MEET ALIA ABDULLAH

“My crazy is that I always put myself first. If something, be it a relationship or an item, doesn't make me grow as a person or feel happy, I don't hesitate to let it go.”

MY STORY IS …

I had always excelled in my studies, and in 2008, I was accepted to law school. I was absolutely excited. Deep inside, I believed that I would be able to change the world. I was convinced that I would love being a lawyer who would fight for justice.

I was wrong.

By the end of Year One, I  was already utterly miserable. Law school just wasn't for me. It was compulsory for us to take Finance and Financial Accounting and I flunked both. I kept running after people who didn’t value me. Having to stay up, sometimes all night, during internships made me anxious and frustrated. Most of all, I hated assisting my boss in defending people who my gut feeling told me were in the wrong.

But I was scared. I didn't want to admit that I had chosen the wrong path. I didn’t want to disappoint my parents who had forked out thousands for my education especially since Papa was just a technician supporting all seven of us.

After I graduated, I was jobless for months. I felt like a total loser when I saw my friends becoming full-fledged lawyers. I knew what I didn't want but could not think of a job that was right for me.

Fast forward a few years, I am now a Digital Marketing Strategist at Muslim.Sg, Singapore's fastest-growing media platform with powerful and engaging Islamic content. I honestly love my job so much that it doesn't feel like work! My colleagues are incredibly sweet and motivate me to be a better person every day. Most importantly, I have more time to spend with my loved ones, especially my two young kids. I am happy!

 What are the three lessons that I have learnt?

1) Never, ever compromise your values

I know myself better than anyone else. I have to be brave and learn to listen to my conscience. It doesn't matter if people don't understand. I don't owe anyone an explanation. It’s never worth it to live a life you hate just to impress others.

2) You can’t pour from an empty cup

It was a struggle to say no. I remember being so busy that I would fall sick or break down and cry. Only after I put my spiritual, mental, physical and emotional needs first was I able to dedicate my time to things that really matter.

3) Surround yourself with the right people

You never have to feel guilty about removing toxic people from your life. I can’t emphasise enough that I am where I am today because of my incredible support system. They are honest, kind and amazing people who work hard to make the world a better place. They push me to grow as a person while genuinely loving me for me. They are there when I need them the most.

photography Zahwah Bagharib