Redefining Success Beyond Academic Expectations
In a world where you are expected to know what you want to do with your life by the time you’re 18 and where social media depicts success in a somewhat unhealthy way, many people find themselves lost and juggling multiple hobbies at once. Hi I’m Sophia Ibbetson, a determined young ‘wasian’ who epitomises the essence of hustle. With five jobs and one blog under my belt, my story is not just about ambition but also about navigating the complexities of cultural expectations and personal discovery.
Growing up in a household with strict Asian and traditional parents, the pressure to excel academically and pursue traditional career paths was always present. My mom envisioned me as a nurse or doctor, while my dad couldn’t quite grasp the concept of social media as a legitimate career.
But throughout the 2023 summer holidays, I realised I was far from certain about my future. The conventional path of academic success didn’t resonate with me, and I found myself drawn to exploring multiple interests simultaneously.
It all started with a part-time job as a waitress in 2020, the typical job for a university student. Little did I know this job would ignite my passion for food. I became besties with the head chef, tasted the weekly specials every shift, and eventually launched my own food blog, @Hungryhungryakl. Despite initial scepticism from my parents, I persisted, driven by my love for food and the joy of sharing it with others.
Fast forwarding to December 2023, I landed a casual digital marketing job at a health and wellness brand. This opportunity not only provided me with a job where I get to post TikToks and inspiring quotes but also earned me some acceptance from my parents as an ‘ adult job’ (whatever that is). It was a step towards a more conventional career path, yet I still felt like I was missing something.
I did think about becoming a YouTuber as a passionate entertainer, but I don’t have the funds for a camera nor storage on my phone to record, so that idea went out the window.
I guess I have to mention I’ve been involved in modelling and acting since I was a child. While very casual, this job has been an integral part of my identity, shaping my confidence and creativity along the way. My mum likes to blame the crowd I hang with for wanting to be in the creative field, but I’ve been in it since I was able to talk.
My fourth job is… well.. this job… I work for this magazine you’re reading right now. Maybe I’d enjoy journaling and writing, I said to myself. I got the social media manager position, but I also have the option to write, so here I am attempting to hopefully inspire someone. Now my parents really liked this title because I work for a magazine instead of posing for one.
My Fifth job is actually a paid blogger and reviewer. I work for a beauty distributor and rate and review their products and get paid for it. This is also very casual but gives me the title “ Writer.” This was the last and latest job I’ve secured, and my parents think it’s worrying that I have to have multiple jobs in order to survive. Growing up, a secure path seemed to put their minds at ease: excel academically, secure a stable job, and be financially free by 25.
But little do they know, I was stressed out that my CV only had a “waitress” and “model” while I’m in my last semester at uni, so I panicked and applied for jobs and now I’m here writing a hustling article about it.
I still work all the jobs to this day. 5 jobs and one food blog while still trying to complete my last semester of university, praying by the end, I’ll find a job and make my parents proud.
I hope that this story resonates within the Asian/waisan community, where the pressure to fulfil familial expectations is often palpable.
To my fellow Asians grappling with similar pressures, I say this: embrace your identity and stay true to yourself. Don’t let your parents’ values overpower your own, and don’t be afraid to pursue multiple passions or explore unconventional paths. Your journey may be challenging, but the rewards are boundless. I can confidently say I have a direction in writing, journalism, or marketing, and I’m so happy. I may not know for sure, but without these multiple hustles, I wouldn’t know what the heck I’d be doing.
