I never knew what I wanted to do when I grew up. It changed all the time. And now, let’s just say I’m still open to influence. In my career, I have spent too much time worrying about things that I now don’t care about. Instead, I now want to solve the kinds of problems that matter in the grand scheme of things.
Last year I left my design manager job at a large software company. After spending a decade working in the insular world of Silicon Valley, I was burnt out. Not the urgent kind, like just after a release where a few weeks of vacation would help. But the deep, soul-sapping kind that begs for serious career transition. Dealing with Loud and Silent Burnout from Alex Charchar on Smashing Magazine nicely describes these issues.
As I transition to a new path, here are some of the ideas and observations I have come across. Take what works for you.
Actual advice I received
Figure out what kind of people you really want to work with
This is just so obvious and I didn’t even see it. Forest, trees.
Over the years I have grown by being around people I admire and respect. I have learned from people who know more than I do. I have loved so many of my smart, hilarious, generous colleagues. Hopefully I gave back to them in kind.
Like many designers, I’m not in it just for the money. I thrive when working with people who face challenges with grace, humor and inventiveness. I am finally learning to recognize that tipping point of being surrounded by too many unpleasant people that it turns me into someone I don’t like very much.
Work at Safeway and ask everyone in the checkout line whether they could give you a job
I still don’t work at Safeway.
Deciding how to use your time
Even though I have done many things during this transition, I often worry that I am simply meandering. I beat myself up for not being more productive. To counter this, I found it reassuring to listen to Ben Blumenfeld in a Creative Mornings talk Mindfully managing your design career transition (20 mins.)
I wished I had seen this talk the day after leaving that job. Ben’s experiences help allay my fears that come from not earning enough money and no job security. It also helped me craft a game plan that actually works, especially since I have little patience for over-scheduling.
Approach each conversation with, “I want to learn more about what you do, understand what it is that you need help with, and see if there is an opportunity to collaborate,” Ben recommends. This is my new mantra.
Identifying your core values
I like to read anything by Nathan Shedroff, and his book Making Meaning helps tap into one’s real core values. These are Big Ideas that transcend cultures. It is worth the effort to understand yours and how they drive what you do.
When I think about big national or global problems and I speculate how I would try to solve them. This usually leads to lots more questions, but if I can identify a little part of a solution, then that is a step forward. I want my work life to be something I am proud of. This means being the change we want to see, to quote Gandhi. This is a path I know will take years, but I want to do it nonetheless.
Meet people
Most “networking” events are just terrible. However, many of the business people I work with are consummate pros and seem comfortable at these events. When I watch them in action meeting others, I can see shorthand in their communication styles. They approach each other with “this relationship may or may not result in something but making the connection is sufficient in of itself.”
When I asked a design colleague about how he networks, he groaned, and said the word “network” denotes ulterior motive. This surprised me because he is extremely sociable and open. I figure that networking is really about doing it without calling it “networking.”
Identify the activities, events, and groups that feel right for you, because we all need to find our people.
Listen to voices
I’m talking about podcasts and radio, people. If you spend a lot of time at a desk alone, then hearing sane, informative voices feeds the mind and feeds the soul.
Similarly, only follow the people on social media that give you energy. It seems obvious, but I have now unsubscribed from any outlets that make me feel less valuable, less attractive, and less smart.
Get your hands dirty
Literally or figuratively. We spend so much time on computerized devices, that we don’t use our hands enough. I believe that doing fun, creative, challenging, messy physical activity will exercise different parts of your brain.
A colleague told me that his wife doesn’t like it when he tries new hobbies because he may not “stick with it.” A little flippantly, I asked, “so what?” He paused to think about that. At what age did we learn that we must commit to activities we know nothing about before we’d even tried them? That makes no sense to me.
Learn something new. Welding, dressmaking, music, ceramics, crafting, cooking, glassmaking. Doodle, sketch, write, and use sharpies. Find it. Exercise your creative muscles. Creativity is a skill like writing. The more you work at it, the better you will get.
Enjoy yourself already
Quiet your inner curmudgeon and do something enjoyable every single day. Play a game. Do a crossword. Kill something evil. Suggestions: Monument Valley, QatQi, Lara Croft GO (don’t judge me.)
Play cards, mah jongg or board games. In person, with people.
Dip into The New Yorker Cartoon Randomizer because no one really has enough time to read all of the articles.
Here is what I am doing
Exploring a new career path with thoughtfulness, humor and critical thinking, that utilizes my design and business knowledge to solve meaningful social and environmental problems (no greenwashing or lip service, thank you), while making enough money to pay the bills.
Yeah, it seems clear now.