Anubha George quit journalism to be a teacher.
“Dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that does not let you sleep.”
(A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, 11th President of India, Wings of Fire)
I was an editor at one of the most trusted news organisations in the world, swiftly climbing up the career ladder. So why, one fine day, did I start questioning if I was doing what I really wanted to do—if indeed, my job was intellectually and emotionally rewarding? Was there something more out there, a career more gratifying than the one I had? I wasn’t thinking about a job that would necessarily earn me more money, but give me a better work-life balance.
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WHY DID I DO IT?
I was bored with my job as a journalist. It failed to stimulate me intellectually, like it did before. I wasn’t feeling fulfilled and I found it frustrating. And then, there was office politics—maybe no more than in any similar work environment. Nevertheless, I had had enough. I started to feel more strongly about it and grew less tolerant of the backbiting and bitchiness. I felt, perhaps for the first time, that I didn’t have to put up with it any more. I realised I had a choice.
I felt, perhaps for the first time, that I didn’t have to put up with it any more.
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I’d always liked teaching. As a child, I would gather homeless children who came begging around where we lived and teach them to read and write, although not always very successfully! But I had enjoyed it immensely. I had also been practising yoga for over eight years and it had helped me get through some difficult times in my life. Having experienced first hand the benefits of yoga, I wanted to pass it on to others. So I decided to learn to teach yoga. Yes, I would be a student again. There was a lot of umming and arrgghhing in my mind, but once the decision was made, I felt relieved.
MAKING IT HAPPEN
Plan: Figure out what you want to do. Have a plan of action in place. I once knew of someone who’d come back home from his drab job and write on a board about the options he wanted to explore. He did this for a year, and went on to do the thing that featured most on his list. He went on to work in advertising.
Talk to those who have done it: Ask for support. Brainstorm ideas with people who have taken a similar risk. Don’t feel you’re alone on this journey.
Plan your finances: Save up for an emergency fund. You need some savings to see you through this time.
If nothing, you’ll get to explore so much more that’s out there.
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Trial run: Try things out. If you’re not a risk taker, opt for a career break or a sabbatical. 12 months is enough to make sure you’re on the right track.
Give it time: Allow yourself 12-18 months to let your new career bed in.
Never regret: There will be frustrations along the way. But the journey itself will more than make up for it. Trust me, it’s worth a try. If nothing, you’ll get to explore so much more that’s out there.
Stay positive: When doubt arises, tell yourself it will work out fine. Don’t give up at the first hurdle.
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At least I tried…
It may or may not work out well for you. You may end up going back to what you left behind. But giving it a good go is what matters. After all is said and done, it is great saying to yourself: oh well, you win some, you lose some. At least I tried.
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Photo: Anubha George
True thinking Anubha.We have one life and should live to be fullest.
Thank you, Anubhaji. Wish I was as brave as you, will try though
I wish I had your courage, will try though, thank you Anubhaji
very inspirational
inspiring !!! let me start my plan..