Making the Right Decision

Having decided to browse for some samples of the so-called Indonesian indie music, I found myself listening to Jason Tedjasukmana's podcast interview with singer Tompi. (Yes, I know that Tompi is NOT considered an indie artist and neither is this post about indies. It's about me being astonished by a young, promising talent in Indonesia. )

He unpretentiously explained to Jason that he never intended to have a career out of music. It's merely his way to make money to realize his dream in becoming a cosmetic surgeon. All in a well-spoken manner, almost flawless English, and without a single hint of vanity -- which would be understandable. A medical student in a society that still places doctors in the elite group (regardless the fact that many of them still struggle to earn some money in smaller puskesmas and clinics!), a gifted singer who has sold thousands of records and definitely become the object of affection of Indonesia's jazz-lover crowd, he surely has plenty of options, and I admire him for knowing he wants for his future.

On the contrary, Once left his work in a more formal environment (a law firm? Correct me, please), to pursue his dream in the music industry. Stepping into the shoes of former Dewa frontman Ari Lasso another whiz kid in the industry, and with the prospect of working together with the Talented-yet-an-Ultimate Snob Dani Ahmad, many would have seen the decision highly risky. As we have witnessed, it worked out well for both parties, Once and Dewa.

A few years ago, I was a bit shocked when a good friend of mine quit from a big corporate in shipping industry, despite his new promotion, and went to his hometown to work as a supervisor and manager of a then undeveloped conservation park. I knew that he was (still is) an avid reader of National Geography magazine and he had long dreamed of working as an environmentalist. I just didn't think that he would take such a dramatic step, though I also know that materials never really attracted him. I never asked him how his parents reacted to it, but I assume he had discussed it with them earlier. Each time we communicate (which is, like, every 6 months!) he sounds happier.

They are lucky people. Some don't have the luxury of making their dream real. Or simply having opportunities.

Or are the rest too blind to see the open doors?