Dear Tou,
I’ve been struggling with finding a career I’m passionate about. My family keeps comparing me to my cousins, who all have “respectable” jobs like nurses or engineers. I feel stuck and uninspired. Any advice?
– Lost in Expectations
Dear Lost in Expectations,
Ah, the cousin comparison game—it’s practically an Olympic sport in Hmong families, isn’t it? Let me start by saying this: your career is your journey, not a competition.
Think of your passion like that perfect bowl of pho—it takes time to simmer, and everyone’s recipe is different. Start by asking yourself what lights you up. Is it creating, helping others, solving problems? Explore jobs that align with those answers, even if they’re outside the “respectable” box.
And let’s be honest—your cousins probably feel pressured too, but that doesn’t mean they’ve found true happiness. Focus on building a life that’s fulfilling to you. In the end, a happy, thriving you will be the biggest flex of all.
Now go cook up some dreams, and remember—I’m rooting for you!
– Tou