Flying High on Her Own Terms

Kristi, now in her 30s, grew up in the heartland of America. Having been raised in a traditional Asian American Midwest family, Kristi was expected to graduate high school, get married during her college years and settle into a ‘white picket fence’ life. Indeed, three quarters of Kristi’s high school friends were married with children by the time they turned 21. After conforming to family expectations in her early employment, Kristi now lives in Sri Lanka and has her dream career.

How did she accomplish this? Well, it all started with a mentor…

Kristi was a high achiever who joined a traditional company for her first internship. The average employee tenure was 15-20 years, and people were content simply to have a 9 to 5 job. There was no challenge or fulfilment, and Kristi’s young voice and digital talent were stifled in the traditional environment.

Moving on to a new role in a digital agency, her talent was recognised but she soon found that her efficiency had plateaued. With so much to offer, Kristi was frustrated but felt powerless to change her situation. She sought help from a mentor.

Through her mentor, Kristi learned how to become her authentic self. She realised that she could live her life building somebody else’s dream and be miserable, or she could break free and find fulfilment. She took up journaling to explore what would make her happy. Kristi discovered exciting job opportunities around America and overseas but she still did not feel brave enough to leave the Midwest and disappoint her parents.

Further mentoring sessions made Kristi realise that she was simply going through the motions and would never be truly satisfied with life if she did not act. Other people would always dictate how successful she would become. Her mentor explained that youth was on her side. What was the worst that could happen?

At 23, Kristi quit her job and moved to Belgium.

That initial step was difficult, but Kristi has never looked back. After two years working for a PR firm in Belgium, she set up her own brand building consultancy. Now based in Sri Lanka, Kristi has travelled the world with her career. Technology and talent allow her to service international clients from anywhere. She chooses her hours and her clients. She enjoys fulfilment, flexibility and freedom. Ultimately, Kristi is true to herself.

How have Kristi’s family and friends viewed her liberation? Kristi’s family would still like her to return to the Midwest and conform to tradition. Kristi has accepted that her choices have not delighted her parents, but they have been her choices. Childhood friends in the Midwest are mostly in awe of her bravery. Those friends now have responsibilities which do not give them the opportunities that Kristi created for herself.

Family and societal pressure to conform is often felt by Gen Y and Gen Z, even in Australia.

For young people who feel powerless to change their lives, Kristi recommends a mentor as the first step. A mentor will be supportive and non-judgemental. Kristi also recommends “accepting the 9 to 5 while working hard 6 to 6 to prepare for the next step”.

Every young person is different, but youth is a powerful ally. Explore your next step with Sutton Full Potential. Contact Elizabeth Houghton today.