15+ People Who Found Their Path — One After 5 Years of Rejections, One After 5 Different Careers, and One After Buying a Cat

• Everyone in my family is a teacher. I got my degree and went to work at a school too, teaching Spanish.
  After a few years, I decided to leave and become a tutor. My parents were against it: “What if you can’t find any students? What will you do then?” But I already had students: I’d been teaching online alongside my school job. So I did it my way.
  Over time, I found enough students for both private and group lessons. I set my own schedule and can teach from anywhere. Right now, for example, it’s mushroom season, and my parents are at their cabin, so I decided to spend a couple of weeks with them.
  I’ve been baking pies and making tea. The other day we were sitting around having a snack, and I said, “If I’d stayed at the school, who’d be pouring your tea right now, huh?” Mom laughed, but Dad looked at me over his glasses and told me not to be a smart aleck.

• 5 years ago, I wrote a children’s book. No one wanted to publish it. Every publisher turned me down!
  Then one publishing house agreed, but on terms that were completely unfavorable to me. I agreed anyway, but it didn’t work out. I was very disappointed. A year later, I found my editor. She believed in the manuscript.
  3 years have passed. My book has been featured at the Bologna Book Fair twice. More than 100,000 copies have been published! They’re even planning to translate it into other languages. Since then, I’ve published 15 more books!

• As a child, I dreamed of becoming a fashion designer and had been sewing since fifth grade. But it didn’t work out — I didn’t have enough confidence. I studied economics, then came a family and children. Still, I was always sewing, embroidering, making jewelry, felting...
  There’s so much I’ve tried! At 40, I started working at an atelier. At 47, I found the courage to present my own collection on the runway. Now I’m 48, and I continue taking part in fashion shows and competitions. Nothing scares me anymore.

• My family always thought I hadn’t amounted to anything. When I used my savings to buy a small studio apartment, they decided I’d completely lost my mind. But they changed their tune fast when I invited them over.
  They walked in and the whole place was covered in my paintings. And on top of that, they sell pretty well. I even have a few loyal buyers. Since that day, I haven’t heard a single word of criticism from my family. And I’m just happy I’ve finally found my calling.

• I was ending a bad on-and-off relationship that I desperately wanted to end. I was so bummed out one day, called in sick one day and went shopping. While in the mall, I walked into a pet store and saw the most beautiful Persian kitten awake and rolling around while the other pets were all asleep.
  I fell in love with him, bought the cat and we lived in my crammed apartment for 8 years when I started getting eviction notices that people on my floor were allergic to my cat because I let him go in the hallway once in awhile. So I saved my money, bought a new condo in a high-end neighborhood for me and my cat.
  That move introduced me to all different kinds of nice neighbors. And one day, when heading out to work from my new condo, I went out front instead of the back alley, and saw a gorgeous golden doodle and his owner going for a walk.
  That owner became my current husband. 9 years together now. My sweet, precious, adorable cat lived to 16. So, calling in sick one day was the smallest decision that changed the entire course of my life.

Trying out this new hobby: Dorodango — the art of turning dirt into a shiny marble-like ball, originated from Japan. Or, that’s how it’s supposed to turn out anyway, after a lot of care and patience! I gathered a lot of different soil and the materials needed. Next step: making the ball with a good mix of dirt, water and clay.

• I’ve never really been a fan of trips or traveling. To me, travel has always felt exhausting: the packing, the lists, the actual journey itself.
  My parents and I used to visit relatives in the countryside during summer break. In college, I went to a nearby city with friends. And my husband even booked a resort getaway for our honeymoon. People dream of seeing the world, save up, and search for great ticket deals. But I’ve always felt pretty indifferent about it.
  Recently, I took some time off and chose not to plan any trips. Of course, many people didn’t understand me, and my coworkers gave me puzzled looks for several days. But I had the best vacation!
  I got some real rest, enjoyed the quiet, and treated myself to delicious food. I had time to see my family and friends and finally take care of everything I’d been putting off. I attended a chocolate-making workshop, got a fresh manicure and pedicure, and watched a ton of shows. I don’t regret my decision at all.

• I’d always dreamed of getting a tattoo. My mom used to say, “When you grow up, you can get one.” When I grew up, she came up with a new excuse: “Once you get married, then you can get a tattoo!”
  I laughed, but when I did get married, my husband started trying to talk me out of it: “You’ll get tired of it soon. You’re already the most beautiful woman to me!” I went along with that for a while, listening to everyone, but then I decided to make my dream come true.
  I booked an appointment with an artist I’d found about 5 years earlier. I got a tiny pretzel tattoo on my arm — a symbol of my childhood. Grandma always used to treat me to them. I showed it to my family.
  Mom, of course, started grumbling, though I could tell it touched her. And, surprisingly, my husband praised it and said it turned out really cute. I still don’t know whether I’ll get more. But I do know one thing: every time I look at that little pretzel, my heart feels really warm and cozy.

• It took my dad years to return to what he had loved since childhood. He has been drawing his whole life. He started back in school, then enrolled in an art program, but life took a different turn: work and community involvement. There was no time for what he loved most.
  Now that he is retired, he draws a lot. Mostly the landscapes where he grew up.

• I work as a cleaner at a preschool. This morning, I came to work after the weekend and realized how happy I am to be here and do what I do. Yes, maybe it isn’t fashionable or “successful.” But why is success measured only by money or career growth? Maybe finding yourself and taking joy in your place in life is success in itself.

• I learned to draw the simplest way there is: by copying pictures I liked. I follow a lot of artists and illustrators. I wanted my own page to share my work too, but I kept worrying: “What will everyone I know say? What if people don’t like my drawings? What if nobody ever follows me?”
  A year later, I finally worked up the nerve and entered a contest on social media. I posted a new piece every day. That’s where I met other artists, both professionals and amateurs. The atmosphere was so warm, and everyone cheered each other on. That’s also where I met my best friend.
  Now, 2 years later, she and I are entering the same contest again.

• I’m 39 years old. I’ve worked in so many different roles: flight attendant, assistant to a bank president, music teacher at a preschool, and check-in agent. Then, 2 years ago, I found my calling in the catering business, and I’m happier than ever. I absolutely love my work and have no plans to make any more changes.