, which can be tough for someone like myself. I have little control over my future within the corporate world. I do my best and that is all that I can do.

But you never know when an opportunity may arise where you get a second chance to pursue a dream, even if it looks different than your childhood. I have always wanted to write a book, but the “switch” never went off. Then in early 2021 it did, and I began to write. For someone who has a full-time career, it did not take me long to finish my first draft. I then went on to find an incredible publishing team to help with editing, design, webpage, and marketing. What once was a dream was becoming a reality.

In the middle of working with my publishing team, another door opened. I have been a fan of this successful YouTuber for a couple of years and always felt, one day, we would be connected. Well, we did become connected, and she became a mentor to me. We had an instant connection. She convinced me to start my own YouTube channel. This was something I never thought I would do. But her belief in me helped me see believe in myself. So, I started a YouTube channel, and it is growing. I get to be in front of a camera, but my goal is to help others. That is extremely fulfilling.

Now I have an entirely different outlook on my life. I do not know what will come of my career as an author and YouTuber, but I am passionate about it. A fire has lit inside of me that I have not experienced in a very long time. I am not dependent on another person to get me where I want to be. I am leading myself. But the most important part is that I am leading myself from the heart and not the ego. All if I want to do with my books and my channel is help those who need it. To take what I have learned in life and share it with others.

For you, I know that it can be a journey to find your passion. Life responsibilities can get in the way of your dreams. But there are ways to lead yourself. If you are unhappy with your job, find a new one. There are plenty jobs out there. You are in control of your career. If you want to develop a certain skill set, but not sure where to start, take a class. You may find you are great at it, and it can develop into something bigger. If you have something to say, start your own YouTube channel. You can lead yourself. Only you know what is best for you. But there is one huge thing that will keep you from doing it and will give you regrets later if you don’t – not trying. You won’t know unless you try.