I’ve the appropriate laughs, and next comes that loaded question: ‘So, what do you do?’ For the past 1O years, I’ve been confident of my answer: ‘I’m a journalist and an editor.’ This was predictably almost always followed up by ‘That’s interesting, who for?’, then I’d get to really flex, because I’ve been the bigwig editor at cutting-edge media companies, from fashion magazine i-D to Refinery29 for close to four years. What came with that was an enormous amount of social cachet, demonstrated through nodding heads and whispers of ‘cool’ and ‘wow’ when I told new acqaintances.
You see, that was the bulk of who I was in my twenties until I realised that I couldn’t keep up with the fiercely ambitious and successful person I’d created. After all, it’s a vast space between how things sound at a party and how they feel dayto-day. And, at the too-young age of 31, after I’d worked so hard to get to where I was, I realised I no longer wanted it.
Ambition is a powerful motivator: the founding principle of the American Dream, what men are expected to have in abundance, and women are expected to have in a fair dose — enough to be attractive, but not so ambitious that you don’t have time to get a wax.
I was raised on ambition, taught that professional success is not just desirable but existential. My dad moved to the UK from Egypt and, at 66, still works 7O hours a week. When he arrived in England, he stacked shelves and lived on cans of beans while he qualified as a doctor. This sort of story is common among immigrants, who often instil this work ethic into their children. ‘Do it until you fall down’ was the advice he gave me when I told him I found the pressures of my job too much. ‘If you’re comfortable, you’re failing’ was another mantra he passed down.
Esta historia es de la edición December 2019 de ELLE Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 2019 de ELLE Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
In Full Bloom
Milly Carnivora is back with three new jewellery designs bearing the same hallmarks that made it a Dior classic.
Who's That Girl?
For 2024, Dior proposes a new interpretation of its iconic Miss Dior—one that returns to the fragrance’s very roots in 1947. Natalie Portman shares her thoughts on the floral and fruity scent.
Imperfection Is The New Perfection
From artfully déshevelled, onthe-run looks to everyday-core, the rising runway aesthetic is one of considered widoneness. How will it translate in real life?
Dear Agony Aunt: What Should I Do?
The business of giving advice is booming, but who is qualified to offer guidance?
Follow The Green Path
Our pursuit of harmony with the planet is mirrored in the choices we make. We seek to adopt the best practices, drawing nourishment and inspiration from nature itself. Fortunately, the beauty industry is exploring promising avenues in this regard.
Bring On The Glow
Founding director of the Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health, Professor Cuilin Zhang shares why more should be invested in women’s health.
Harmony AMIDST THE HUSTLE
To cope with the relentless pace of corporate life, New York Times bestselling author Deepak Chopra unveils the keys to tranquility in the concrete jungle.
Embrace the Art OF JEONG
Creator of premium skincare brand Then I Met You, Charlotte Cho wants you to take a moment for yourself to connect with people… and your beauty products.
GO, GO, Gadget
From an AI-powered bespoke lipstick maker to at-home microdermabrasions, here are the latest gadgets for head-to-toe beauty to get your hands on.
STRAIGHT TO Perfection
From hot combs to keratin treatments and the craze on liquid hair, we take a look at hair straighteners of the past, present, and near future.