by Kyanne Smith
Meg’s Career Journal Entry – Saturday
Today I went in to the gallery to help out with the exhibition. I was ready to do my usual volunteer ‘helping’ activities, but I have to confess, it was so hard to get myself there, I really didn’t feel like it. I had nearly given up on this career change stuff. But I’m so glad I went. My career change project may have turned a corner tonight!
I met Fiona – a textile designer. My friend Adrian introduced us and we got talking. She was interested in my weaving work and asked how I got into designing textiles. I’d never thought about my work in that way – I see it more as a creative hobby, not a practical product. However, her question really got me thinking! Fiona has her own small business. She started it several years ago after doing some study. She has a fabric production company and she exports to a couple of fashion houses in the UK. She said it was pretty tough financially for quite a few years, but she never gave up. What I noticed was how much she loves her work. She’s so excited about what she does. It’s contagious! The conversation with her was an amazing pick-me-up.
Fiona has invited me to see her studio, and so I’m going to visit her next week! She also suggested I consider doing some further study. Fiona did her study part time and she loved it, and she said it helped her meet people in the industry which was a huge benefit when she started her business.
Tomorrow I’ll start researching and talking to people about textile design and study. Who knows where this might lead!
Career Journal Entry- Thursday
I went to see Fiona today. Her little studio is amazing – creative, busy, full of energy and colour. She showed me their textiles and their production process. It was fascinating. I met two of the part-time staff, who were equally enthusiastic about their work. Fiona and I talked about her study and what that was like. I had done some research into study programs, and I showed her the courses. We talked about those and she gave me some really good advice. It was so helpful to talk to someone like Fiona about their career path. I can now appreciate why all my career books recommend this!
I’ve decided that if I’m going to create a new career for myself, then I will need some new skills.
I’m excited about getting back into study, and it feels like the right thing to do. I’ve picked a course, and I’m going to an interview next week. They only have limited places in the course, so fingers crossed that I can get a place as a part-time student! Finally, I feel like I’m on my way to a new career. It’s going to be a long road, but it really feels like it’s in the right direction.
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