My First Career Choice and Setback: A Journey of Resilience and Personal Growth
Making Choices
Choosing a career path is one of life’s most significant decisions, and it was no different for me. When the time came to decide on a direction for college, a sporting career was not an option. At least, that was my belief, especially in Morocco. This meant I had to stop playing basketball and focus on education. Graduating from high school with decent scores in a science program opened up various options for me.
Given my passion for sports, I applied for a sports science curriculum. I also loved philosophy and applied to European psychology schools. I had no idea that sports psychology was even a thing back then—I probably would have chosen that if I had known!
I got accepted to schools in Bordeaux, France, right by the ocean, so I could continue surfing. But my father had different plans. He wanted me to study biology or economics. Financially dependent on him, I couldn’t just go off to Europe, so I went with my plan C: art school. The application process was tough—only 15 out of over 1000 applicants were admitted—but I made it. I moved to a bigger city, ready for the challenges and excitement that came with studying fine art: History of Art, painting, sculpture, analog photography, and interior design. After a year, I switched to a digital communication school to study marketing and advertising. Semiotics became my favorite class, and I graduated as valedictorian, landing an art director position at a prestigious multinational ad agency even before graduation.
The First Setback
My first job as an art director was both a huge milestone and a big letdown. There was a massive gap between the creative processes we learned in school and the reality of the workplace. Everything we learned seemed irrelevant in the real world, which relied on basic communication to reach a broad, “average” audience. I started questioning my career choice for the first time. But I pushed through because the money was good, and the title was prestigious.
I thought this was what I was supposed to do, but it was the first time I realized I was straying from my values. Meanwhile, my passion for surfing kept growing. I spent my 20s exploring and improving my surfing skills. My friends and I would surf at first light before heading to the office. On weekends, we’d drive 6-7 hours south to pristine surf spots, camping and surfing all weekend before heading back home.
Escaping the Rat Race
Despite my dedication, the 9 to 5—more like 8 am to 11 pm—became unbearable. No amount of money could make up for the toxic work environment. My work felt meaningless, making products look better to sell to people who didn’t need them. Eventually, I ended my contract as an art director and started my own company with a friend, which aligned more with my core values.
We launched a video production company, creating a weekly 26-minute documentary series about extreme sports in Morocco. Being surfers, we loved discovering new surf spots, talking to locals, and exploring alternative sports. But the excitement didn’t last long—we unfairly lost our contract to another video production company.
I felt defeated and lost at the prospect of returning to employment. It was terrifying, but this setback was the beginning of a journey toward resilience and rediscovering my true passions.
Carrying On with Art Director Jobs
I carried on with art director jobs in ad and communication agencies. I was pretty good at it, but it didn’t bring me much personal satisfaction. I kept the job for the lifestyle it provided. Like many people, I ticked all the boxes young adults would tick: a fancy job, a great salary, a good-looking car, and a comfortable life. But something was missing. I wasn’t fulfilled; I felt miserable. After years on the rat race, when I couldn’t take it anymore, I quit once more. This time, I took a sabbatical and explored the world. I craved bigger adventures, more surfing, and the thrill of exploration. I was done with the art director job; I wanted something different and was ready to go after it!
Searching
I backpacked around Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. I took countless photos and met incredible locals and fellow travelers. Six months and 25 countries later, I still wasn’t clear about my next life chapter. I was 28-29, had no clear career plan, and hadn’t put much effort into figuring it out. However, I was pretty seduced by the Scandinavian standards and was tempted to give it a try. I thought I could start fresh as an art director, become better at it, and perhaps even finally enjoy it.
During that journey, traveling alone, I developed my social skills and improved my English. I learned to navigate different cultures, adapt to new environments, and connect with people from all walks of life. These experiences were invaluable.
Conclusion: The Best Decision I Ever Made
Quitting my job and traveling the world was one of the best decisions I ever made. It allowed me to learn so much about myself and develop many skills that prepared me for the next chapter of my life. I discovered the importance of staying true to my values and passions. I realized that fulfillment doesn’t come from ticking society’s boxes but from pursuing what truly makes you happy.
This journey was a turning point. It was scary to leave the stability of a job and venture into the unknown, but it was worth it. I returned with a newfound sense of purpose, ready to embrace the next challenge with resilience and enthusiasm. If you’re feeling stuck or unfulfilled, sometimes the best thing you can do is take a leap, explore the world, and discover who you truly are.
