There’s a saying in Chinese that, loosely translated, means “Ride a cow while finding a horse.” I heard this for the first time over dinner, when my parents and I were talking about jobs and doing something you really enjoy. I was doing a stint at this dental lab at the time, and I told them how it wasn't exactly my dream job to watch videos of teeth all day.
After hearing me voice my displeasure, my parents responded with this Chinese proverb — ride a cow, find a horse. They said that back in the day, before cars were invented, people either walked or rode animals to get around from place to place. Horses were the fastest and most prized possession for their journeys, but they were harder to come across. More often than not, they would come across cows that were much slower and burdensome.
Take the cow, they'd say. Sure you want the horse, that's the goal. But it is much better to be riding a cow, as slow as it may be, instead of walking to get to your destination. That proverb has stuck with me ever since.
I share this same message to those of you who are looking for a means to fund their passions, whatever they may be. Many people say you need to sell out for whatever you are most passionate about doing. (You know, the typical starving artist or actor story.) That may very well be the case for some of you. But for others, you still need something to feed yourself and pay the bills while cultivating your talent. To all of you, I say: suck it up, find a job, work hard, make sacrifices, and continue to persevere in whatever craft or area you would truly like to pursue.
Trust me, there is nothing wrong with the 9-5 grind. It might not be your dream, but it is part of the struggle necessary to achieve it. Often times, it is through these “dead-end jobs” that we learn invaluable lessons on character, diligence, and sacrifice — traits necessary to prepare you for the next step in life.
The horse is out there, but it might take awhile to catch it. Don't be discouraged. Seize whatever opportunities before you, whether big or small. Keep hustling, keep grinding, and keep riding that cow until you find it.