You know how sometimes, when things are not going as planned, suddenly everything begins to work out? That’s how I feel right now. I got back from a once-in-a-lifetime (or maybe not…I could definitely do that again!) European trip, and immediately felt pressured because I did not have a job nor did I have a plan for my future. Other than the obvious, of course: get rich, get married, have kids, travel, enjoy life…but most of us want at least some of those things. In order to get rich, though, you have to find a job…a good paying job. Well, as we all know, the economy tanked just as myself and many of my peers were getting ready to graduate from college, so finding a good job has been challenging to say the least.
Of course, I went off and completed a year of law school right after I graduated from college, so I didn’t think of the word “job” much at all since I was too busy with school. When I realized that law school and a career in the legal field was not for me, I was back at square one. I had always been passionate about Public Relations and Marketing, but I also had never considered it as a career path since I had focused my attention solely on becoming an attorney up until I quit law school. So, after my extended trip to Europe, I knew where I needed to focus my attention…I have an overwhelming desire to become a successful PR/Marketing professional, so that is what I’ve been pursuing over the past months. I took it upon myself to search for jobs and internship possibilities within the industry, and I found it to be rather welcoming. I was grateful to be taken in as a Marketing Assistant as well as a Public Relations intern with two different companies, both of which are very successful. Just in a short amount of time, I have learned so much, and I know with absolution that I am heading down the right career path for me.
My next goal is to land a full-time job in the PR/Marketing industry, and I am beginning to feel very confident that this will happen soon! I am looking forward to having a salary for various reasons: paying student loans, purchasing a new(er) car, having some disposable income, saving for the future, etc. I’m a huge saver when it comes to my personal money, but I’m also looking forward to the ability to invest some of it! Even though I claim to hate Math, I love working with numbers, and I get excited thinking about making investments and dabbling in stocks. Ehh, maybe.
I guess my point is, when life has you feeling discouraged, don’t let it get you down. Work harder, get inspired, and find a way to achieve success and happiness. I almost let it get the best of me when I realized that the only career path I’d considered was in fact not the right fit for me. However, instead of allowing it to stress me out, I chose to channel my energy and ideas into something I was actually passionate about…and here I am today, excited and ready to take on my future!
Have you ever changed your career path? If not, would you, if you had the chance?
โฅBrittany
Hi Brittany, in fact, I have changed career path from pursuing Accounting to pursuing Nursing. I love numbers, and I do enjoy caring for and looking out for people. It can be somewhat discouraging to realize that the path you have chosen is not the right one for you, but as you say, "when life has you feeling discouraged, don't let it get you down. Work harder, get inspired, and find a way to achieve success and happiness."
That's what I am doing! I am working more than one career and also using my love of designing and creating things to start my own businesses. Totally possible!
I enjoyed your post. Thanks for sharing!
"If we all treat each other like we treat ourselves – what a wonderful place earth would be."
That's great – I'm glad to hear it worked out well for you! Sometimes making that change can be the best thing you've ever done for yourself ๐
I definitely did! I started college as an Architecture major. Then switched to Art. Then Parks, Recreation, & Tourism Management, then Elementary Ed, then finally to Business Management. I started working in the banking industry (ugh, BORING), and finally decided to become an insurance agent – something I didn't even need a college degree for, haha, go figure! I'm glad you found something you love though! Isn't it awesome how something you hadn't even thought about turns out to be the best decision you ever made? ๐
Hilary –
That's SO true! I never even considered my current path of Marketing/PR when I was in college. It was non-negotiable that I would be going to law school, so I majored in something that would be beneficial for that career path. Looking back, I think I would have enjoyed taking business classes in college…business is one of the only subjects I didn't even consider taking then! By the way, I totally switched majors a few times in college too! ๐