My Journey to My Ideal Career: From Software Developer to Entrepreneur

Introduction to My Aspirations

From a young age, I had a strong desire to work around the world and a deep passion for programming. After graduating with a Bachelor's in Computer Science from London, a recruiter from one of the world's largest software companies approached us. I took the opportunity and quickly fell in love with my role. Over the next 12 years, I worked in New York, Australia, and Singapore, while being sent to projects in 20 countries. Although my work was rewarding, it was not my 'dream job'—a term I actually do not use, as it is not related to paid interpretations of dreams.

Identifying the Right Role

While I don't identify a 'dream job,' I do recognize the importance of aligning one's talents, knowledge, skills, passion, and purpose. I assessed myself and prepared diligently to become the most qualified candidate for the role I aspired to achieve. This involved not just meeting the screening exams but also convincing the interview panel that I was the most deserving candidate. In doing so, I was able to secure a position in one of the world's largest software companies, a position that was both challenging and impactful.

Challenges and Adaptability

Throughout my career, I encountered various challenges—both planned and unexpected. While I did not face any significant challenges due to the company's responsiveness, other obstacles during my career required adaptability and resilience. My greatest talent has always been in recognizing and seizing real opportunities, which has helped me navigate through these challenges successfully. Whether it was learning new skills, managing cross-cultural teams, or advocating for innovative solutions, I was committed to finding solutions.

Transition to Entrepreneurship

What I do now is far from my 'dream job.' When I was younger, I wanted to be a concert pianist. Additionally, becoming a famous author was my second choice, although I still pursue it. Initially, becoming a small business owner was not my first choice either, but it became my reality after multiple attempts over 20 years. Each job I held along the way served as valuable training, teaching me essential skills such as sales, recruitment, and accounting.

The Path to Being a Small Business Owner

While my desire to be a small business owner is not a traditional 'dream job,' it is a significant and impactful role in my life. After my first job, a position that taught me the ins and outs of sales, and my second job, which honed my ability to recruit top talent, I became a small business owner. Over the past two decades, I have learned that small businesses are widespread and have a significant impact on the economy. With over 27 million small businesses and only 18,500 large ones, the small business ecosystem is robust and thriving.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

As I reflect on my career journey, I have no regrets. Each step, each opportunity, and each challenge has contributed to where I am today. Becoming a small business owner was a natural evolution in my professional life. I highly recommend it to those looking to build a fulfilling career path. The journey to achieving your ideal role may be bumpy, but the rewards are immense. Embrace the opportunities that come your way and learn from them, just as I have done.