Choosing a career is like a rollercoaster.
Initially set on a childhood dream, my teenage years led me to pursue a goal similar but not identical. Post-college entrance exams, I opted for engineering and focused on computer science. Little did I know, specialization choices awaited me, and intrigued by robotics, I delved into challenging courses on computer vision, robotics and machine learning.
Before graduation I secured a job at my dream company, but I soon realized it didn't align with my passion. But what was my passion? Opting for a master's degree, I struggled to find my true calling. Juggling full-time work and studies, I extended my master's by a year, changing jobs twice but finding no satisfaction.
Despite applying for jobs in my desired field during my master's, rejections left me disheartened. Witnessing colleagues landing dream jobs prompted another change of heart. Also I'm not in my mid-twenties, I had to do something quickly.
At a company party I was not considering to attend, I discovered a "hidden" team working on something truly meaningful. Fueled by newfound courage, I embarked on a journey to change my current trajectory before completing my master's.
In my ongoing journey, I've gained some valuable lessons:
Progress is evident; I'm closer to my goals than yesterday.
Uncertainty about my ideal career persists, and that's okay.
I've learned that I can always change course if I dislike something.
Simply doing something else won't eliminate the source of my misery; change is essential.
The network of support and connections is crucial in navigating these changes.
So I earned my master's degree, shifted to a field I'm passionate about and find meaningful. I'm able to wake up energized, even contemplating a PhD. And although, I'm still uncertain if it's a lifelong commitment, but I have the time to explore and make that decision.