Let Men Dream too!
Blog Post Written by Asma Tahir (Guest Author)
“Be practical.”
“Think about your future.”
“How will you provide for your family?”
Men hear these words from the moment they start thinking about a career. It’s never about what they love. It’s always about what makes money, status, and security. If I were a man, I probably wouldn’t have been able to switch careers as many times as I did.
Growing up, I was great at math and computers. Everyone assumed my future was set:
“Asma, you should become a software engineer. It’s respectable and has scope.” But I didn’t want to. So, I chose a Bachelor’s in English instead. Cue the disappointment. “Why waste your talent?” “Arts won’t give you a stable future!”
Later, I developed an interest in religious studies. Everyone said, “You can’t do two bachelor’s degrees at once.”
I did it anyway. Then, I took a diploma in teacher training (psychology) and pursued teaching. I was good at it. I was even offered a job. But I walked away.
Because I realized, I was good at teaching, but I wasn’t passionate about it. Then I tried entrepreneurship. Didn’t feel right. I pursued web development. Quit halfway. I learned digital marketing. I worked as an intern.
Through all of this, one thing remained constant: Writing and public speaking.
That’s what I kept coming back to. That’s where my heart was. And that’s how my career finally took shape.
But here’s the thing, I had the privilege to explore.
I could afford to try, fail, and restart.
I could afford to chase passion first, stability later. “Let’s be real, I probably wouldn’t have had that choice. If I were a man!”
Why Men Can’t “Figure It Out” Like Women Can
Society tells men:
Be the provider. Pick a career with scope, not passion. No time to experiment, get it right the first time.
A man saying, “I want to quit my IT job and become a writer,” will hear: “Are you crazy? Writing doesn’t pay the bills!”
Because men aren’t allowed to fail. They are expected to have it all figured out. And if they don’t? They’re seen as failures.
The Emotional Cost of a “Practical Career”
– Stuck in jobs they hate because quitting isn’t an option.
– Suppressing their dreams because passion doesn’t come with a paycheck.
– Suffering in silence because talking about it makes them seem weak.
The Solution: How Men Can Balance Passion and Stability
• Start with a side hustle – If quitting isn’t an option, start small.
• Redefine success – Stability is important, but so is fulfillment.
• Find like-minded people – Surround yourself with those who understand your goals.
• Don’t let your job define you – You are more than your paycheck.
Final Thought:
Men, You Deserve More Than Just “Providing”
Success isn’t just about money. It’s about waking up and not dreading your day. It’s about choosing a path that fulfills you, not just one that looks good on paper.
Dear Men, you don’t just exist to provide. You exist to live.
About the Author
Asma Tahir is an Indian author, podcaster, and content strategist with a B.A. in English, a B.A. in Islamic Studies, and a diploma in teacher training specializing in psychology. The author of four books, she crafts narratives that inspire, challenge perspectives, and leave a lasting impact.
Her latest memoir, “Beauty in My Scars“, is a powerful exploration of resilience and self-worth, shedding light on the strength found in life’s struggles. As the host of “Chapter Chats“, she dissects books that shape communication and personal growth, bridging literature with real-world insights.
Beyond writing, Asma specializes in content marketing and public speaking, helping individuals and brands refine their messaging. As a partner in Tech Career Vision, she applies her expertise in digital strategy to support career-driven initiatives. Passionate about the power of words, she continues to shape conversations that matter.