Zayn Malik has revealed that he once envisioned a very different career path before rising to global fame, saying he would have pursued teaching if music hadn’t worked out.
The former One Direction star shared the insight during a rare street-style appearance on the Are You Okay? program on March 19. Reflecting on his journey, Malik admitted that becoming a professional singer once felt unlikely.
“I would be a singer,” he said when asked what his younger self wouldn’t believe, adding that the idea of making a career out of music seemed “a bit far-fetched” at the time.
When questioned about his childhood ambitions, the singer revealed he had always wanted to become a teacher. “I wanted to be a teacher,” Malik said, noting that he would have focused on English language and literature, possibly incorporating poetry into his lessons.
The chart-topping artist, known for hits like Dusk Till Dawn and Pillowtalk, has frequently spoken about his passion for English literature. He has previously described teaching as his “Plan B” if his breakthrough on The X Factor had not led to success.
Malik’s appearance marked his first time participating in a casual, on-the-street interview format, as he continues to build anticipation for his upcoming fifth solo album, KONNAKOL.
