Already a member?
Welcome to Brazen Careerist!
Emily Ma is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Emily Ma and other professionals just like you. Learn more.
Brazen careerist
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow
Email
Print
Many young professionals lie awake at night, convinced that our creative talents are being stifled. Our lives have become too formulaic and we feel as though our energy is being zapped by uncreative careers.
The “lie awake” phase is not healthy. The lack of sleep is not healthy. The frustration is not healthy. The subsequent cycle of food, alcohol, and infomercials is not healthy.
So, how do we shake it? How do we find something to think about in bed that’s more inspiring our own self-pity and recycled episodes of “Real Chance at Love”?
I have a few ideas.
1. Stop Whining (to yourself). When we focus on self-pity, it’s more difficult to brainstorm and generate ideas, kind of like trying to accelerate with the parking brake on.
2. Make Something.
3. Work harder to incorporate creativity into your existing job or activities (note: this will likely require you to put in some OT)
4. Find your people. Take a class, look for discussion forums online, or get in touch with someone you know who does creative things. The more you surround yourself with creative people, the easier it is to complete a creative project.
5. Make Your Something Better. Editing (or redesigning) separates productive creativity from casual creativity. Critiques, rejections, and amendments are essential.
For more timely, relevant, and engaging articles,
subscribe to Brazen Careerist.
- Continuing Education: Extending Learning Beyond Your Campus Years
- A New Kind of Business Mover and Shaker
- How To Find a Writing Partner Who Can Help You Achieve Your Goals and Make More Money
- Why You Might Be Better Off Without a Job After College
- The Anti-Stalker’s Guide for Converting Online Contact into Real World Collaboration
Comments
10.07.09
I think these are great suggestions, and the post has a good emphasis on solving your own problems.
At some point, every job gets stale. Sometimes it's because you're in need of another job, and sometimes it's just the life cycle of working. These tips can help identify which is the case.
10.07.09
I love your suggestion about making something. While design and innovation are important in the world, there's something to be said about actually building or creating something tangible. I always feel like I just got a reboot when I finish a painting.
10.07.09
This is so true and I've actually taken some of this advice. I have formal training in PR and a tremendous passion for technology, new media and creative problem solving, but have found myself on a career path that is less than fulfilling. To fill the void I "found [my] people" by taking on a demanding volunteer position for a trade association that has allowed me to pursue my passions, network, gain valuable experience and maintain my sanity. It's an experience that I wouldn't trade for the world, and that I may not have pursued otherwise. If other readers are anything like me, you probably look around at friends and other peers who seem to have amazing jobs, social calendars, wardrobes, insert any amazing thing, and wondering why you're behind. Instead, seek out the opportunities that exist right now. For many of us, time is on our aside, and the path to greatness, fulfillment, or whatever your end game is isn't always linear.
Got Something To Say?
Got Something To Say?
Not a Member? Brazen Careerist is a career management tool for next-generation professionals. Set up a free account today to comment on this post and start sharing your ideas. Learn more.
Login to view your networks!
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
