Career & Finance: Employment

Why do you want to do this?

I have trained in one profession (architecture) that I don't believe is necessarily the best fit for me. While no education is wasted, I would prefer to be doing something that I enjoy, that has meaning and offers real social value, as well as a healthy work-life balance, which sadly, the architecture career does not seem to offer. I have many talents, and while all of them do not necessarily need to be used at the same time in one career, I would prefer to be involved in making something of value, with some artistry involved, which helps people and offers the chance to work either for myself as a contracted consultant or else on a flexi-time/ part-time basis so that a family life is possible should I wish to have one. A career that allows me to support myself and any family that may come along comfortably would also be nice.

What three things will you need to make this happen?

Persistence to keep exploring options instead of caving in and going back to architecture because although I'm unhappy 'it pays the bills, and it's a respectable career'.

Creativity and imagination to think of ways in which my combination of talents and skills might be combined into a viable career.

Optimism to keep on going and believing that although I've found 999 ways that don't work, I will find the one way that does and that is worth striving for. Belief that this is possible.

What is the biggest barrier to your achieving this?

Fear of failure and of disappointing people, and pessimism about whether finding a career I can do and enjoy is even possible.