It started with a conversation. The kind that sounds like small talk but isn't.
If you are reading this, thank you for sparing your precious time which you would have otherwise spent scrolling through dozens of oh-so-meaningful and not-so-meaningful posts on Facebook. And don't tell me you did not judge at least one post thinking that the person is such a wannabe!
I have been at the receiving end of many a question about the name of my website. The word "wannabe" is used to define a poser — which is demeaning and derogatory. While I did agree with them somewhat, let me tell you about this experience.
When I was living in Delhi, my friends and I would attend many rock concerts — especially one called GIR: Great Indian Rock. We would always be amused by the bunch of youngsters who would come to the concert, posing and flaunting their best metal t-shirts, long hair and tattoos. They would be smoking away to glory while stealing a clandestine sip from a bottle of coke laced with Old Monk rum every now and then.
It was a ritual for us to go to the concerts and make fun of them — we called them wannabes. However, as the years passed by, the same "wannabes" went on to rock the stage while we remained a part of the crowd, now head banging to their music and seeking a chance to befriend them.
Why I decided to start this project. The unedited version.
My brother found a job in Singapore. While moving out, he handed me the keys to our music studio business — Carnival Underground — and asked me to start managing it.
That is another story, which I will share someday.
I had completed little more than 9 years with American Express. A well-paying, successful career — but it did not feel fulfilling.
While managing the studio, I found my passion for music again and thought of taking a break from corporate life. I somehow landed an interesting job with a music start-up. However, it was not well-paying.
High-paying job which was mundane, or low-paying job which could be adventurous?I had to decide quickly and I was confused.
It was 5 minutes past midnight. I packed my laptop bag and was ready to leave from work. On my way out, I found a crushed piece of paper on a table.
I picked it up to throw it away, but I was curious to see what it read — and as strange as it may seem, I found my answer.
I took the leap of faith and quit my corporate life after 10 years to embark on a journey which was completely unknown. I was unaware of the road ahead but I was ready to give it a fair chance.
Last words from my ex-VP when I put down my papers: "Saheb, you are entering an industry which can prove to be nasty and dirty. However, do remember that you will have a story to tell which most of us can only imagine!"Every single day for the next one year was nothing short of a roller coaster ride.
My studio business was doing pretty well. I decided to quit my job with the start-up and plan my first international vacation.
The destination was an easy choice: Singapore.
I had no clue this would really happen. I came for a vacation and I found a new home.
I moved to Singapore. My life changed ever since.
Initial days are always exciting — until routine kicks in. And routine, my friend, is boring. I figured that a major portion of my social media indulgence and browser history comprised of travel blogs and videos.
My mind was clouded with a million prejudices and inhibitions of why I should not travel. Life gave me a second chance to start afresh. Why not make the most of it.
Instead of just thinking about travelling — why not actually put some action to the plans.With that thought, I pledged to fulfil my dream to embark on a lifelong journey to keep learning and keep growing — and not just to run away from the mundane.
So now, after 8 years, 25 countries and a little experience, I have decided to share my stories with all you wannabes who sit behind a laptop all day, have a hopeful browser history and a dream to reach out and achieve your dreams — someday!
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