JOICE FITRIA AZKA (30802300028)
A person’s success should be measured by their talent and passion, not by society’s judgment that labels certain jobs, like being a civil servant, as more prestigious. Many people still define success based on one’s occupation rather than personal fulfillment. For instance, civil servants are often seen as admirable, stable, and respected. Meanwhile, careers like writers, artists, or designers are sometimes dismissed as “unclear” or “without a future.” In reality, everyone has different callings and life paths.
According to sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, the concepts of habitus and habitat help explain this phenomenon. Habitat refers to the social environment that shapes people’s perceptions and behavior, while habitus represents one’s internalized values, habits, and ways of seeing the world. When someone grows up in an environment that idealizes civil servant jobs, it is understandable if that belief influences their mindset. However, having a strong habitus can lead them to choose differently—to follow their personal passion, even if it goes against social norms.
If everyone followed society’s expectations, the world would lack creativity and innovation. Imagine if all people pursued the same “safe” path; who would write the books we read, compose music, make films, or design our clothes? Each person’s habitus guides them toward different paths that bring true satisfaction. For example, a writer with a deep love for literature will find greater joy in creating stories than in working in an office job that doesn’t match their soul.
Consider someone who has dreamed of becoming a writer since childhood but constantly hears, “Don’t be a writer—it’s a hard life. Just become a civil servant; it’s safer.” Over time, such voices might silence their dreams. They might end up living a life they don’t love, working without enthusiasm just to meet others’ expectations. Living like that means losing a part of oneself. Everyone deserves the freedom to pursue their own version of success—not the version dictated by others.
As Bourdieu emphasized, human beings are not merely products of their environment; they also have the power to shape their own destiny. Many successful figures have proven this. Andrea Hirata dared to write Laskar Pelangi despite early doubts, and Raditya Dika turned his humorous blogs into a flourishing career as a writer and filmmaker. They succeeded because they followed their habitus, not because they surrendered to the pressure of their habitat.
True success is not about having a “secure” job, but about living in alignment with one’s authentic self. The environment may influence us, but it should not confine us. When we embrace our habitus and have the courage to pursue our passions, we create our own version of success. So, never be afraid to be different—because the courage to follow your own path is the truest form of achievement.
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