When I was young, my mom had everything planned out for me. She worked in IT (informational technology) and wanted me to follow her path. “IT specialists always have money,” she told me.
She even chose a special English school for me because she knew I’d need English for programming.
She was convinced programming was the only way to my financial security in life.
I tried my best to make her happy. But in university, studying computer science, I felt like a total failure. Other students solved programming tasks in 15 minutes, while I spent the whole day struggling with the same problem. During practice sessions, they excitedly shared ideas, but I sat
quietly in the corner, feeling lost and worthless. Every class reminded me I was failing at what should have been my destiny.
My mom’s plan seemed perfect on paper: learn English, get a computer science degree, land a high-paying IT job. Just like many of us, follow the “right” path our family chooses for us. I tried so hard to convince myself this was what I wanted too.
I got an IT job, but not as a programmer. I became a technical manager doing basic tasks. I made good money but felt dead inside. Every day, watching real programmers work, I knew deep in my heart – this wasn’t me. The paycheck was good, but my soul was screaming for something more.
Everything changed with one phone call.
A girl invited me to learn about a business opportunity. Looking back now, it wasn’t even about the opportunity – it was about how alive I felt just hearing about it. For the first time, I felt genuine excitement rather than obligation.
The failures felt different, too. In programming, every failure made me want to quit. But in personal development and coaching, failures excited me to learn more. I wasn’t dragging myself to work anymore – I was running toward my passion. Each setback just made me more determined to succeed.
The scariest moment?
Telling my parents I was leaving my “secure” IT career. How do you tell your parents you’re choosing uncertainty over security? But I realized something – there’s no security in pretending to be someone you’re not. Living someone else’s dream was slowly killing my spirit.
When I work with coaches now who feel stuck in their “safe” careers, I totally get their fear. I know what it’s like to disappoint your family. To wonder if you’re crazy for leaving a “good” job for an uncertain dream. To question whether you’re throwing away a stable life for something that might not work out.
But here’s what I learned:
your biggest struggles show you your true path.
I wasn’t really “bad” at programming – I was just in the wrong field. My heart was pulling me toward my true calling: helping others transform their lives. Sometimes, what looks like failure is actually life redirecting you to your true calling.
If you’re torn between your “should” career and what your heart wants, remember this: Sometimes the biggest risk isn’t taking the leap – it’s staying in a life that’s too small for you. Your soul knows what you’re meant to do. Listen to it.