So, what do you do?
On slash careers, reinvention, and saying yes to what lights me up
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As I move through the roller-coaster ride of pursuing different things, mostly together, I feel that idea of a career, over time, has changed its meaning.
Back in the 90s, a degree was almost a lifetime certificate for a promising career. A person who studied medicine would probably be a doctor for life. The same went for engineers or CAs, or any other profession for that matter.
But lately this has changed. I see a doctor gradually shifting their career to become a ceramicist, a teacher, and a podcaster, often all of these together.
It’s beautiful, in a way. We have the freedom to explore and become whoever we want to be. Thanks to all the free (and paid) courses out there, we can now learn anything we’re curious about. The onus of becoming someone is now on us. 😉
Sorry to break it to those who hate reading or upskilling, but the grind of studying might now be lifelong. And we can all see it with AI coming into our lives.
A few days ago, I came across the phrase slash careers. There’s even a book on it, One Person/Multiple Careers by Marci Alboher, which I’m waiting to read once its price gets slashed. 😉
If I look back at my journey as a decade-young (why old :0) freelancer, I started with content writing and gradually moved into learning & development. There hasn’t been a single year when I didn’t invest in learning something new. I still do, but more on alternate careers that may not bring me money, but definitely bring me joy. I’m a proud course-taker, workshop addict, and avid book reader. 😉
Yeah, I can be a sculptor/visual designer/writer, and there isn’t a full stop once I reach either of these careers, or take a detour while I am on any of these paths to follow one that feels more aligned. I read it recently somewhere: “Don’t make your current goal your lifetime goal”. You can give yourself permission to move on to the next one whenever you feel like it.
As I sail these slash paths, there are days I question myself, and there’s fear around the uncertainty that comes with alternate careers. But there are also days I love being all of these versions of myself.
And when I pause, I realise that fear mostly comes from the past (what didn’t work) or the future (what may not work). The present is ready. Right here. For whatever I wish to explore.
But you know what? Despite the cons of this kind of life (less money for sure), it surely comes with a big advantage of living life with no regrets. Pursuing your passions. Reinventing yourself. Getting accustomed to new things. Always having something to look forward to. And learning to deal with fear, uncertainty and anxiety in the process.
I purposely choose this slash life, even on days when my mind tells me to “just focus on one thing.”
Am I doing well in any of these slash careers? Not yet, but what’s the rush :)
Take a Little Pause 🌼
What’s one alternate career you’re curious about?
And what’s one tiny step you can take today to make it a part of your week?
For example, join a workshop or may be carve out 30 minutes to follow a YouTube tutorial and create something. I do this with Procreate.
Then go ahead — try it 🙂
I’d love to hear what you’re exploring. Drop it in the comments 😊
My Moment of Pause/Calm🌿
Lying on my couch, reading a book. Watching raindrops on the plants as I woke up one morning.
What have you heard, seen, or done this week that brought you a moment of calm? I’d love to hear! 💛
Now?
Sharing what I’m watching, reading, and learning!
📺 Slowly watching: Nothing at the moment. Any suggestions?
📖 Happily reading: Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland (More book recs? Check my list!)
🎨 Doing: 10-day Advanced Yoga Course by Satvic Movement. On Day 5/10 :)
PS: If this newsletter brought you a moment of calm or a spark of inspiration, feel free to share it with a friend! You can also tap the ❤️ button so others can discover it on Substack. No pressure—just love and good vibes. 💛
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Take care! 💛
Rachna
I write Take a Little Pause for those who wish to live a wholehearted life. This newsletter is a journal of my experiments in living wholeheartedly, with each post accompanied by visuals created by me. If you’re on a similar journey, subscribe for free, or consider becoming a paid Patreon to support my writing and help me publish a coffee-table book. 💛