Be honest. How many times have you looked at someone doing something completely different and thought, “I wonder what it would be like if I did that instead?”
Maybe you have always wanted to be on stage. Maybe you think you could make it as a content creator.
Or perhaps your current nine to five has absolutely nothing to do with the thing you have secretly wanted to try.
Most of the time, that thought stays exactly where it started. In your head.
Because changing direction can be scary. There are bills to pay, expectations to meet and that tiny voice reminding you that sticking to what you already know is probably the safer option.
But sometimes, you just need the chance to see what else is out there.
And that is exactly what Connor’s Collective wants Malaysians to do with its “Dare to Be Different” campaign.
Meet people who actually took the leap
Instead of simply telling people to leave their comfort zones, Connor’s Collective is sharing the stories of six individuals who have already done it.
Their stories show what can happen when someone decides that the “usual” path is not necessarily the only path available.
Whether it means pursuing an unexpected passion, entering a completely different industry or simply giving yourself permission to try something new, the idea is simple.
Sometimes, being different starts with having enough courage to take that first step.
And if watching someone else do it has ever made you think, “Okay, but could I actually do that?”, the campaign has something else lined up.
You can actually try an unconventional role yourself
This is where things get interesting.
Connor’s Collective has teamed up with Hiredly to offer short, real life experiences where participants can step into roles that may be completely different from what they normally do.
And we are not talking about sitting through a career talk or watching someone else work from the corner of a room.
These are hands on experiences designed to give participants a taste of what an unconventional path could actually feel like.
Current opportunities listed under Connor’s Collective include experiences such as becoming a pottery apprentice, aspiring breakdancer, bouldering apprentice, underground rapper and even trying your hand at agriculture.
There are also opportunities to experience the worlds of hosting and content creation.
For example, one experience gives a participant the chance to co-host a live event with Malaysian host and content creator Weena Marcus, complete with coaching on confidence, stage presence and live delivery.
Another lets an aspiring content creator spend a day learning alongside Renee Loh, including creating content, getting feedback and seeing how the process works from concept to execution.
Basically, it is the kind of “what if?” moment you normally only imagine, except this time you can actually apply to experience it.
No, you don’t have to immediately quit your job
Before anyone starts dramatically typing a resignation letter, that is not the point here.
Connor’s Collective describes these opportunities as short term experiences rather than guaranteed job placements.
Think of them more like a trial run.
They are there to let participants explore interests outside their current jobs, discover something they may be good at and perhaps walk away knowing a little more about what they actually want.
Because trying something different does not always have to mean immediately turning your whole life upside down.
Sometimes, one day outside your usual routine is enough to make you realise that there are more possibilities out there than you thought.
Maybe it’s time to find out what else you can do
Taking an unconventional path is obviously easier said than done.
There is always going to be a reason to stick with what is familiar.
But if there is something you have been curious about for years, this could be an opportunity to stop wondering about it and experience it for yourself.
Those interested can check out the available Connor’s Collective experiences and submit an application through Hiredly.
Applicants will be asked to share a little about their own story and why they want to experience a different path.
After all, “Dare to Be Different” does not necessarily mean knowing exactly where you are going.
Sometimes, it just means being willing to see where a different road might take you.
For more updates, you may visit their website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Connor’s Collective is an experiential campaign created in collaboration with Hiredly. The opportunities offered are short term experiences and do not guarantee job placement.
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