TINA HUNG - HER STORY


Paulo Coehlo who wrote The Alchemist, once said that everyone has their very own Personal Legend. When one takes that leap-of-faith to fulfill one’s Personal Legend, “ the whole universe conspires so that [my] wish comes true". I recently quit a full-time (stable) job in the world of audit, to pursue my artistic endeavors: acting, singing and dancing. All my life I learned about music, specifically the piano and from that I learned how to sing, and then slowly, I entered the world of stage-musicals and plays.

I think the light-bulb really clicked when I realized that I was participating in all these artistic performances on a volunteer basis–that for me to do these things without receiving anything in return must mean that I really enjoyed doing them. I also started understanding that this was something I enjoyed as more than a hobby; it was something I wanted to make a career out of. Then, one day, while studying for the SOA, my second exam on the path to becoming a chartered accountant, I bought a Starbucks coffee and read the back of the cup, the following: “Failure's hard, but success is far more dangerous. If you're successful at the wrong thing, the mix of praise and money and opportunity can lock you in forever. - Po Bronson”

I started questioning what it was that I wanted to do with my life. There had to be more than work, work and more work. I was never a numbers-person, but someone who was creative and artistic. I was going against nature by forcing a round-peg into a square-hole. Then one day, after thinking (for a good six months) how depressed and sad my life had become, I finally had the courage to take that leap-of-faith. I handed in my letter of resignation. The partner was blown away because she didn’t expect it. She kept asking, “Are you sure?” and I could only respond with, “I think so.”

My feelings were mixed from the get-go, but it was hard for me to not feel like that. I could tell someone that in three- four years, if I were to stay at the firm, I would become manager making close to six-figures. As an actor, in three-four years time, I cannot tell someone in absolute where I will be. Yes, this is a big risk that I am taking. That one action, of handing in my letter of resignation, will completely change the course of my life forever; however, there is one thing that I know with 100% certainty and that’s my motivation.

If there’s anything that I have complete control and trust over, it’s my motivation, determination, dedication, work-ethic, mind-set and the “vision” I keep seeing of where I will be one day. However, sometimes, these things aren’t enough. In the world of entertainment, in order to succeed I still need that one chance, the “big break,” that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that cannot be achieved unless someone, somewhere, sees potential and gives me my lifeline. I just hope that whoever you are, after reading this, you will help me on my journey to fulfilling my Personal Legend.

May the Universe conspire to help you, as it will conspire to help me!

All the best!
Tina Hung