When Somebody Brings Up “What Do You Do?”
That question is the one I secretly dread — not because I doubt my achievements, but because it turns a quick chat into a marathon explanation of my side‑projects, my side‑hustles, and my knack for juggling a million hats at once.
My “What Do You Do?” Menu
- “I make money” – my most common, all‑purpose answer.
- “I’m still on TV, but it’s mostly online now.” – the mundane reality.
- “Did you hear about Juujaa, my athleisure wear brand?” – the business pitch.
- “Check out Kakikakilive on Facebook!” – the promotional shove that often gets a forced “like.”
Each reply feels different, but the underlying pattern is the same: a progression, not a complete shift. I view myself as a growth story that tailors strengths into thriving ventures.
A Quick Flashback
It all started at 14, when a telecom gig spotted me first in front of a camera. From there I:
- Graduated and signed up with a local TV station, learning acting, hosting, and radio.
- Had a few entrepreneurial experiments — some were hits, some fizzled, but each taught me something new.
- Returned to school, earning a diploma in applied positive psychology.
- Co‑founded Wonder & Wellness with Sheila Sim, running workshops that help people rediscover wonder in everyday life.
Why Positive Psychology? Why Resilience?
My studies revealed two core gifts that keep me humming:
- Self‑awareness. Knowing what I’m good at and letting it guide my choices encourages genuine joy.
- Resilience. The ability to bounce back, bolstered by nature, movement, and deep connections.
When life throws a curveball, I feel ready to tackle it head‑on because I recharge from the outdoors and supportive people. That gives me the courage to step out of my comfort zone.
The Bottom Line: One Life, No “What If?”
Whenever you find yourself hesitating to ask “What if I pursue X?”, answer yourself first:
- Know your strengths and weaknesses brutally and honestly.
- Anchor yourself with activities and people that boost you.
- Take the leap — your deathbed won’t thank you for “what ifs” you never tried.
So, next time someone asks you “What do you do?” consider framing your response as a brief story of growth, resilience, and the fun side projects that make you proud.
