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“What’s your process?”
“What software do you use?”
“When do you work?”
“What do you like the least about your job?”
Their questions were serious, and they listened intently as I discussed outlining, briefly demonstrated some of my graphics software, and lamented the times when I just couldn’t seem to produce what the client had in mind.
“What’s your most important tool?” one asked.
“Coffee,” I replied. Their 6- and 7-year-old faces looked confused.
“I’m just joking,” I said. They didn’t get it.
The teachers had invited parents to come talk about their careers. They’d heard from a nurse, a “teacher for grownups,” (aka a college professor), a banker…and then me.
It was no surprise to me that my daughter’s class was quite interested in my work. She sat by my side, my little Vanna, holding up some printed pieces my partner and I have created. Several of our clients have kid-related products, so my visual aids ranged from rainbow-colored cartoon kids to a storybook. And of course, my newspaper column. They seemed impressed.
I was asked to tell them if I had a uniform. I nearly wore my pajamas to illustrate two points — one, I mostly work in the comfort of my home, and two, my income doesn’t elicit a fancy wardrobe. Instead, I opted for jeans and a ponytail, worried my daughter might be embarrassed if I sauntered in wearing PJs and Crocs.
Finally, I faced an interesting question. “How did you learn your skills?”
I wondered how to describe the long chain of coincidences, opportunities and breaks I’ve received. The lineup of friends who appeared at pivotal moments with encouragement, connections and expertise. The graphic designer who stormed off the job, and the man who said, “I’ll teach Emily how to do it.” He taught me skills I’ve used for more than 20 years now. The times I walked into my bosses’ offices and asked them to send any writing projects my way. And how lucky I was that they obliged. The articles I wrote for fun. The books and professional blogs I’ve scoured for tips, accepted practices and philosophies.
In one of those blogs, I ran across a piece of career advice that I’ve taken to heart. It wasn’t “Do what you love.” I see that all the time. And it makes sense. But what I read made even more sense.
It advised to make a career out of whatever it is you’ll do for free. This hit home. The articles I’ve written — for fun. The Christmas cards I scrambled to create for friends — because I enjoyed it. The stories I wrote and put into booklets for my kids’ classes — just to make them laugh. And now I’m lucky to have found a great friend to partner with — and turn all that into a career.
Sometimes my career still looks like a hobby. I work more than I get paid, occasionally taking on projects — even creating them for myself — with no paycheck dangling at the end. My novel is still in progress, with no guarantee of being published. I’m fortunate to have a patient husband, willing to wait and see how this plays out.
“If this sounds fun, start now,” I told the bright-eyed children. “I started writing stories and poems as soon as I learned how to write. I was your age.”
There’s more advice I’d tack on to that. Seize opportunity. Find satisfaction in more than a paycheck. Surround yourself with people who encourage you in your dreams. And most of all, I’d reiterate, figure out what you’re willing to do for free. Make a job out of it. You’ll love it.
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