It was scary at first and I doubted myself I’d get any call for the jobs I applied for. In the past, when there was a job opening that I really wanted, I hesitated to do that despite knowing that I met some of the qualifications. I stuck to something comfortable, fearing rejection and even more so, fearing like I couldn’t really do those jobs. I had constant self-doubt for many years and while it seemed like I wasted my time, it only made me more aware that time is the expensive commodity and wealth that I currently have.

Honestly, I wasn’t always like this. I had confidence. I knew that I could do anything if I put myself into it. What I lacked was mental fortitude and willingness to deal with difficult situations, challenges, and rejection.

I was always shy to ask for help, questions, and even do things that would only create “complications” according to my brain and the way I think.

Recently, I lost all those bounds and boundaries. I asked for help when I could and even when rejected, I didn’t really take it to heart.

I realized the only way to go forward in life is to know the line between being humble and having confidence.

What prompted me to gain my confidence and work through self-doubt was honestly, a financial woe. It was like I hit a wall and I must do something about it.

As a natural problem solver, the only way for me to fix that was getting more jobs.
I landed a job at a family firm but that didn’t stop me from applying elsewhere. Being in a family business can complicate our relationship, so typically, I prefer to venture out and work elsewhere to gain more knowledge and insights.

I applied to numerous jobs that I think I’d fit in and where my skills would be appreciated. In the past, I dreaded this, but when I didn’t, here’s what happened:
• I got into some rounds of interview
• I got accepted into an internship program
• But I also got rejected quite a bit, from Binance at that haha

There are numerous jobs that I got rejected for and that build more mental strength for me. At the same time, working at a boutique consulting has helped me exercise it all. I try to slowly erase my self-doubt and assert myself like I used to.

I realized that now, I have so many gaps that I need to catch up on. I felt like at this age and at a professional level, there are many things that I didn’t know. The corporation world and the startup world are a bit different. While they might share similarities, corporation requires us to follow strict rules and hierarchy.

Somehow, the more I get rejected, the more I feel even more confident and don’t give up on finding jobs that would get me more income.

Oh, and I am back teaching too….

I always doubt that I didn’t have what it takes to teach others, but I found that transferring knowledge is one of the things I really love. In fact, I want to help others advance in their career and life.
Rather than teaching high school students, I am choosing to coach professionals. While it has its own challenges and high expectations, but I prefer that over teaching high school students or even junior students.

By removing my self-doubt, I opened doors to a lot more opportunities and networking. This year, I am going to constantly learn and thrive. I am not making too extreme decisions but just one that will help me advance in life and get ready for the next year or entering my 30’s.

I may not have everything figured out like most people yet, but I am just happy that the fog in my life has slowly been lifted.