It's been a while since I've done a Friend Friday, since life has been a little whirlwind-ish as of late. However, this week, we're talking about dreams, and since I'm in a period of transition myself, what a better way to get my thoughts down!
1. Fess up - if you could do anything professionally what would it be?
Ideally, I would be a writer of some form - whether it's communications, copywriting, columnist, I'm not picky. I mostly want to be able to write!
2. What draws you to this?
Writing has always been something I just did. It used to be creative writing, but I learned long ago I didn't necessarily have a future in it. While I'm currently doubting my academic and informational writing skills right now, I think that's just an issue of being burnt out from thesis work.
3. When did you first start dreaming about this ideal?
I think it's been a dream for as long as I can remember! I would say definitely by the age of 12, if not earlier!
4. What's holding you back from going all in?
Nothing is holding me back - except the economy and the lack of job offers! I've been applying my little butt off to find a job in a creative industry, or a communications position. Unfortunately, I've now entered the stage where we're dependent on my (currently non-existent) income, so I'll have to look outside my box!
5. Sometimes the first step is the hardest... what's one step you can take now on the way to realizing your dream?
I think just persevering is important. I've learned that so many jobs can have a writing aspect to it that even if I don't get that dream job the first time around, I can make any job into my dream job, or at least see it as a stepping stone to get there!
Oh... and networking... do you have a job for me? (If only it was that easy....)
1. I want(ed) to be a cut flower grower.
ReplyDelete2. I actually was a grower for a couple of years, and I have always been an avid gardener. Soil is in my soul, so to speak.
3. About ten years ago.
4. I had to shut down my business this year unfortunately. The economy and lack of capital, plus a necessary full time job prevented me from really getting things off the ground.
5. I have decided to go a different direction with my career. I don't yet know what that will be. I thought I had it all figured out, but I feel like I'm at square one again. I desire a high level of autonomy, and my current job just doesn't allow for that.
I would love to work in the floral/ag business again, but the pay for agricultural workers is dismal, the hours are bad and there are very few jobs that offer benefits. If I could get in on the sales or marketing side of the floral industry with a large US grower that would be ideal. However, I have issues with the cut flower industry as most of the product comes from South America and the workers are not paid that well. In addition to the moral dilemma, the jobs just aren't available nearby.
I don't mean to be a downer, just offering perspective from someone who went out on a limb and had to climb back down. :) I'm still dreaming about a career that allows me exercise my creativity and skills, I just haven't figured out how to make that reality.
Writing is one of those things you just gotta keep at. Most writers I know do anything and everything, but most importantly they write write write. Keep persevering! You can do it!
ReplyDeleteI think you're right about perseverance! And maybe saying yes to any opportunity that pops up. That way you have more experience and more people know who you are! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI want to be a writer, too, but also concluded it's hard to make a living at it. But, as you note, most jobs include writing within them (including my own), so we can seek fulfillment in that until the door of our dream opens up. Good luck!
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