Dreams must be checked by reality

When we are young, many of us dream of becoming someone important or useful in society. If you are from Singapore or Asia, you almost typically dream about becoming a doctor or a lawyer because your parents told you they earn big money. If you are from America or a western country, you are likely to dream about becoming a heroic figure such as a policeman to uphold the law or a fireman to rescue people in danger.

Of course, every child has different dreams that they aspire to reach, but as they grow older to young adults, those dreams probably change with educational circumstances and maturing wisdom. A boy who once dreamt about becoming a doctor may later find his interest in engineering. A girl who once dreamt about becoming a super model may later find her interest in business.

Some young people may have never had a dream because they do not know what they want to be, but regardless, the journey of self-discovery happens as people grow older.

In the same way, some young people may dream about their future home. Some want to live in a white Victorian house with a front garden lined with rose bushes in the countryside. Others want to live in a penthouse apartment with a swimming pool in the city. Others want a modern house with a garage in a developing suburb.

No matter what our dreams may be, dreams are always the result of ambitious optimism. It is very good to be ambitious and optimistic, but a sensible balance is sometimes needed between optimism and realism. What are the procedures and obstacles towards the dream? What is the best way around those obstacles? How long would it take to overcome those obstacles? Is the timeline set for your dream realistic to achieve? 

From years of living in Australia, I have met many young Asian adults from overseas who grew to like Melbourne and desire to reside in Melbourne. They are attracted to Melbourne for several reasons, but probably the very first and most common reason given is “freedom”. As best as I understand, these young adults want freedom from rigid social and parental pressure back in their Asian homeland. Being an Asian, I understand it myself. They are also drawn to the relaxed lifestyle, high wages, affordable cars, and the possibility of owning a large house to live the Australian dream. However, many students and visitors have their hopes and dreams destroyed due to constantly changing and tightening of Australian immigration rules. The changes are as frequent as every 6 or 12 months, and major changes to the rules always taking effect at the start of every financial year in July.

Dreams ride on the waves of optimism but plans and actions must be executed around reality. When plans and actions (to qualify for and obtain permanent residency) succeed, the dreams (of a relaxed lifestyle and a large house) can come true. Unfortunately, those plans and actions can often be difficult, exhausting, stressful, and self-sacrificing, and truthfully speaking, can breakdown the determination of those persons pursuing the dream. The dream ends without ever materializing.