When you forget that you need Allah (God), He puts you in a situation that causes you to call upon Him. And that’s for your own good.
Omar Suleiman
Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim
Like all my articles, this one’s going to a bit of a roller coaster too. And I say that “so-called” dream job because along the way I learnt what I really wanted in my career and the journey there wasn’t as straight forward as I had expected. So to give you a bit of background, I’ve been to high school and achieved a few GCES (I’ll leave how many to your imagination because it really wasn’t as much as I was capable of), I then started a diploma in my first year but then dropped this and continued with A Levels (and yes by this point I’d learnt my lesson that I just wasn’t that great with staying focused in education so picked the easiest subjects out there) and then finally, studied a specialism within business. And this is when I finally smashed my results, I received a first class and not only that – I was the highest achiever in my entire cohort. Just shows you how well you can do when you have a genuine interest in what you’re studying.
Whilst at university I spent every summer break taking an internship in the field I wanted to pursue and by the time I had graduated I had a jam-packed CV ready for my first graduate role. But you see by the time I had graduated, I was exhausted! I’d been studying for months now for several exams on different topics all of which would take place one after the other in the same month. So, I’d decided I’d take some time out since I had the rest of my life to work and I wasn’t too sure when I’d next be able to take a break like this. I spent my days spending quality time with my family and catching up with friends, catching up on my sleep and attempting to achieve a whole bunch of other goals I’d put together (which I soon realised were a bit too hopeful). But I definitely didn’t regret taking the break and had been feeling productive. I should also mention that I had saved a bit of cash aside after graduating to enjoy myself but after 6 months this was starting to run low and I really wanted to start making some cash.
So now that my break was over, I spent the next two months looking for jobs (it literally became a full-time job in itself). I went to several interviews all over London, many of which included several stages and tasks or presentations to provide. But I had finally landed a job I was happy with (to start with anyway). It was local, I could drive there, it was the starting position I was looking for in my field (assistant role) and everyone seemed friendly. This first role was the first and last small company I had worked with, but I can say that there is more a “family” vibe within small companies and people really do look out for one another. I stayed there for a year and a half but with no opportunity to progress with the company being so small I moved onto what I thought was my dream job. An officer role for a large Islamic organisation with a better salary and an actual prayer room (I had previously been praying in the basement of my old company). I felt extremely lucky as I now felt I could better meet my career aspirations and religious goals together and that this new company would be the place I’d want to settle and progress within.
I’ll cut this extremely short, but essentially the role was nothing like I had expected. The company and its culture were far from the ideal environment and worst of all – this is where I met the worst boss I ever had. I decided I’d leave after 6 months and again went back on the job hunt. I didn’t want to be out of work for too long as I had already taken a break and thankfully with a lot of dua’s managed to find a job within a month through a recruiter. I now worked for a global organisation within a beautiful building in central London and once again, thought I’d landed the dream job (second time round). I had received a better salary and moved into an executive position and had a lot more opportunities to take ownership for my work.
The job was short lived and lasted 6 months since I figured I was doing two people’s roles and was completely exhausted every evening (doing overtime every day). I’d also got married towards the end of this role and had major holiday blues so decided to take a break again. This worked well for my mental and physical health as I had a lot more commitments in my life now being a newly wed bride. I wanted a small break and thought about working after Ramadan has passed but somehow, I ended up enjoying it a bit too much and ended up taking several months off. At this point, I’d figured that maybe that dream job was never going to happen and so took on something a bit more laid back. It was still an executive job, but I’d decided to take on a contract role for the first time ever. It started with 3 months and was then extended, and I had thought I’d at least be working there for 6 months. But let’s just say, I technically got fired. I was given a few reasons, the main one being I wasn’t suitable for the role, but I’ll be honest, I didn’t really care by this point.
I came in day in and day out, didn’t speak to anyone, was really bored with work, there seemed to be a very negative atmosphere in the office and I’d been trying to avoid job hopping again but I guess I was saved from doing so and was sent on my way instead. I was given garden leave and asked to leave the office immediately like I was an urgent threat to the office but as I left – I felt happy with myself and was looking forward to new thing to come. And as always, reminded myself that I may plan things one way, but Allah SWT has a better plan for me just waiting ahead.
So, dare I say it, I then finally landed my dream job. Working in a beautiful part of London, close to home, the most convenient commute, working from home one day a week and have managed to stay for more than 6 months. I’ve decided to settle here but as usual my plans always come with a bit of a twist. I now want to settle down Insha’Allah and start a family so please make dua for me that my REAL dream job comes along – and that will be to be a mother.
Until next time, As-salamu Alaykum (Peace be upon you).
