That’s no way to make a living. Should I quit and follow my dream?
Our elder advises taking it slowly.
Dear EWC
I studied psychology in my undergraduate and proceeded to get a master’s degree in industrial organizational psychology. I recently got a human resources job (three months ago to be precise). I was excited that I finally got to practice my course of study but one month in, the excitement declined. I started feeling trapped and the need to exhibit my creativity (which this job isn’t giving me). I want to do something of my own, something creative and exciting. I have always told myself entrepreneurship isn’t for me but as days go by, I think about what it’ll be like if I actually started a tailoring business. If I quit my 9-5 and get a certificate in tailoring/ fashion designing because this is something I’ve had interest in for the longest time. Right now, I am stuck between getting a more exciting job or just quitting the whole 9-5 to start my own business. I know it won’t be easy but I’m willing to try. Another problem I have is my family. They believe I should stick to the 9-5 because I’ve eventually gotten a job but what if this isn’t for me and I strongly feel it in me that this isn’t what I want. I really need your advice.
MaatG replies
It is not uncommon for people to major in something, and after a short period come to realize that work in that field is not as enjoyable or rewarding as they thought it would be. That was my experience. I continued to go to school throughout my career, and changed my career path several times. Keep in mind that you might come to discover that fashion design might lead you down the same path. What you might want to do is take a class in fashion design while you are still employed. In my experience, job satisfaction has a lot to do with the environment and people that you work with; often it is people that foster a work environment that is enjoyable and rewarding.
I did organization development work toward the end of my career. (I am retired now.) I toyed with the idea of starting my own consulting company. Like you, I am very creative and motivated by projects that involve creativity. I knew a number of people that had already started their own consulting company successfully, so I talked with them about it to see if it was feasible for me. I decided against it when I realized how much time I would be spending marketing, promoting and selling myself. Is self-promotion and marketing of interest to you? Do you think you could be successful at finding and retaining clients?
Another thing to consider is searching for a job in organization development for a company that does fashion design. This will give you an opportunity to learn the business from a different angle, and also allow you to meet people in this new business and make connections for the future.
In terms of your family’s perspective, it sounds like they are concerned about you financially. Do you know how much money you will need to take classes and pursue a new career if you quit your job? Is your family willing to help you, or would you be doing this on your own?
I think it’s great that you have a passion you are anxious to pursue. I suggest however, that you move into this slowly at first to see if this is something you really want to do, and that you feel you will be successful at doing. Best of luck!
Article #: 482070
Category: Career