What have you got to lose?

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost

Soho

My mom asked me the other day, "What have you got to lose?" To answer that question, you need to learn a little bit more about me. I am first generation Filipino-American. My parents came to the U.S. in the 70's from the Philippines for a better life. They settled in Chicago, where I was born and raised. Now, being Filipino, there are only a few careers that are acceptable to most of our parents, i.e. nurse, doctor, really anything in the medical field, maybe even a lawyer or engineer. Basically, anything that will give you a title behind your name, Filipinos really like those.

I guess I'm a little bit rebellious and have no interest in making a career in any of those fields. Well, not really interest, more like talent, I have no talent in any of those fields. These jobs require science classes. I don't have the desire or focus to retain knowledge in this field. I just did not do well with my science classes. Instead, my interest and talents are found in the liberal arts, psychology and english. These are the classes I succeeded in and eventually got my degree in. With some "encouragement" from my mom to go into the medical field, I declared Health Information Management thinking this would be a happy middle ground for the both of us, this lasted for one semester. After a changing my major a few times, it's a wonder I still in finished in four years. So back in 2003, I had a B.A. in Psychology with an English minor. If you have a Psych degree, you know it pretty much gets you no where. You eventually have to go back for a Masters or a Ph.D. if you want to find work in this field.

I did go back to school, but for a MBA and it's been two years since I've worked. Due to my lack of employment, my mom has been "encouraging" me to reevaluate my life and consider a different career path. In other words, go back to school and get a nursing degree. If I had only gotten that nursing degree in the first place I would have a stable job and a real career, like everyone else who finally gave in to their parents. Yes, everyone I know who has gone into the medical field has a real job. And everyone else who didn't is still trying to find their way. But doesn't that give us more motivation to prove ourselves to our parents? To borrow from Kanye West, it makes us want to work a little bit harder, better, faster, and stronger because what doesn't kill you can only make you stronger.

So, what have I got to lose? You can only gain when you go to school. Gain more knowledge, marketable skills, a new network. But what I would lose is my passion. I would feel like I'm giving in. I would lose my determination in finding the perfect job for me. I would lose a little part of me. I took the path less traveled and I'm trying very hard to make that difference.

Ever take the path less traveled? Did you lose anything?

P.S. I will forever be grateful to my parents for giving us that better life and for always supporting education.