#LengTanSpeaks: My Life. My Mission.

Last year, my family and I met an old man at a baptismal reception where I was made godmother to my cousin's cute daughter. The old chap just came home from the US after working there as an engineer for thirty years. He was a loud, friendly old man who did not hesitate to introduce himself to everyone. He was drinking and chatting with my dad, and exchanging stories about each other's families. I was surprised when he stood up and came to me.

“Why aren’t you working as a nurse?!” he asked.

Surprised, I answered him. “Uh, because I want to teach. I want to train, sir.”

And he said vehemently, “No. That is WRONG. Work as a nurse and go to the US. Trust me. Even if you get promoted as a manager, it is better if you go back to the nursing profession. You’re making a big mistake. ” Then he made a sign that meant money.

photocredit: www.forum.prisonplanet.com

As much as I respected him, I would have to disagree. Choosing to do what I love is not wrong. In fact, it is the best decision I have ever made. I am making good money just by doing what I love to do! Why do I need to go abroad to earn money when I can find a good job here that pays me well? I may not be earning millions but I get to see my loved ones as often as I want to. I get to talk to them in person, I get to see the smiles on their faces, I get to hug them, I get to kiss them, and I get to tell them I love them in person. I do not want to be in some country earning millions and see my loved ones over a computer screen. My sister used to work in Bahrain and I know how hard it is to love and miss an important person in one's life.

And to top it off, I love what I do! It’s more than just training; more than just standing there and telling people what to do (although I love doing that, too!). It’s about the look on my trainees’ faces when they learn from me; it’s the smiles and the appreciation. How wonderful it is to know that somehow, I made a difference in someone’s life. I may not have millions to my name but I a wealthy woman in my own special way.

photocredit: www.lostandtired.com

My mission in life is to inspire. I am able to do that in my training room. Where I get to see people develop, improve and challenge themselves. And the results are priceless. This is why I do what I do: