I’ve got options in this industry.

Daily writing prompt

What alternative career paths have you considered or are interested in?

You know, every time I see a question like this, the typical response that comes to mind, for me and I would venture most people, is something that lands in a completely different industry from the one you’re currently in. For instance, you might think an accountant who wants to be in a band or lawyer who has a secret desire to be a chef. What’s coming to mind right now though, and is probably less common, is considering career paths within the same industry.

I love being a designer. In fact, I just had someone ask me if I’ve missed it since being on maternity leave. When I said, “Yes,” she was shocked. I get that people don’t like their jobs, but I’m not one of them. I picked a career that I actually wanted to be in. And I’m sure of it because I once dropped design altogether and tried to go into something else- unSpoiler: It was not my thing. I am all the way good in the design world, and I love that I’ve been pulled in the direction to serve people through the spatial environment.

So then, what would my actual alternative options be if I wasn’t a designer? I have two. I’d either be a design journalist or a brand rep. Journalist first. I like to write, and I think I’m pretty good at it. Add that to the fact that I am a sucker for design news, innovation, events, research; I love all of it. It would be so cool to report on the industry, its ebbs and flows, its highs and lows. On the other side you have brand rep, which is really just a sales rep. While, I’m not a huge fan of sales in general, I love learning about a brand, immersing myself in the details of the product, and being able to share the benefits with clients. I mean, it’s not that far of a reach from being a designer. I still get to do this to some extent, but not as fully as I would like.

Obviously I’d eventually climb the ranks of both to be an author and editor in one fantasy and VP+ of sales and marketing in the other fantasy. But it’s honestly a no brainer for me. It’s all in design. Have you ever thought of a different career path in your current industry?