The Journey from Routine to Passion: How Writing Became My Lifeline

During the pandemic, I had an unexpected writing journey. While sheltering at home for over 8 weeks during quarantine, I drafted a novel as a senior in college. My classes were completed online, and I found joy each morning in sitting down at my keyboard to write. This was the first time I derived intellectual satisfaction from an activity, and it laid the groundwork for a shift in my career aspirations.

A Chance at Professional Writing

Following a 6-month period, I interviewed for my first job at a marketing agency. With an internship before the job and good interview skills, I was a perfect candidate. The final phase of the interview involved matching my work style with that of the company. However, the interviewer's claim that there wasn't a correct answer was a clue that I overlooked. In filling out the survey, I realized that the job would demand conformity rather than creativity.

The Turning Point

That moment, as I filled out the survey, marked a profound realization—my true passion was writing. I desired control over my daily tasks and the freedom to tell stories that inspired me. I also embraced the unpredictability of a career in writing, accepting the possibility of financial instability.

Navigating the Unconventional Path

Under the guise of dodging this corporate job, I deliberately sabotaged the final part of the interview. In the survey, I portrayed myself as a loose cannon, making it seem that I would not be a good fit. Consequently, I did not secure the job, but it propelled me into the digital writing world. Within 10 days, I started writing online and landed my first freelance gig, rapidly building a freelancing business within a year. From there, I shifted to ghostwriting, and after a few years, I became a full-time writer, Jiu-Jitsu athlete, and entrepreneur.

A Lifelong Commitment

Though my decision to pursue writing was not without challenges, I have never wavered from my passion. I continue to write and train in martial arts, dedicating myself to this career. The risk of failure and financial instability has become part of the journey, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Additionally, my novel, which I envisioned while in quarantine, remains unpublished. Should I release it?

Despite this uncertainty, my journey underscores the importance of pursuing passions, even at the cost of security and structure.