It should come as no surprise I read a lot of blogs in my free time. (I also online shop a lot, but that’s a different story for a different day.)
Recently, I was reading one of my perennial faves—Victoria Mcginley—and discovered her post on the idea of your second career. Essentially, while at dinner with friends, someone in their group posed the question, “If you guys could do anything for your next career, what would you be doing?”
Like Victoria, I love this question because it forces you to think of a time when your life may look a lot differently than it does now. It’s also a good reminder to pursue other interests and see where they take you because you don’t have to do what you’re doing now forever. As a twenty-something, I think this is often a mind trap I am prone to fall into, especially since I’ve only had one ‘real’ job and see myself there for at least the future I can currently imagine.
And, as someone who is not the best at adapting to change, it was interesting to picture my life at a different point without knowing exactly what the middle would be. But thinking through this exercise was also quite freeing—there is nothing stopping me from pursuing other avenues and I can pivot (cue Ross Gellar) my career if that’s what I decide I want to do.
Before I talk about my answer, I’d also love to flip the question back to you—what could you realistically see yourself doing for your second career? What would it take you to make the leap?
Now, let me say, I spent a lot of time on my answer. Everything I could come up with right off the bat seemed to be an extension of my current career—i.e. managing marketing for a lifestyle brand or transferring my skills over to a business-to-consumer company. Maybe that’s a good thing because it says I am in the right place for now?
But ultimately, I decided for my next career I’d love to be an interior decorator.
Anyone else catch the bug in the early 2000s thanks to Trading Spaces? Now that have a better concept of $1,000 and, more importantly, a heightened sense of style, I think it’d be so fun to help people figure out what they want in a room and how to make it cohesive with the rest of their home. Not to mention, I think it pulls on strengths I already have—appreciation for good design, basic understanding of color theory, knowledge of housing market trends, and exceptionally good shopping skills. (Wink wink to that last one.)
So until I am ready to make the jump to my second career, you can find me rearranging the furniture in my apartment, looking for new art to bring home, and sourcing inspiration on Pinterest—huge shoutout to my gem of a roommate, J, for putting up with me! ;]
image via
I just started my career as a teacher but I have a feeling that this is not what I will do for the rest of my life. I’m the kind of person that is interested in a bunch of different things instead of instead of having a huge passion for one thing. Picking a career was a hard decision! The onli thing I know is thatI would love to create my own buisness 🙂
I think it is completely okay to accept that what you’re doing now won’t be what you’re doing forever – especially since the world is changing more quickly than ever before! I am interested in many different things too – and I think having varied interests would help you create such a successful business. Good luck!
I sat here an pondered this for a bit… I currently have too many careers. I run my own wedding planning business, I do marketing for numerous clients, I blog, I assist in real estate… If I didn’t have ANY of that, I promise I am not trying to steal your answer, but I would probably love to do interior design as well! I think it would pull all my strengths together in one pretty place!
Girl, we can totally have the same answer! It sounds like you have a lot on your plate, but are developing skills that could one day be so well suited for that!
That is a great question. I’ve thought about this before, if want to own my own bakery. I love to be and have a small side business well I did until I got the job I’m at now.
Good luck running your own bakery! You should take the leap one day :]
I would love to be a photographer but I totally suck at taking pictures. ha! I just thought it would be such a fun job with freedom to set your own hours too. And you can come decorate my house.. I need it!
I am sure you would pick up photography so quickly, Lauren! It would be so nice to set your own hours. I’ll come over with some mood boards soon ;]
I love this post! I too am trying to change careers from teaching to fashion. I started a blog to pursue my passion and push me towards that goal. 7700 visitors since Aug, but no new job yet. Learning how to market yourself and create a unique brand is such a tough job, I am married to this laptop…Lol, as I am sure many are ! You have fabulous taste and I’m sure you will do fabulous in decorating! I have been sewing since 13, starting to design some. So I am hoping for my own label/line someday!
Best to you!
Valerie
Thanks, Valerie! I think it is so admirable you started a blog as a launching pad for your goals – you have to start somewhere, and that is such a great way to show off what you can do! Keep it up, and I am sure it will pay off in time. I sometimes feel like I am married to my laptop too. Sounds like we have very similar goals – be sure to keep in touch! xo
I think interior design would be so fun! I may or may not have just caved and bought adorable floral kitchen chairs from Target yesterday…whoops!
xo, Maddy
http://cassidylou.com/
Target will get you! I would have done the same ;]
First, I LOVE this kitchen. Second, I would be a full time writer. Not just a blogger trying to make it 🙂 Love this post! xx
Thanks Kristen! Being a writer is so admirable – good luck!
can i hire you for my move in august?? 🙂
Yes, for $25,000. http://radaronline.com/exclusives/2014/08/khloe-kardashian-kourtney-kardashian-demands-pay-as-her-interior-decorator-kuwtk-preview/
;] love you! of course :]
I’m only a freshman in college, but I am already having a change of heart when it comes to what I want to do with my future. I’m studying business right now, but I honestly think my heart belongs in a more creative field. I love writing, and I always have. With the possibility of transferring to a different college, I hope to pursue an English major. I want to more and create better content on my blog. Someday I’d even love to publish a novel.
College is the PERFECT time to have a change of heart! Don’t be afraid to change your major or take classes outside of your comfort zone – college is all about experimenting. I thought I wanted to go to business school when I first got to college. But I quickly realized I wanted something more creative, too. Take some English classes with good professors in the department and see how you like them! Keep pursuing your dreams and they will work out! xo
I love this question and I’m a firm believer that you’re never stuck in your current situation. As I tell my kids, we live in America! Anything is possible! I love your answer and could totally see that based on your attention to detail, your impeccable taste and your sense of professionalism. I’m not sure what I’d do exactly but it would definitely involve either food or clothes! Another great post Katie 🙂
Taffeta & Tulips
Thanks, Kate! I completely agree – as the old adage goes, “you’re not a tree, you can always move!”Thanks so much for the kind words. I could TOTALLY see you doing something with food – you always have the best recipes on your blog!
See I was loving that till you said ‘realistically’ 😉 I’d like something quiet, maybe scientific / technical or writing.
Haha it is fun to dream, too! That would be great – tech types usually need great communicators to help them out!
I have a passion for interior design too! Because of this, I think my second career would be flipping houses! I love real estate, finding deals, and designing spaces! But if I’m good at this would be a different story hehe. Do you want Love It or List It or Property Brothers? Two of my favorite shows!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
Flipping houses would be such a great second career – not to mention super fun! LOVE Property Brothers. HGTV is always a win in my book!
I’m still young and haven’t jump-started a career yet but I’ve been studying and trying a multitude of different jobs. Hopefully I’ll always be trying new things and having a passion for finding work I enjoy. Interior decorating is something on my list to try. I hope everyone’s endeavours in doing what they enjoy succeeds. x
Louise
http://louiseplace.com
I think exploring a bunch of opportunities when you’re young, and being open to ideas as you grow in your career, will take you far! xo
Follow your dreams girlfriend! One day you’ll have that HGTV show! And I love online shopping too 😉
Aw thanks girl! :]
I think you would be a great interior designer, Katie! You have a great eye for style and I have loved all of the room and room-inspiration pictures you have put in some of your posts!
xx, Mikkaela
The Southwestern Prepster
Thanks so much for the support, Mikkaela! xo