Recently, I had the opportunity to interview those who currently held a job that I was interested in. Among those chosen were a lawyer, interior designer, psychologist, athlete, teacher and a care giver. From this experience, I learned more about each profession than any textbook could have taught me. I listened to their stories, their challenging moments, what it took to get them where they are now and the reasons they are doing what they’re doing. I’m still undecided about my future, but I do have a much clearer vision. I know what it takes to be a lawyer or an athlete. I know the worst part about being a psychologist or a care giver, and I know the best part about being an interior designer.
If you’re struggling with all the choices that surround you about your future, consider this. Interview people who work in a profession you’re interested in. Get in contact with them and learn about their job, their typical day and any advice they may have for you. Read on and check out the interviews I held and the questions I asked. This is your future and only you can decide how you’re going to live it.(Q) What is your job?
(A) I’m an interior designer.
(Q) What is your typical work day?
(A) My job is somewhat of a desk job. I’m given a few deadlines and usually get to select my own hours and meet those deadlines any way I like. Also, I can work from home on some projects. On other days, when I go to a home or cottage, I bring a camera, clipboard, colour scheme and various materials. The next step is to bring those pictures and notes from the clipboard back to my office and develop a few different models. Finally a meeting takes place where the client is shown the design concepts and either selects one they like, or I go back to the drawing board.
(Q) What is the best and worst part of your job?
(A) I love my job. It gives me a lot of freedom and I’m doing something that I enjoy and I’m getting paid for it.
The worst part would have to be when a client dislikes my work. I try not to take it personally, but it’s difficult to accept it any other way.
(Q) Define success.
(A) To me, success is being happy and satisfied. It’s about enjoying what you do and doing it well.
(Q) Based on your definition of success, do you feel that you are successful?
(A) I do feel personally successful, but in terms of how society views success [rich and famous] I’m probably not. But I must say that I prefer my own view of success. (Laughs)
(Q) Did you always know you wanted to be an interior designer?
(A) To tell you the truth, I didn’t even know that this job existed. My father was a lawyer, so naturally I was always preached to about the ‘practical’ jobs, like a doctor, dentist or lawyer. I always felt like I was much too artistic for those jobs and I needed something more inspiring that catered to my personal interests.
(Q) What are the steps you took to accomplish where you are now?
(A) Actually, my art teacher introduced me to the idea. Also, my cousin was taking computer design courses and had a friend who wanted to be a decorator. We started talking and next thing I knew, I was taking some courses. The most difficult thing is the first part, informing yourself and finding a person who does what you want to do. The rest is easy.
(Q) Do you have any advice for someone studying to be an interior designer?
(A) Make sure that it’s the one job that will make you happiest. One thing I’ve learned growing up is not to settle for anything that won't make you happy. If you have a passion for something, go for it. But spend time researching different carreer opportunities, because you may suddenly become interested in something else.
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