Easier said than done. In the warm summer season while I’m happy and unemployed (hopefully not for long), I find myself with a lot of time on my hands. One second I am crocheting the day away, talking about bluegrass festivals with my family, and watching the Parent Trap on the Hallmark station. The next second, I’m 100% inspired to do something really, really big and important. And then I’m researching art and design m.f.a. programs online, feeling discouraged when I find out that my psych degree doesn’t exactly fit their requirements. But I could go to that school in San Francisco. Or the one in Portland. And so, my mind continues racing and I search the internet using my phone until it dies.
This weekend, my mom and I spontaneously took a trip up to my aunt and uncle’s beautiful land. When we stay here, we sleep in a big cottage. It’s a dream come true. Like the kind with the slanted wooden ceiling that everyone would totally repin on Pinterest. I love it. So far, I have crocheted some wonderful slouchy beanies (I finally found a pattern that I love! I’m so happy about it!). I have also done a lot of reading. But right now I have one thing on my mind: Dream Job.
I don’t know what it means… It’s a phrase I use so often to describe what I want to do in life and yet, it has no specifics, really. I just want to make beautiful things. To work somewhere meaningful with great people. To keep learning. The question, “Are you going to grad school?” or “What’s next?!” echos in my mind. And I need to just block it out. Maybe I’ll go for my m.a. or m.f.a. someday, but right now I have many opportunities to learn! Starting with e-courses.
Earlier this year when I was still an impulsive spender, I purchased a few e-courses from A Beautiful Mess. No regrets, of course :) Dream Job. Blog Love. And DIY Dress Up. Each course includes a bunch of information on the things I want to do in life. What a perfect way to spend part of my weekend up here in the woods.
BubbyAndBean on Etsy
So, that’s what following my heart looks like right now. Putting action to my hopes and dreams, instead of just sitting around looking up grad programs that I’m not really going to apply to. Time to start filling notebooks!
Tiffany says
I know EXACTLY how you feel on this one. Following your dreams aren’t ever as easy as just jumping on the corporate america train (unless that’s your dream of course). Luckily though I’ve found dream jobs are loaded and backed with passion so just don’t take no for an answer and plug along. Keep me updated on how it’s going for ya! Good luck!
Hannah says
love that print.. definitely very true.. I’m stressing out far too much about anything and everything at the moment!
raspberrykitsch.com
xx
High Dollar Hippie says
That “do what makes you happy” print is the desktop image on my laptop! It’s a good reminder when I open my computer and see it everyday. My workaholic parents remind me all the time that yeah they make a lot of money with their careers, but they would have enjoyed life and work more had they chosen a path that inspired them. Quality of life over quantity.
– Drey
Stela says
That cottage and it’s surroundings look so peaceful!
After I graduated college I freaked out because I had no job lined up and I had no idea what to do. I was so over school so grad school was out of the question. I put my focus on my etsy shop and selling at other stores while deciding how to do my dream job-owning a boutique. Within 6 months I took a huge risk and opened my shop and it’s the best decision I ever made.
So, I’m pretty much saying, figure out what it is you love and do it!
My Hideaway says
I would say the only way to really find out what you’re meant to do is to try out different jobs. I can tell you from experience that “practice” is very different from “theory,” and getting a MA degree in a specific field doesn’t mean you will actually like the job once you have it. If money is not an immediate concern, I would suggest interning at different places. It’s much easier to talk someone into giving you an internship than a full time job in this economy, and it’s a good way to try out different interests. I wish I had done more when I was younger.
Xixia says
This is a beautiful post. I wish you the best of luck in finding a good program and job – one that you will enjoy and love! :)
I am currently still in college, but I can feel that need for a dream job as well. For me, it involves being in the tech hub in Cali or a start up company in Manhattan, but that can definitely change, since all it is is a rough outline. I don’t truly know if that is what I want, but that is what I visualize would be perfect, if that makes sense.
Also, I love that picture of the cottage. Looks so homey.
♥ xixia | thisisxixia.com
Paige @ Little Nostalgia says
Oh yes, I’ve definitely been where you are. I got a degree and then once I got out into the real world and started doing it, I hated it. Then I had a breakdown because I didn’t know what to do with myself.
If you’re wanting to try different things, interning might be a good way to go. Or if you feel like you want to have a little financial stability, I had a part-time office job for about a year while I got my shizz figured out. I only worked 5 hours a day, which still left me plenty of time to be creative and work on my Etsy-ness.
You’ll figure it out! Just don’t have a giant spaz attack like I did, okay?
Charity Hall *Isle of View* says
Beautiful Jenn, Follow your dreams and your success will follow! You have already shown such initiative in taking the e-courses and also in starting your blog.
A book that this post reminded me of was Jon Acuff’s “Quitter”-you would love it! it talks about giving wings to your dream…and making it a reality!
Always giving you support and blog love…you are amazing!:)