Name: Maya Calica Collins
My job today: Storyteller/art tutor
I call myself a storyteller because I’m always weaving tales—whether it’s with words or images. I do many things: I am a freelance writer for travel magazines. I write and illustrate books. I draw portraits of both humans and pets. I also teach realistic drawing to kids aged 5 to 12 years old here in Auckland. You could say my work keeps me on my creative toes at all times! (Editor’s note: You can find Maya’s writing and art on mayacalica.com.)
My last corporate job: Editor of Smile magazine, Ink Singapore
Why did you leave?
I moved to Auckland, New Zealand to join my husband.
What made you decide the time was right?
Before I took the leap from my job, I prayed to God for guidance. I asked for two things: that I get my visa with no hitches, and that the right person would come along to fill my shoes at Smile. To cut a long story short, I got “yes” to both questions on the same day.
What were your fears surrounding this change?
Moving to another country takes you away from what is familiar and comfortable. I was afraid of losing my identity as an editor, which I was for more than 10 years, and in the process I feared losing the confidence that came with it. I’d be far away from big network of family and friends in Asia (even if I had a sister and my husband in New Zealand).
How did you manage your fear?
Sometimes I’d look at all the fun photos from my previous job, and wonder, “Did I do the right thing?” Looking back can fill you with regret if you’re not clear about why you did it and what’s in front of you.
So I found ways to keep busy when my husband was at work. I was always vacuuming the house, for starters! Then I took up hobbies that I relegated to weekends when I was a full-time editor. I learned how to sew, and experimented on recipes to cook and bake. I started drawing again and did online illustration courses to improve my technique. Although my new interests didn’t take away the fear, I was never bored. When I joined a weekly home group with my sister Rina, I started reading my Bible again. Rekindling my personal relationship with Jesus made me realize He had the best plans for me. I just had to wait, listen and be aware of what my next step was while I kept honing my creative gifts.
After almost two years in New Zealand, I wanted to do more than just online work. I wanted to get out of the house and work alongside people in my community. In August 2014, I answered an ad for part-time teaching for Realisticus Art Academy (artacademy.co.nz). Three phrases floated up from that ad: “teach kids”, “art” and “part-time job”. I’d been praying for this sort of opportunity as I always dreamt of working with children while doing what I love—expressing my creativity and sharing it. I later found out that I had answered the ad on the last day the owner ran the ad. She had interviewed about 100 people, so I was honored to have been picked to do the job. I’ve been teaching for two years now and love how every day is an adventure and an exercise in creativity, compassion, humor and patience—lots of it!
As an editor, I was approached by readers in malls and restaurants in Manila and Singapore. These days, I’d be lying on my mat in a neighborhood Pilates class or walking our dog, and someone would ask, “Excuse me, are you the art teacher?” On my way to the community café, kids who are my students wave hello. It’s a really sweet feeling.
One of the things that stops people from pursuing their dreams is the question of money. How did you deal with this?
I’m very blessed to have my husband Nigel, who supports me in every way. I also had savings, and a few investments. I was also doing writing jobs for my editor friends. To adjust to this change, I had to change old spending habits. When you work full-time, and get a fat full-time salary, you justify spending on just about anything. These days, I really think hard before I spend. Self- control goes a long way. I don’t shop retail often (if I do, I go to shops like Cotton On or department stores), and have discovered the joys of buying pre-loved clothes from op shops and hospice shops. I do spend a lot on my craft and art supplies!
What did you do to prepare before quitting your day job?
I had to be at peace with the decision to quit. I also made sure to leave my job in capable hands, out of respect for my employers. I wanted the work I did for Smile to endure and get better—and it has! It was also important to have my finances sorted. It wasn’t all YOLO and throwing caution to the wind, as many blogs may have you think!
Is there anything you miss about the corporate world?
I miss coming to work and having officemates, and having coffee and lunch breaks with them. I guess you could say I miss the friends I’ve made from work, because I’ve made awesome lifetime friends from my past day jobs.
What lessons have you learned since leaving your day job?
As a younger person, working in the corporate world, the goal was to shine as an editor, to win the praise of the boss, and to work your way up the ladder of the company. That no longer holds any appeal for me.
Maybe it’s my age, or maybe it’s the wisdom that comes with my age. I find more satisfaction in sharing my gifts, spending quality time with family, and helping out in my church and community.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to leave their day job and pursue their dream?
It isn’t all about following your heart or emotions. Although a big part of quitting my day job had to do with love, I didn’t just jump without thinking. Put your dream out there—seek wisdom from God and people you trust. Why are you leaving? Is it pure hate for your boss, or passion for a project you’re committed to see through to completion? If it’s the latter, make a plan to save as much money as you can while you’re employed to tide you over when you do quit. You can also help groom a suitable person to take your place when you go—I think that shows respect to the people who gave you the opportunity to learn and grow in that position.
I loved my day job, my colleagues and the magazine I edited. But I also knew that God had just opened a door for a new adventure in a new land with my husband. So I did all I could to prepare for this change, and then I took the leap of faith.
NOTE: This series (“How I quit my day job to become a __________”) is about following the dream that calls you and making powerful and courageous decisions to heed that call. It’s not about escaping stress or colleagues who make you unhappy. Don’t quit your day job to escape. Leave it because the vision you have for yourself lies beyond the 9-to-5, the regular paycheck, the comfortable lifestyle. My hope is that the lessons from women who have done the same will encourage you to make your own courageous choice.
