Why I Chose a Job I Could Endure Over One I Loved 🪫

We grow up hearing, “Do what you love.”
That’s the dream, right? Work that fuels you, fulfills you, makes life feel meaningful.

But for many of us, reality gets in the way.

I didn’t choose this career path because I was passionate about it.
I chose it because I could endure it—and because I didn’t have the luxury of exploring.

🧠 I Didn’t Start With Passion—Just a Need to Survive

Growing up, my family couldn’t afford even small things—like weekend trips.
I learned early on that dreaming big often came with a price I couldn’t pay.

I didn’t want to go to college, but in my country, the gap between high school and college grads is huge.
Even choosing a major felt like a risk. I worried, “What if I graduate with the wrong degree and can’t get a job?”

Changing majors wasn’t realistic—it costs time and money.
So I stayed.

Luckily, computer science turned out to be a smart decision.

I predicted that tech and software would shape the future—and I bet that by studying it, I could access better support and opportunities.
That decision, made purely out of logic, ended up building the foundation for where I am now.

🛠 I Didn’t Choose What I Loved—I Chose What I Could Survive

I’m not naturally gifted at programming.
I failed the same core class three times—even though I studied harder than most people I knew.

Some people thought I slacked off. I didn’t.
My friends knew how hard I worked, and they were shocked when I failed.

I considered switching majors again… but I held on.
I believed in the potential of software—and I was willing to struggle for it.

I woke up at 4am, went to class in the morning, worked a part-time job in the afternoon, and studied until 2am every night.

Most of my classmates dropped out of tech and pursued other paths—some became government employees.
Others are still job hunting.

Meanwhile, I kept going.
While others struggled to land one offer, I had multiple job offers, negotiated my salary, and joined a U.S.-based startup just before graduation.

I’m now in my 4th year there.

🧭 I Looked at Reality Before I Looked at Passion

Here’s what I knew:

My family needed financial support.
I needed stable income—fast.
Tech jobs paid more and allowed remote work.
I didn’t have the skills or time to pivot.

So I made a deal with myself:
“Let’s just do what I can handle for now. I’ll chase passion later.”

And I stuck to that.

📋 My Career Filter: Low Overhead, Not High Dream

Since my first step into the industry was already hard,
I didn’t aim for the perfect job after that—I looked for what I could handle.

Things I prioritized:

Minimal meetings or people interactions
Clear workflows and minimal overtime
Predictable routines
Remote work options

I learned that how you work often matters more than what you work on.

During my Junior year, I got an offer from a well-known Korean AI company—great pay, flexible hours, and kind people.
But I felt stifled by the rigid, hierarchical work culture.

Even though I needed money badly, I turned the job down.
And I promised myself: “I’ll work even harder and get a job at a flat, international company instead.”

That fire helped me land the job I have now—on my own terms.

🔄 Side Hustling Gave Me Room to Breathe

Today, I work at a U.S. company that respects my value and gives me space to grow.
But I’m also the main provider for my family—paying for over 70% of household expenses, including hospital bills and insurance.

I didn’t start a side hustle for fun.
I started it out of necessity.

But in hindsight, that pressure gave me a chance to explore new skills.
I realized that my career doesn’t have to depend on just one path.

Even though I still don’t know what my dream job is, I’m learning how to adjust my current one into something more sustainable.

And that’s good enough for now.

🧘 Final Thoughts: It’s Okay If You’re Just Getting By

You don’t need to love what you do.

Sometimes, it’s not about passion—it’s about survival.
And that’s not a failure. That’s real life.

I’m doing the work I can, in the way that I can handle it.
And that’s what’s keeping me afloat—and helping me grow.

One day, you might do what you love.
But for now, it’s okay to start with what you can endure.