I recently got a letter from a very dear friend of mine where she addressed some of the concerns I’ve been having with regards to my career trajectory. While I enjoy what I do for a living, I’m still a bit unsure that I want to continue doing it in a few years.
As part of her letter, she made me a list of occupations she thought would be a good fit for me based on my personality and character. Here’s her list:
- Teacher
- Librarian
- Professional Smile Maker (with a badge)
- Poet
- Restaurant Critic
- Tailor
- Florist
- Interior Designer
This list tells me a few important things. First, that my friend really knows me well because all of the above occupations seem to be perfect fits for me (that is, of course, if we don’t count the qualification component: I definitely don’t have the skill to be something like a tailor or interior designer) and reflect what kind of impact I want to have on the world.
Second, that there seems to be two clear themes that guide my current existence: connecting and sharing with people, and the appreciation of everyday beauty. Each of those professions listed above either involve an appreciation of the aesthetic (whether that be the beauty of the written word, of food, of nature, of clothing, or of the built environment) or an appreciation of the potential of people.
(If someone would pay for my rent, food, and internet access, being a professional smile maker would be my dream job. I could think of nothing better in life than the constant and continuous pursuit of other people’s happiness.)
All that to say, perhaps my next career would be best suited doing something that combines both the creation and presentation of everyday beauty, as well as the ability to contribute to the happiness and growth of people around me.
The question, therefore, is simple: what exactly is that career trajectory I can follow that allows me to do both?
(Photo of balloons by Stephanie. Because balloons are fun.)
Maybe doing something outside of your career? Volunteering your time and talents in a non-profit or charity to contribute and present?
My thought has recently been to mold my job to my personality so that I am pursuing my dreams and passion - while paying the bills and securing my finances at the same time.
Just some thoughts.
Be well.
Karim,
I’ve been pursuing other interests outside of my career for quite some time, and feel like I have done a lot to foster growth in many areas. I think I may just be at that point (not now, but soon) when I need to ask myself if those interests should no longer be something I do outside of work, but instead become my work. And if so, how I go about doing that.
A time for decision-making is coming up soon. Just trying to prepare myself for when that time finally comes.
- Vasta
I say photographer. you have a knack for beautiful things.
And you love to travel.
I would love to be a photographer Mehnaz! That would be a dream job. Sadly, while I have a knack for appreciating pretty things, I seriously lack the skill to capture them on camera.
I wonder if there’s someone out there that would be willing to teach me how to take good photos. I know it can’t be taught completely, but it would be a good start.
you could always take a community class or something. it will give you the basics at least of composition. and there are books. and i’m sure you know good photogs!
Best to start somewhere :)
Taken a few composition classes before…guess it’s just not my forté. I’ll leave the photography to the people who are good at it, I guess. =) Maybe I need to help curate a photography gallery. Or a museum.
Ohmygod, that’s it. Museum curator.
I’m on it.
oooh! I didn’t even think of that one!
Yes, you’d be very very good at it!
PS: you are totally not a bad photographer. You’ve got some nice pics happening there dude, better than some of mine!
“the creation and presentation of everyday beauty, as well as the ability to contribute to the happiness and growth of people around me”
sounds an awful lot like a teacher to me - perhaps up to grade 2 - you, surrounded by little ones for story time - seeing their faces as they learn something for the VERY FIRST TIME - the wonder component would be addictive
it’ll have to involve people though
Oh Mehnaz, you flatter me so. =)
Susie, I’m actually in the process of filling out my applications for teachers college. I’m still not sure if it’s the path I want to pursue, but I can see myself getting immense joy out of being a first grade teacher. And hopefully bring joy to my students too.
Naw, there’s something better than just photographer for you. And I may have it.
Do you know http://www.jpgmag.com? Crowdsourced photography? Beautiful concept, and equally beautiful result. Great community. I’m hooked (www.jpgmag.com/people/brendan).
I’ve got what I think is a good concept for something similar. I’ll email it to you.
And photography. I can show you a handful of guidelines that might help make your photography 50% better. Mostly predictable. Just think of the typical tourist photo, shot from 5 feet high straight on, into the sun, with the dual focus of a boring monument and your friend, with 2 feet of wasted space all around them. Okay? Now do the opposite:)
(in brief)
- use rule of thirds as a guide (but not steadfast rule!)
- simplicity in composition
- creative use of depth of field
- unnatural angles (ground, birds eye, etc)
- get closer. And then closer again.
- use motion
- find leading lines
- where’s your light source?
Shoot. Check. Learn. Repeat. And always bring your camera with you. I actually believe your shots are pretty good.
Cheers,
B
Will definitely check out the email when I get home Brendan — I love JPG mag and the things they are doing there.
And thanks for the photography tips! To be honest, I’m not really in to taking photos, I much prefer looking at them! But I’ll be sure to keep your tips in mind. Really appreciate the support.
Come back to the iSchool in Toronto, take museum studies, hang out with the library students. It’s a win-win! ;-)
http://www.ischool.utoronto.ca/
iSchool! I had totally forgotten about that. Going back to school is definitely in the cards, so I’ll put that on the list of things to explore. Thanks Connie!