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Dreaming

by habituallychic

12 . 18 . 07

I love this photo from Elle Decor. I wish I lived in a fabulous Paris apartment and worked at a desk that looked out to the Eiffel Tower. Sigh. I feel like I’m having an early mid-life crisis. I haven’t been happy at the design firm that I work at for a while now and am trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. I don’t think I’m ready to go out on my own so I think I would like to work for another designer. But since starting my blog, I have realized that I love to write. Hence my dream of working for a magazine but since they all seem to be folding, that doesn’t seem like such a great idea. Everyone keeps asking me what I want to do but for some reason, I can’t come up with one dream job. So if anyone has any ideas or suggestions, please feel free to share them, except for mean Anonymous. You can sit this one out. Merci!

N.B. If anyone wants to offer me a job, I’d be completely amenable to that idea too!

35 Comments
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  1. Brilliant Asylum December 18, 2007 | 4:07 am

    I think we all struggle with this a bit, but you have a talent for blogging and a great eye for design. I know if you keep at it, opportunity and inspiration will come your way soon.
    : )

    Nice photo, btw. I wish my office looked out at that view.

  2. Natasha December 18, 2007 | 4:18 am

    Having grown up in Europe, Paris is not “all that”, I would prefer Copenhagen or Stockholm! Much better for the designer in us all!
    Indeed, an oppertunity will come when you least expect it, so keep up the good work on your blogg, and we will help you pass it on.
    I know I have!
    Happy holidays!

  3. Suzy December 18, 2007 | 5:55 am

    HC, I’m sure you will figure out what you want to do. Maybe if all the good magazines are folding…you should start your own!

  4. Anonymous December 18, 2007 | 6:41 am

    I hope the design firm you work for never reads your blog… Strike out on your own!! You’re talented, too talented to let anyone reap all the benefits for your work…

  5. S. December 18, 2007 | 11:18 am

    Ugh, I think that many of us feel the same way. Just keep networking; you will not believe how random connections with people can lead to the most remarkable opportunities!

  6. Habitually Chic December 18, 2007 | 12:50 pm

    Thank BA. I think I’m going to have to do some soul searching over my Christmas trip home.

  7. Habitually Chic December 18, 2007 | 12:51 pm

    Natasha, I have been to Stockholm in the winter and although very beautiful, I’m not sure I could handle the snow! Thanks for the kind words too!

  8. Habitually Chic December 18, 2007 | 12:52 pm

    Suzy, I was wondering if I could convince one of the great foreign magazines to start a US version but everyone seems to think that the future is online.

  9. Habitually Chic December 18, 2007 | 12:54 pm

    Anonymous, They don’t read my blog, nor do they understand the importance of the internet. The designer doesn’t even know how to use a computer.

    I was thinking about starting an interior design styling business instead of a full blown interior design firm. I’m still working out the kinks on that one.

  10. Habitually Chic December 18, 2007 | 12:55 pm

    S, Thanks. I think I’m feeling lost since I keep hearing about all these people who quit their jobs and started their own companies and are so happy now.
    Blogging has already led to some really great connections so maybe something will come about soon.

  11. Peony December 18, 2007 | 2:38 pm

    Your blog already has the “bones” of an online magazine. If not limited by time, I believe that you can organize and develop your “reports” into a format that would appeal to advertisers. Come up with a marketing plan to expand readership–I will personally send an email to my relatives and friends to get them connected to your blog. You might also create e-commerce links. You are on the edge of your future endeavors right now–be patient, it will unfold for you. Your readers are cheering you on and will support you!

  12. maison21 December 18, 2007 | 4:51 pm

    chic-

    i think putting it out there on your blog that you’d like to move in a new direction is a great start towards opening yourself to change. with so many people reading your blog in so many places, who knows what opportunities might open up? you are much more likely to be approached regarding a new endeavor now that people know you are open to the possibility, instead of thinking you are completely content in your job.

    i think peony has some great advice for developing your blog into a more advertiser friendly format, and a marketing plan would be a great place to start. you commented that magazines seem to think the future is online, and i think that is correct, but no one seems to have a working formula yet. perhaps you could put some thought into exploring developing something in that area.

    i wish you all the best in your search!

  13. Mrs. Blandings December 18, 2007 | 4:59 pm

    Chic – the discontent has to come before the change. If you are open to something new, it will come your way. Chin up. No whining. btw, even the best designers’ web sites are a bit under-developed, maybe there’s a niche there.

  14. ashley December 18, 2007 | 5:00 pm

    I feel the same that I am at a crossroad. I have a different situation though-when I graduated from college 2 years ago I was diagnosed with cancer so I have been doing that the past few years. Now that I am cancer free–YAYYYY!! I am finally looking to start my career and work, just need the jobs to be available-haha. I think an interior design styling business is a great idea! I love researching products and putting things together to create a space. Well if you start this I’d love to help. 🙂 I have confidence we will both find success!!!

  15. Jane Flanagan December 18, 2007 | 5:39 pm

    Screw print media – online is the way! You’ve already got a blog and a community rallying around you.

    This is a phenomenon that the biggest media companies in the world are grappling with. Believe me – try walking into a room of print people and explaining traffic and page-views and usability and watch them glaze over.

    I think you’re underestimating the great job you’ve done building up this blog and getting your name out there. Absorb as much as you can from where you are now and come up with a strategy to use those, and your online skills, in your next job.

    Seems to me, there’s a ginormous hole in the interior-design niche, for people who just want “what lamp should I pick” kind of advice rather than a whole-hog room make-over. You’ve got a great eye and the online presence to build yourself into this kind of authority. Plus, you can do it from anywhere!

  16. Easy and Elegant Life December 18, 2007 | 6:16 pm

    HC- Peony and Ms. Flanagan have hit the nail on the head. And I’ll throw out one other thought from a veteran of the advertising wars… there are very few competent SEO firms who can provide compelling blog content. I think that an interior design firm would be genius for hiring you to blog about them and get their name out there. There is a niche waiting to be filled and if you’re so inclined, you seem more than qualified.

    I also heard that Design*Sponge needs an intern, if the position is still available. Not sure of the details, though.

    Ashley — as a two time survivor by my 40th birthday, I can relate. Congratulations on being clear. The world is truly your oyster, have at it.

  17. Layler December 18, 2007 | 10:08 pm

    Prop styling? Or store display styling?

    (obviously I’m talking upscale stuff, not HC working at The Gap… not that there’s antyhing wrong with that…)

    Best of luck to you! We all question our path from time to time, it’s normal and it’s what makes life interesting!!

  18. Gjelly December 18, 2007 | 11:28 pm

    I dream daily about living and working in Paris. Love the picture.

  19. morrismore December 18, 2007 | 11:55 pm

    How about doing staging as a sideline? It can be profitable, and can sometimes lead down another path as well.

    You are articulate, bright and obviously have a good eye. There’s obviously something else out there for you. Be patient.

  20. Habitually Chic December 19, 2007 | 1:40 am

    Peony, Great ideas! I have been thinking about accepting advertisments. I think my plan over the Christmas Holiday now is to buy some business books and make a plan. Thanks for the encouragement and the plug to your friends. That is the sweetest thing anyone could do!

  21. Habitually Chic December 19, 2007 | 1:50 am

    Maison21, Isn’t admitting you have a problem the first step. LOL! I definitely wanted to share my feelings because I knew so many of you would have great suggestions. Sometimes you need a fresh perspective to get a handle on things. I definitely think this will be an ongoing process of figuring out what works. Thanks for your great advice!

  22. Habitually Chic December 19, 2007 | 1:52 am

    Mrs. Blandings, My chin is up! Perhaps I can write a handbook for designers on how to publicize themselves online now that magazines are going the way of the dinasour. Thanks for the encouragement!

  23. Habitually Chic December 19, 2007 | 1:55 am

    Ashley, So glad you are cancer free! It’s stories like yours that make me think that if you can deal with something like that, then I can surely get my act together and deal with my non-life threatening issues. Here’s to you and me finding success!

  24. Habitually Chic December 19, 2007 | 1:58 am

    Jane, Great ideas! I think there is a great market for more advice based design help in this city where most people rent and can’t afford expensive interior designers and are intimidated by the process even if they can!

  25. Habitually Chic December 19, 2007 | 2:01 am

    Easy and Elegant Life, I’m so surprised that so many companies in every arena don’t take more advantage of the web in all capacities. Just crazy!

    P.S. I’m so glad that you are and Ashley are happy and healthy! Thanks for sharing your inspiration with everyone!

  26. Habitually Chic December 19, 2007 | 2:02 am

    Layler, I’ve thought of that. I used to do a little store disply styling when I worked for J.Crew many years ago. I think I would like to help out with photo shoot syling now. I’m going to look into that idea too.

  27. Habitually Chic December 19, 2007 | 2:03 am

    Gjelly, I think Paris is the ultimate dreamy city.

  28. Habitually Chic December 19, 2007 | 2:06 am

    Morrismore, I am definitely thinking of doing staging or styling on the side. Just not sure how you do that if you are working unless clients are open to weekends only. I think they might be though since the kind of clients I would probably have would also be working during the week and not out lunching with the ladies.

    Thanks for your kind words of encouragement! And patience is definitely what it’s going to take. I am very realistic that this is not an overnight change!

  29. dianamuse December 19, 2007 | 10:58 pm

    So much love and support – and great ideas – from your fan base! I’ll just echo what others have written, and add that you might notify (if you haven’t done so already) some or all of the great designers and artists you’ve interviewed & featured here. (I recall your Charlotte Moss interview and the warmth and genuine appreciation – on both your parts – that came through your writing.)

    Surely, they’d have lots to offer in terms of sharing their experience to help you clarify your professional desires & goals – and through that process, a position (whether existing or created) might emerge.

  30. AnastasiaC December 20, 2007 | 12:23 am

    what a beautiful view!! i love it too…it would be nice to daydream from that space!

  31. Anonymous December 20, 2007 | 1:14 pm

    They don’t call the kind of place you’re in “the dark night of the soul” for nothing. It’s a tough place to be in, but I think you’re on the cusp of some great changes.

    I will keep you in my thoughts.

  32. franki durbin December 20, 2007 | 11:17 pm

    I recognized that image the moment you posted it. I was smitten by those two men and their fabulous apartment.

    You know, I’ve been in a shift with my place in the world for a while. Change is good. And being open to change is the real key.

    I have to say, I was ultimately unhappy at every job I held until I started my own design firm. It was impossible for me to love working for someone else’s dream, someone else’s vision. In the end, I never wanted to work for someone whose vision of their life was smaller than my own. If you can find someone who is living up to your dream, who inspires you, who encourages you – THAT is the job you want.

  33. so_chic_darling December 22, 2007 | 4:22 am

    Just go,go to Paris.When I was 21 I flew one way from London to Hawaii and I never looked back.That was a very long time ago.I ended up with a boutique in Manhattan.Anything can happen but nothing bad!

  34. design - 59 February 26, 2008 | 3:51 am

    ok, so I know I’m about 2 months behind on this particular post, but I’m finally having the time to read through your postings and I love them! Particularly this one hit home. I am unhappy at my job as well and am desperately looking for something else. I also live in nyc and wonder if that is what makes me consistently want something more and better. There are just so many great opportunities and chances you have here!

    So what’s the status? Are you still at your current employer? Please tell me no and that you got a fabulous job. If not then go ahead and start a company and I can come work for you! good luck on your search!

  35. Habitually Chic February 26, 2008 | 6:33 pm

    Hi Design 59, I will email you.