Good morning, friends! I promised that I would be bringing up a topic for discussion on Wednesday, and I didn’t quite make it so I hope you forgive me! But this morning I do want to have a little chat, does that sound good to you? So go pour yourself a fresh mug of coffee or cup of tea, and pull up your favorite chair…
As most of you know, I am a design student – albeit part-time, while also juggling new motherhood as well as keeping current on this blog ;) Taking courses in design is something that feeds a long-standing passion of mine that I had not previously tapped into. I got my toes wet by launching Lolalina in April ’09 and connecting with the many creative individuals out there blogging, and then last fall, I finally made the leap into design school. I had a blast (and worked my butt off!) taking two Interior Design courses, but in the end made the decision that Interior Design is not the direction I want to go in professionally – it will always be a passion for me, and I will continue to blog about interiors, but getting a degree and taking on clients in this area is not something I want to do.
But I knew that I still wanted to do something in a creative field, so I did a lot of brainstorming and list-making and talking with people who know me best, and came up with Web Design. So right now I am in the middle of taking my first introductory Web Design course, covering the basics of programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash and Dreamweaver. Things are really clicking for me, and I am planning on continuing with the certificate program – my goal is to be finished by the time Bixby starts preschool!
Taking a few classes may not sound like a lot, but if you are looking to change career paths as I was, I highly recommend beginning with a class or two first to see if it is something you really want to pursue instead of committing yourself to a long or costly program right off the bat. There are many resources to look to when you want to explore a new potential career or sideline: TED talks, podcasts, e-courses, blogs, books, life coaches, and classes available in your community can all be hugely helpful.
Of course, not everyone wants to switch careers :) Living your sweet life is living life by your own design, whether that means dropping everything and moving to Europe or keeping your 9-to-5 office job while using your free time to knit, blog, and sell your wares on Etsy or DaWanda! I know that for me, just taking that time on Monday evenings to pack up my things and leave my baby with my hubby for three hours while I take a web design class makes a big impact.
So now it’s your turn… Are there any major goals you are working toward right now? What are your thoughts on the work/life balance when it comes to creativity – are you content to keep your creative pursuits and passions on the side or are you longing to make a deeper lifestyle change? Any books/websites to recommend?
Whew! Thanks for bearing with me through this longer-than-usual post, I just felt it was an important issue and I really do hope you will join me by adding your two cents in the comments!
(images: Lonny Magazine)
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
This is so inspiring! I am thinking about a couple of different careers, but I don’t know exactly what I want to do. I’m definitely going to look into some classes. Thanks Laura!
Shannon – I am so happy to hear that you are feeling inspired! I hope you find an interesting/useful class! xo Laura
That’s AWESOME. Are you taking online courses? You’re an inspiration!
Tanya´s last [type] ..Getting Knocked Up
Tanya – Thank you! I am taking classes in person right now – but I have taken online classes in the past and it was a great experience!
That’s so exciting, congrats on finding a new path and for actually being brave enough to get started on the journey!
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the very question you posed. I am a future teacher and am struggling with staying in my current job (in the same field but on the administrative side and not in the classroom) while I’m earning my Master’s degree in Education (for free since I work at a university) or getting out there, finishing my credential and getting into the classroom like I want to so badly! There’s the whole issue of finances (since my husband is finishing school this year) and timing (since we’re toying with the idea of starting a family next year) so I’m kind of stuck for now.
Phew! Didn’t realize I’d write out my life story. ;) Just glad to know that I’m not the only one facing this type of issue!
-Lisa
bein good to me´s last [type] ..one year anniversary
Lisa – I am so glad you shared your story – I think there are so many of us out there struggling with this! xoxo Laura
Your story rings very true for me. I’m also I student nearing the end of my academic experience, while juggling a blog and starting a family. I’m working a ho-hum office job to pay the bills and counting down the days until I finish my degree (I’m studying English and Advertising) and can begin a creative career in earnest.
It’s inspiring to read about strong, independent women who aren’t afraid to carve out a niche for themselves. Finding a balance between work, school, family and “me time” is a constant struggle, but your success has given me a glimmer of hope.
That’s so inspiring! After 12 years at university in one form or another I’m finally ending my journey with a PhD in maternal and child health but wondering if I could make a successful career from photography. Research is so cut-throat and funding is so unstable. At the end of the day there’s more money in playing pro football than finding a cure for cancer. Most of my potential research ‘mentors’ are just burnt out and I’m not sure that’s what I want to sign up for. Who knows, perhaps a change is on my horizon too. I also have a glimmer of hope! xx
BvK´s last [type] ..Introducing Baby M
Hi Laura – I just found your lovely blog. Thanks for the features. : )
I worked corporate for few years and am also in the middle of a career transition. I totally agree with your advice to take 1 or 2 class in order to determine if it’s the right step. I’m almost done my screen printing course and will take an experimental printing making course in the new year.
Good luck with everything and keep us posted. : )
I am grateful that you are sharing your experience. I have decided to make a career change to nuture my creative self. I don’t have all the answers yet but I know that I will live fearlessly, creatively and passionately.
Keep sharing!!
Laura – It is so nice to find another back-to-school new mama! I’m an interior designer going back to school for sustainable design, while starting a blog and business AND raising my 15-month-old daughter. Whew. It can be tough and having a support group – my husband, family, and new design / blogger community – helps to keep me sane. Well, as sane as you can be with a toddler. Enjoy the time when Bixby isn’t mobile!
Jamie´s last [type] ..Have I mentioned that I’ve been baking and cooking up a