In making big life decisions, it can feel like we are constantly balancing the expectations of others.
Often these are based on stereotypes of one kind or another – perceptions of what particular jobs involve, and who would typically do them. Families, friends and communities can have very strong views on what we should be, and what’s ‘normal’ or ‘acceptable’.
It’s important to seek advice from people you trust and who care for you, but it’s also vital to remember that the decision (and hopefully the career!) is ultimately yours. What makes you happy is often the best clue to where you will be fulfilled and successful.
Salon owner Megan talks about why it's important to follow your passion when it comes to your career
Megan
I think I imagined my results day to be quite bad, like dreading it, was a bit like doomsday was coming.
My results day actually went pretty well, I got what I needed.
I was expected to do quite well. There was quite a lot of pressure from my family that was, you know, if you want to get a good job you have to get good grades, you have to go to university. So for me the plan was just to stick out through uni and get the degree and get the normal job.
Whilst I was writing my dissertation I also worked thirty hours a week in the bookies and I went to night class to study my NQ in makeup artistry.
I was always really interested in doing my own makeup. I always watched YouTube and then a lot of my friends were like 'you're so good can you do mine for a wedding? bla bla bla' so I started doing my friends' makeup and then they'd maybe post pictures online and then people would be like 'oh who's done your makeup?' so then random people I didn't even know would message me and be like 'can you please do my makeup?' and that's when it kind of clicked, you know - I could make money out of doing this.
When I first left Uni I went to an interview for a really big recruitment company and I ended up crying in the interview. I was basically told for 40 minutes that I was not good enough, nor experienced enough and for me that was the nail in the coffin. For me it was like you know what this is a sign from the universe that I'm not meant to do this.
That's when I then was like you know what, I'm going to pursue makeup artistry more seriously and at this time I worked in another salon in Falkirk and I rented space from the girl and my best friend, who's now my business partner, worked there as well.So, we just kind of decided that the best thing that we can do now is go out on our own so three months after I left Uni, we used all of our savings and opened our shop.
My results didn't define me at all, I think that they played an instrumental part in me taking the route that I took because I think there is such a world of opportunity out there and it sounds a bit cliché but the world really is your oyster, it's not about being in that box and staying in the box, where everyone believes that you should be.
It's about where you think that you should be.
Ask yourself some simple questions
- What makes you happy? What do you think your skills are? My World of Work can help you plan based on your strengths.
- Are there skills you’d like to learn? Maybe you’d rather do an apprenticeship or training. Check outApprenticeship.scot which has lots of information about different ways to get on-the-job experience.
- Think differently – consider a broad range of careers and don’t limit yourself. If a job appeals to you think about what part of it you are most into. There might be jobs you've not thought of that could offer the same satisfaction.
- If you’ve decided to go against the advice of family or friends, that conversation might be difficult. Showing them that you’ve thought your options through and have a plan is a good way to help them understand and accept your decision.
- Don’t worry – you can always change your mind and your plans if things don’t work out. You can learn new skills all the time – being adaptable is a skill in itself.
BBC The Social talks to Fraser Ross, a young Scot who followed his instincts and became a roller coaster designer
Dream Jobs
Two young Scots who followed their instincts when it came to their career are Raisah Ahmed and Campbell Price.
A childhood love of reading led Raisah to become a screenwriter, and she's written, directed and produced her own films.
Campbell was switched on to ancient Egypt after childhood trips to the Egyptian exhibits at Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow. He's now curator of one of the UK's largest collections of Egyptian artefacts at the Manchester Museum.
Screenwriter Raisah Ahmed describes the best career advice she ever received
Egyptologist Campbell Price on how a work placement led him to his chosen career
Dream Job - screenwriter Raisah Ahmed
How a love of reading led screenwriter Raisah Ahmed to find her dream job
BBC The Social
BBC The Social showcases the talent of young Scots and how they follow their passions
Turning your hobby into a career
There are loads of ways you can use your your love of drama at work - here's Megan's story.
My World of Work. External Link
Scotland's career advice service
UCAS: How to use Clearing. External Link
What to do and how to apply.
Apprenticeships.Scot. External Link
Advice on apprenticeships in Scotland
