I am 23 years old, I don’t live with my parents and I pay my own bills — I pay for my house, my car and my food. The best work I have developed so far is myself.
In my culture, you’ll only start living by yourself once you’re married, whether you’re a girl or a boy. In fact, it is a very common practice for families in Malaysia. But I didn’t want that for myself. I didn’t like the idea of having my own life only after I am married. That’s just ridiculous. I wanted to grow as a person without having to wait for a man.
Anyway, I have stayed in an apartment since 2012 but my dad paid for my rent then so it didn’t feel like much but that was when I started being somewhat independent. And while people my age usually get their first car when they are 17, I got mine last year when I had enough money to get myself one. I was 22.
People are often surprised when I tell them the fact that I have been supporting myself for awhile now because I am still considered quite young to be doing that.
To be honest, it all started when I was about 18 years old. You see, I come from a family of 7 and I have 4 siblings. Things can get difficult for any parents to meet the needs of 5 children on top of paying for their education and I understood that. So, in order for me to get what I want without troubling my parents, I slowly earn money for myself. I started selling online, from accessories to t-shirts. That is when I have found myself interested in business, advertising and marketing. Which is why I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Communication which I majored in Advertising.
Right now, I own a t-shirt / cosmetic lenses business Not Your God, a design studio Psychedkick and a beauty line Rawlulu on top of working a full-time job.
Being an adult means doing what needs to be done. I know, it sucks not having enough leisure time but it will all be worth it very soon. That’s what I tell myself everyday.
Sometimes things get tough, really tough but I managed somehow with the help of my boyfriend. I am thankful that my boyfriend and I have found each other because we go through thick and thins together. It is important to have someone push you back up when you are falling.
I’m telling you, with perseverance you can do anything.
