It can be quite frustrating when those around you just refuse to see things your way. When it’s friends and acquaintances, you can easily cut off all contact with them, and that would be it. Yeah, it might sting a bit, but the fact that you believe you’re doing what’s best for you will console you, and knowing that you’d have it another way if you could, will help push you further.
But then, the truth is that not everyone will see things your way. Especially your family. And because they don’t see things your way, they’d do everything they can to get you back on the right track. And anything you try to say or do to change their mind will basically be seen as you making excuses to continue on the same ‘doomed’ path.
Well, it is what it is. But then, have I ever been in such a situation? I believe in choosing to work from home. This is something many youths who grew up in Nigeria would understand. Always being on the phone, talking about working from home, and making money through the phone. I had parents who didn’t understand all that at a time. Especially my Dad. Every two market days, he kept reminding me never to dabble in any criminal activities because he just couldn’t understand how someone could stay indoors for days and make money. No be juju be that?
It even got worse when I chose not to return to the Nigerian Bottling Company, hoping to pursue my writing career. As far as he was concerned, I was basically throwing my life away. And from his point of view, I could understand why he felt that way. Here was an opportunity for me to get a good job, but I was looking away from it to focus on writing. How was I sure that the hobby would pay my bills and set me up for life? Why was I making such a stupid mistake?
He really resisted that year, but I was kinda stubborn. I simply didn’t go, but I also became determined to make it work. I didn’t want any reason that would prove my Dad right that I made a mistake turning down that offer. So, I really started working. I bounced from platform to platform and worked with several agencies before I eventually started getting a steady job.
And this went on to fund my lifestyle. I saw myself through school, paid all my bills, and was able to live a somewhat comfortable life in school, all from writing alone. And while I started off as a ghostwriter, I went on to become a Professional Book Project Consultant, a Professional Manuscript Editor, a Scriptwriter (YouTube and movies), and I even went on to become a Virtual Assistant and a Social Media Manager…
I was able to expand this way because I chose to follow my dream. If I had gone on to NBC, I would still have been able to see myself through school, because I would have been paid a salary. But I don’t think I would have been able to secure those certifications I mentioned earlier. And now, I’m using it all to do my job and even get better.
My parents are now more believing of my dreams because they’ve seen evidence that it’s working. But it never ends. There’s still so much to be done, and I’m willing to go the distance. Trying different things out now, telling my stories in my way. And whatever clicks will be the deciding factor for me. All in all, I’m sure that it’s all going to work out in the end. That’s what’s more important.
So, besides this, what will I do if I find myself in another situation where I have to choose between growth and family? I really hope I don’t get to find out. Because many times, regardless of all the words of affirmation you might use, you never really know how strong you are until you’re neck deep in trials and tribulations. And I don’t think I’m interested in finding out just how strong I’ll be in such a situation. My parents have come to trust my decisions so far, and the only thing that will make them go against something I want for myself will have to be a very major one.
But then… We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.
