My thoughts on the reality of teenage career dreams and studying again at 36

 

If you had told me at 18 that I would end up studying again at 36 and working in the financial services industry, I probably would have spat out my coffee and fallen to the floor in a fit of laughter and pure disbelief.

I had dreams, you see—wild, artsy dreams. I made my own jewellery and had been sketching and sewing since I could first hold a needle and thread in primary school. I had envisioned a life as a fashion designer long before I knew what the real world looked like, and I was determined to make that dream my reality.

Then life happened. I fell pregnant at the end of matric with my eldest son, but I was blessed with parents who believed in my dreams and wanted me to have a future that was not defined only by becoming a young mom.

But two years in, reality hit hard. The dream I had clung to for so long didn’t look anything like I imagined. As much as I loved art and design—and still do—my sewing machine quickly became my mortal enemy. Garment and pattern construction gave me so much anxiety that the passion I had carried for years evaporated almost overnight. I was exhausted, trying to navigate being a mom (pregnant with my second son), a wife, working nights and weekends, and studying full-time.  Letting go of that dream was painful, but necessary.

Fast forward to 36: I had found myself in the financial services industry after working my way up from reception, and—shockingly—I enjoyed it. So, when I was given the opportunity to study again, I grabbed it with both hands and ran.

Two years later, I have just completed my degree. It has been a ride—particularly trying to finish my final year while my eldest has been navigating the chaos of matric himself.

Has it been easy? Hell no. Making time every single day to study, learning new skills, and stepping far outside my comfort zone has been both humbling and empowering. But I did it. And in doing so, I’ve shown my children that it is never too late to reinvent yourself. That anything is possible when you put your mind to the grind, pull up your big-girl panties, and just get on with it.

There were nights when I wanted to throw my hands in the air and cry, “I don’t wanna!”—and trust me, the tears were very real.

But I kept going. And crossing this finish line has been one of the proudest moments of my life.

So, here’s to second chances, unexpected paths, and the courage to begin again—no matter how many detours life throws your way.