Speaking of working outside my field of study, my professional path over the past 15 years has taken a remarkable trajectory, diverging significantly from conventional norms. Despite my background in science, which could have steered me towards fields like biochemistry or medicine, I chose to pursue Mass Communication at university—a decision that initially perplexed my father.
The breakthrough moment came when my father watched the blockbuster film “The Queen Of News,” which helped him grasp the relevance and potential of my chosen career path in mass communication.
Entrepreneurial Beginnings
Instead of opting for a typical corporate career after graduation, I took a bold step and founded my own event company, specializing in event planning and talent services. This venture marked the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey.
Like many parents, my father expressed concerns about the non-traditional nature of my career choice and questioned the viability of my path. He hoped I would pursue a more conventional profession.
Navigating Challenges and New Opportunities
Undeterred by skepticism, I ventured into the retail sector at the age of 25 by opening gelato shops in prominent locations like Pavilion and Tropicana City Mall. However, my lack of experience in managing investor expectations led me to sell my shares after just three months.
Seeking new opportunities, I transitioned into importing Malaysian food products to China. This endeavor exposed me to the challenges of navigating an underdeveloped e-commerce landscape and the complexities of international trade.
Over the course of two years, I embarked on extensive travels across 14 cities in China, participating in over 40 expos to promote and distribute expiring products. These experiences were both enlightening and demanding, often prompting moments of deep self-reflection.
working outside my field
In 2013, I returned to Malaysia with a desire to embark on a fresh start, armed with newfound insights and lessons learned from my entrepreneurial ventures abroad. This reset period ultimately led me to discover my lifelong passion for headhunting and talent acquisition. I joined a headhunting company in 2014 and swiftly ascended to the top consultant position within six months—a career transition that aligned perfectly with my skills and professional aspirations.
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New Entrepreneurial Ventures
Buoyed by my success and newfound passion, I took the entrepreneurial leap once again in 2016 by founding my own headhunting firm. By 2018, our firm’s revenue surpassed a million, underscoring the unexpected achievements born from unconventional paths.
While many of my peers prioritized family and personal milestones, I continued to manage two thriving companies JEV Management and Job Majestic —driven by a profound fear of regretting a life devoid of notable achievements beyond familial obligations.
Contributing to Employment and Growth
Over the past seven years, I’ve leveraged my expertise to facilitate employment for over a thousand job seekers—contributing significantly to societal employment value.
Reflections and Insights
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve come to realize that people often regret the opportunities they didn’t pursue rather than the paths they did. Each experience has shaped my perspective and propelled me towards achieving unforeseen milestones. Along the way, I’m grateful to those who lent a hand, showing me that one day, I too can be a guiding light for others.
Join the Conversation
Have you ventured into an entrepreneurial endeavor or explored opportunities outside your field? Whether you’ve pursued a passion project, started your own business, or made a significant career change, I invite you to share your unique story and insights in the comments below. Let’s connect and inspire each other on our unconventional paths toward professional fulfillment and personal growth!
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