I have been meaning to do this post for some time, but it seemed most fitting after the start of the new year. Some people grow up knowing what they want to do with their life, others have to do some serious soul-searching to figure it out. I was somewhere in between. Growing up, I wanted to be a broadcast journalist. Not just any broadcast journalist – Katie Couric on the Today show to be exact. I followed that dream through my first year of college as a journalism major. After my university cut the journalism department, it was time to make a change. I fell into communications as a similar major. Then, I faced the question, what do I want to do with my life? Being a lawyer had always been in the back of my mind. As a fiery young girl, family and friends always suggested that I become a lawyer. But, I really did not have any idea what lawyers do on a day-to-day basis. My junior year of college, I made the decision to go to law school. I made the decision based on silly things, like my best friend was also going to law school, I had no idea what kind of job I wanted with a communications major, and I kind of felt like my family expected me to go to graduate school of some kind. So, I signed myself up to incur some serious debt, and off to law school I went.
Lucky for me, law school was the right fit. The practice of law and I just kind of clicked. After graduating, it took a few tries to find the right job. Again, lucky for me, I eventually ended up at the right firm, working with people I admire, and practicing a type of law that I enjoy. The plus side? My job challenges me every single day. I get to meet great people, be a part of something bigger than myself, and actually help people (sounds cliché, but true). I am in a daily pursuit to be a better advocate, a better counselor, and a better leader. The down side? My job (probably not unlike many of yours) is stressful and demanding. I am never officially off the clock. What do I do when I get overwhelmed with work? I daydream – about fashion.
So, I started this blog. I love fashion, but the reality is, a career in fashion design or styling is probably not in the cards for me. Plus, I kind of think I would miss the law. This blog provides me a creative outlet to explore and share fashion with other professional women – such a treat! It provides me the inspiration and creativity I need to be a better lawyer and a better person. Are there days I wonder if I should have pursued a career in fashion? Sure there are. But, I will never regret going to law school. It provided me with lifelong skills that transcend the legal profession. With a law degree, the possibilities are endless. I will always be proud to be a lawyer. And maybe, just maybe, someday my two worlds will collide into one dream opportunity I cannot even imagine.
I have several close friends that are considering a career change. My advice? Go for it! Now! You may fail, you will make mistakes, but you will have no regrets, and you will be better for it. Life is too short to not do what you love, to wake up every day and go to a job you hate, or to be stuck in a daunting routine life. It is never too late to pursue your passion. Change, uncertainty, and that shaky feeling in the pit of your stomach are good for the soul. It is a new year. New things are possible. If you have an itch to pursue something new – be it a job, a relationship, or a side project, go for it. It is time to start living the life you imagined.
Thinking about a career change? Or just made one? Tell me about it – I would love to hear about your experience!
Hope you all are having a great week!
All images via theyallhateus.com
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Posh and Poised 