But for some, a job that pays well does not compare to doing something one is passionate about. This was the case for Naqiuddin Rozman, who left the world of medicine to explore his love of baking.
It’s certainly a drastic career change, given that a doctor’s skillset differs significantly from a baker’s. But Naqiuddin, or Naqi, has begun to make a name for himself among cake-lovers in Perak.
He works hard to fulfil orders on a daily basis, and his home bakery, Triad of Batter, is fully booked up until the end of the month.
Naqi’s social media pages are filled with photographs of beautiful wedding cakes as well as an assortment of tarts and other pastries. And as a testament to his growing success, he will be opening his first brick-and-mortar bakery in Ipoh by the end of the year.
It turns out his decision to leave a potentially prestigious medical career was due to unforeseen circumstances.
“In 2018, I was advised to resign from medicine after my own wealth worsened,” he tells FMT, explaining that he was suffering from mental health issues at the time.
“After I resigned, I began selling cakes to my neighbours and friends. Only in July the following year did I turn my baking hobby into a serious business by opening Triad of Batter.”
Making the change was not as difficult as one might imagine: Naqi had a supportive family behind him, and his love for baking had already taken root while he was studying medicine in Russia.
“My Malaysian friends really loved eating Russian cakes, so I looked up a recipe online and began baking for my friends and lecturers,” he recalls, adding that he honed his skills by joining online classes.
Of his career change, he says one significant difference is the work schedule.
“During my housemanship, I had to work about 36 hours weekly on top of studying,” he says. “With my current job, my working hours are more flexible and manageable.”
But this does not mean he has more free time. According to Naqi, on a good day he can produce up to five cakes, but only two if they are for weddings.
He says his bakery is the only one in Ipoh that produces wedding cakes with an assortment of textures and designs, resulting in unique and beautiful creations.
He enjoys making them because, apart from the fact that wedding cakes are always in demand, it allows him to exercise his creativity.
Indeed, he likens cakes to an artist’s canvas. “Being a baker gives me the chance to be creative and decisive,” he says.
Naqi says the secret to good cakes ultimately boils down to skill, as even the best-quality ingredients, if not used right, will not make the perfect cake.
And the hardest part of his job, he claims, is delivery – as some of the cakes are precariously tall, the higher tiers are always in danger of sliding off during a long drive.
‘Put yourself first’
So what should one consider before making a radical career change as he did?
“Take time to reflect and decide if your current career suits you, and choose one that satisfies you,” he advises.
“At the end of the day, your physical and mental health matter most.
“Forget what people say; put yourself first. Believe me, you will be happier once you pursue a career you love.”
If you’re in Perak and have a hankering for cake, check out Triad of Batter’s Instagram profile or send Naqi a WhatsApp message at 010-5270545.