Hello Onelife Networx,

My name is Joseph, and I'm reaching out to share a personal struggle that's been weighing heavily on my mind. I'm currently at a crossroads in my career, and I find myself torn between the comfort of a stable job and the allure of pursuing my true passion.

For the past several years, I've been working in a corporate role that, on paper, seems ideal. The pay is excellent, the benefits are generous, and I've climbed the ladder to a position that many would envy. Yet, despite these apparent successes, I can't shake the feeling of emptiness that lingers at the end of each workday.

You see, my heart has always been drawn to the arts. Ever since I was a child, I've found solace and joy in painting and creating. It's where I feel most alive, where time seems to stand still, and where I can truly express myself. But like many, I was taught to prioritize practicality and financial security over passion, leading me to the career path I'm on today.

Lately, the internal conflict has become more pronounced. Each morning, as I prepare for another day at the office, I feel a growing sense of dread. The work that once seemed challenging now feels monotonous and uninspiring. I find myself daydreaming about what it would be like to turn my passion for art into a full-time career, to wake up each day excited about the work I do.

However, the thought of leaving my stable job terrifies me. The financial security it provides is not something I take lightly, especially with responsibilities and commitments that rely on a steady income. The fear of the unknown, of potentially failing in a new venture, looms large in my mind.

I've spent countless nights weighing the pros and cons, trying to envision a future where I can find both fulfillment and stability. But the path forward remains unclear. I worry about the risks involved, about whether my passion can truly sustain me financially, and about the impact this decision might have on my loved ones.

I'm sharing my story here in the hope that others who have faced similar dilemmas might offer some insight or share their experiences. It's comforting to know that I'm not alone in this struggle, and I'm eager to hear how others have navigated the delicate balance between passion and practicality.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story. Your support and understanding mean the world to me as I navigate this challenging chapter of my life.
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Warm regards, Joseph
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Dear OnelifeNetworx,

I am a 35 year old mother with two children aged 3 and 6 years old. I am currently working here at Toronto, Canada for almost five years as a part-time caregiver and as a part-time kitchen staff in a small restaurant near my apartment. I left the Philippines because I thought life here in Canada is better as compared to the Philippines. I left my managerial position in one of the largest bank in the Philippines and I also left my two children to my husband. Before I got married, I graduated as Cum Laude in one of the exclusive university in Manila. My boyfriend, now my husband was a restaurant owner of one of the coffee shop near our school. After I graduated from college, I easily got a job and my career was very successful. I got married to my boyfriend, then we had two wonderful daughters and our life was wonderful. Not until my husband's coffee shop went bankrupt. He lost his business and he was having difficulty establishing new ventures and it always fail. Our savings were wiped out because of his unsuccessful attempts to establish new business. He got depressed and he was very insecure with me because that time I was the one providing for the family. We always fight about our finances. He once accepted a full-time job as a sales manager but he quit after a few months because he is not used to working as an employee, he always insists that he wants to be an business owner. My salary can no longer support my family so I started looking for options. This is the reason why I end up here in Canada. I sacrificed my respectable position in the Philippines so I can work here in Canada as a caregiver during the day and I wash dishes in the evening. I feel so degraded, this is not the life I dreamed of. I have lost my pride, my dignity, and my confidence. I hate myself and my life for being in this situation. I don't know what to do with my life anymore.

-Edna


Here is our response.

Dear Edna,

Don't hate yourself or your life. All these challenges that you are currently experiencing are just temporary. These challenges are meant to make you stronger and wiser person so don't give up on yourself. Looking at your story, you have indeed accomplished so much! You finished college as an honor student, you had a great career, you are a wonderful mother and an understanding wife. And your greatest accomplishment was when you sacrificed all these blessings and chose a less prestigious job and a lonely life in Canada. You should consider that as an accomplishment because not many people can handle that.  Don't look at your situation as a "demotion" of your social status. Instead, be proud that you are a selfless person in this selfish world. Always put in your head that every time you are doing all these care-giving and dishwashing, you are getting closer to making the lives of your family in the Philippines better.

You are hurting because your situation took toll on your pride. This is the reason why you feel lowly of current job and this is the reason why you have lost confidence on yourself. Maybe at the back of your mind you are saying that a magna cum laude should be a high ranking officer of a big company and not a dishwasher by night. We totally understand that, that is human nature. 

Always remember this:  Jesus, the son of God went in this world not to assert His Name as Son of God. Instead, He served the needy and He cured the sick. He was selfless that's why He gave His own life so that sinners like us  can be saved. If the Son of God who is higher than all of us managed to set aside His pride so He can save us, who are we to complain if our pride will be tested in some part of our lives? 

Be grateful with what you have. Don't hate your life, live it and love it!

-Joshua Miguel
OneLifeNetworx