Sihay

Where do you see yourself in five years?

It’s my most dreaded question in every job interview. I can barely see the weekend on the horizon. How am I supposed to visualize what my life would look like in five years? Is it normal for people to see that far in advance?

I’ve always felt like I was being pulled in all directions with the different pursuits that interest me. I wanted to pursue a career in Science while reading, writing, and creating art. I wanted to learn things that excite me, and it doesn’t mean casually browsing through some books or references. I wanted to learn deeply, find mentors, even get a degree on the subject. While working full-time in the events industry and pursuing graduate studies in Microbiology, I was also earnestly looking for mentors who could help me hone my painting and writing skills.

I couldn’t give a straight answer whenever someone asked me where I see myself in five years. How do you tell someone you want to be in several places at once without sounding confused or lost? You especially don’t want to say those things to a future employer.

Where do I see myself in five years?

The last time I got asked that question was during my last job interview. It was the only question to which I was not able to give a straightforward answer. I didn’t know where I’d be in five years, but I did know the skills I wanted to pursue. I knew where I wanted to spend my time and trusted that the Universe would take me to a place where I could do more of what I love.

I learned the intricate business of turning my curiosity into minute contributions to an establishment of knowledge built by the giants that came before. I continuously find ways to learn more about chronicling what I learned and sharing them with people in such a way that they’d understand, whether or not they came from similar academic backgrounds. I desperately find time to work on an artwork inspired mostly by the novelty of the things I learn.

This unerring need to do everything seems crazy and exhausting to others. It feels like that to me at times. But I don’t see myself doing it any other way. These things give me joy.

The things that make life complex might also be the ones that make it rich.

Before I found my dream job, I was staying in a cozy one-bedroom condo in a lovely city. It was close to my university and my work. And because I was working at home four days a week, I had plenty of time for my creative pursuits.

However, I knew I wasn’t satisfied with the job. It was good, but I felt that something better awaited. It took a while to let go of the stability I had. The previous job — the previous life — treated me well, but I knew it was time to move on.

Sometimes, what feels right is really what feels familiar. So despite my cozy, picturesque life, I decided to uproot myself and find home in an unfamiliar place.

The dream job

I finally found something that will allow me to use my academic background and connect with the larger community factually but creatively. I’m working in an inspiring environment where people work for Science and bring their own spin and uniqueness to the things they do.

I was thrown headfirst into a branch of Science I haven’t explored before — Human identification and forensics — that allows me to cultivate my intellectual garden even more. The job gave me more mentors than I could ask for. I had more opportunities in Science Communication I hadn’t fathomed were possible before, especially because I live in a third-world country where Science communication is not widely popular.

I’m still on the wobbly journey of building my home in this uncharted territory, but I’m sure about one thing. I’m glad I pursued the things that inspired me regardless of whether they hold a promise in the future or not. My budding career now is the culmination of everything I worked for and obsessed over. Suddenly, the seemingly random things I pursued before make sense.