M’sian Doctor Quits Job To Pursue Passion; Said ‘I Felt Like Dying Every Day’

When I was just a little girl, I asked my mother what will I be.

Will I be an astronaut? Will I be a singer?

Here’s what she said to me:

“You’ll grow up to be no less than a doctor. Now go study for your future.”

Says every Asian parents ever.

It’s pretty stereotypical, but you get the idea.

Every parent would want their child to achieve the best and live a comfortable life. More often than not, this means pressuring their child to be a doctor, a lawyer, or an accountant.

But what if the child wants to be a… fashion designer?

“No future. Lack of financial security.”

How about… a make-up artist?

“Disgrace. No honour.”

What do you do when your family opposes your dreams then? Do you satisfy their desires or yours?

Doctor Quits Job To Pursue Passion

This was a struggle that Dr. Nurual A’in, also known as Dr. Aen, faced her whole life. According to the World Of Buzz, this 27-year-old UKM graduate decided to quit her job as a doctor after seven years.

Dr Aen, who used to work at Sungai Buloh Hospital, chose to leave the medical field as she felt that she could not continue working under situations that she hated.

Instead, her passion lies in business and art stuff such as make-up and writing, where she feels most at home with.

Why did she quit only after seven years?

Bounded by Duty and Obligation 

When she was studying, she wanted to quit studying medicine as it wasn’t her interest at all. She wanted to pursue a career in the fashion field. However, her family kept pressing her to be a doctor as it promises a better future.

Hence, she tried to fulfill her obligations as a daughter to her parents. Even though she knew that it was not what she wanted, she decided to give it a try.

Despite having problems bringing herself to class, she wanted to make her parents happy. Thus, bounded by duty and obligation, she pushed on and studied.

She Felt Like Dying Every Day

In spite of her efforts to work in the medical field, all she could think of was to quit her job for something else.

She said that she had been putting up with this for seven years, holding it in for her whole life. She felt like dying every day working for something she had absolutely no interest in.

I can totally relate.

She further said that while she is capable of continuing in the field, her lack of passion and empty heart makes her more decisive in wanting to escape from this stressful job.

When you are trapped in a job that you have no passion and life for seven years, things can get really bad for your mental state. Dr Aen became depressed and had to turn to psychiatrists for help.

Hence, you can say that another reason to quit is to prioritise her mental health.

Passion Triumphs All

Not surprisingly, her parents were disappointed with her decision. Fortunately, her husband completely supports her. It is not an easy decision to make, for disappointing your parents isn’t exactly on the list of things to do as a filial child.

But sometimes, we gotta do what we gotta do for ourselves. For Dr Aen, she bloomed into the best version of herself after leaving her job.

She is currently focusing on her own skincare brand, Allu Skin Care, that was established just this month. On top of that, she is already an author of three novels, entitled: Psiko: Nota Dari Bilik Gelap, H.A.K: Hak Hanya Ada Kematian and Trofi.

Moral of the story? We can’t please everyone. Do what you love, for it is your life and not anybody else’s.

But still, remember to pay your bills.