The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

In today’s world, we’re bombarded with ideas about changing careers, following your “true passion,” or becoming your own boss. But for many of us, the reality is much more grounded—changing careers after 25 isn’t easy, and once you hit 30 or 35, it becomes an even bigger challenge. Life isn’t as flexible as it was when you were younger, and for most, career changes are not an option but a luxury.

Personally, I’ve been working since I was 14, not because I wanted to, but because I had to. Coming from a humble background, I understood early on that grafting was the only way to move forward, helping my family and then building one of my own. Since then, it’s been non-stop, balancing work with responsibilities. My career isn’t glamorous, but I’m proud of the place I’ve reached in payroll. It’s a reflection of sheer hard work and determination—nothing was handed to me.

That’s the reality for many of us. A job is a job. As long as you’re paying the bills and providing for your family, you’re doing what you need to do. The idea that everyone can chase after their dream job is a bit of a fantasy. Only a small percentage of people in the world get to do a job they genuinely enjoy. The rest of us are making sure the lights stay on and that there’s food on the table, all while being grateful we can do so in a halal, honest way.

For those like me, who have been working their whole lives to support others, the idea of switching careers often feels like something reserved for the younger crowd. By the time you’ve got a family to think about, changing paths isn’t just a decision for yourself—it affects everyone around you. And let’s not forget that after a certain age, starting fresh in a new career means risking financial instability, something many of us can’t afford when we have people depending on us.

I’ve helped my wife become more independent, watched my children grow and achieve their own milestones, and still, I keep grafting. I’m not looking for a career change because the job I’m in does what it needs to—it allows me to support those I love. And that, to me, is more important than finding some dream job.

At the end of the day, we’re blessed to be able to work, to provide for our families, and to live honestly. Life may not be about doing what we love every day, but there’s purpose in doing what’s necessary. I’ve learned to find my contentment in knowing that I’m doing right by my family and helping others when I can.

It’s not always about switching lanes or chasing something different—sometimes, it’s about recognising the value in where you are and finding peace in knowing that you’re doing what matters. And for me, that’s good enough.