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 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 ion 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">