#WhatsNext: These people are now ready to conquer their fears, follow their dreams

Marj Casal Handog

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#WhatsNext: These people are now ready to conquer their fears, follow their dreams
Going out of the comfort zone is scary, and that’s okay, according to these #WhatsNext participants

MANILA, Philippines – What do you want to be when you grow up? As 6-year-olds we would enthusiastically respond to this question with the most honest and sometimes, most outrageous answers – a musician, an astronaut, a detective, a scientist.

But it turns out, 79 percent of people didn’t follow their childhood dreams. And 70 percent of them are unhappy in the jobs they ended up in.

Many of us belong to the 79 percent because of various reasons – our parents wanted us to apply for a college degree that pays more, or as we got older, we were exposed to the realities of life and opted for what we thought are secure and stable jobs. However, landing a job in a different industry doesn’t mean it’s the end of the line.

Take Lino Quitalig, for example. He is an accountant but he has always dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. His parents didn’t approve of him having a career in fashion design. “Walang pera dyan [you won’t earn from that],” they told him. They asked him to take up accountancy instead.

“Even if it wasn’t my dream, I embraced my career as an accountant, I’ve been to many places and met different people but at the end of the day, may hinahanap ka talaga e [you’re still searching for something that’s missing],” said Quitalig.

LINO QUITALIG. Photo by LeAnne Jazul/Rappler

He’s now 50 years old and ready to pursue his passion. He took the first step by getting up and going out on a Saturday to attend the #WhatsNext workshop on how to jump start your own business.

“I don’t act on it because I’m afraid to fail. Now, I want to put it into action,” shared Quitalig.

People who are now at a crossroads and are afraid to take the plunge can also learn a thing or two from Edma Remillano, one of the participants of our first ever #WhatsNext workshop. She’s a journalism graduate from UP Diliman and she’s always dreamed of joining the media industry.

And she did. She worked for one of the biggest TV networks in the Philippines as a researcher, writer, and producer for 7 years. But along the way, she felt like there’s something more outside of this world she has been in so she quit her job and pursued her passion for baking.

“You jump when it’s the scariest,” said Remillano.

EDMA REMILLANO. Photo by LeAnne Jazul/Rappler

Indeed, it was the scariest jump she’s ever taken. She left a growing career at 28 years old without a clear plan, only the belief that she is capable of doing and being something more.

“Starting a business is something that’s different for me but it’s also something that I can claim as my own,” she added.

If you have a dream but you are scared of failure or disapproval, just remember these two people who prove that you are stronger than your fears.

Through Rappler’s #WhatsNext program, we can help you leave the 79 percent club so you can finally start doing what you are passionate about.

“This #WhatsNext workshop pushes us to start somewhere. This confirms that we’re on the right track. A push to really start already,” Kristine Aiza Tan, #WhatsNext participant.

Get that needed push when you attend our second workshop entitled “Beyond Profits: Making Meaningful Movements” on November 11, 8 to 5 pm at the Rappler HQ. Taclob’s Jourdan Sebastian and The Circle Hostel’s Raf Dionisio will show you how to turn your business into something with a purpose.

For more information on #WhatsNext, visit: https://rappler.com/brandrap/whatsnext. – Rappler.com

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Marj Casal Handog

Marj Casal heads the content team of BrandRap, Rappler’s sales and marketing arm. She helps create native advertising campaigns for brands like San Miguel Brewery, Shell, GCash, Grab, BDO, and more.