Growing up, I wanted to be a mathematician. I was told the career prospects in math were minimal, so instead, I pursued a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. It came highly recommended by my family of engineers.

One day, unfulfilled, I told my college roommate, “I’m so bored!” She asked, “How are you so bored when you are so busy?”

At that moment, I realised that I was given so much opportunity, yet I was limiting my potential by not having the courage to listen to myself. This realisation led me to take ownership of my decisions.

Now, I am in the driving seat of my career. I saw how much our careers and jobs impact our health and happiness, witnessing highly motivated people burn out too soon. So while compassionate, highly driven individuals make their mark in the world, I want to make sure they are also taken care of.

Workplace traps, boreout or burnout are all issues of the modern-day workplace, especially in the age of AI and remote working. This continues to take a huge toll on our collective mental, physical and social health. As careers evolve (most first graders today will have jobs that don’t exist yet), we are more and more aware of the need for a fulfilling mission, healthy workplaces and successful leadership. We are also being reminded that we are mortal beings.

As a coachee myself, coaching brought me so many things. The ability to find a job at a company I care about while utilising my strengths. Knowing how to tune into my intuition and direct my path. Navigating company politics and standing up to bullies. A sustainable and meaningful career became the key ingredient to a healthy, happy life. After all, we spend 60-80% of our waking time working. Whether we realize it or not, what we do with our time is more valuable than anything. I’m here to remind you that you have a choice.