In the pursuit of professional success, many find themselves navigating the corporate landscape, only to realize that the promised fulfillment remains elusive. The allure of financial stability and climbing the corporate ladder loses its luster as the years pass, leaving a void that yearns to be filled with something more meaningful. This sentiment is not uncommon, as evidenced by the countless individuals who yearn to transition into more creative endeavors.
Take, for instance, the case of a talented attorney working for a top tech company I recently met at a 'women in tech' event. Despite her position in a prestigious organization, she finds herself contemplating a shift towards a more creative path. Initially, she believed she could infuse creativity into her legal work, only to discover that within the corporate framework, her role predominantly involves delivering unwelcome news, devoid of opportunities to exercise her creative faculties.
Sadly, she isn't alone. Many professionals, even within ostensibly creative companies, like architecture and design firms, find themselves stifled by rigid corporate structures and established ways. In these environments, bureaucratic processes overshadow innovation, leaving little room for true creativity to flourish. Leaders may espouse a commitment to creativity, cutting edge this, incubation that, but the reality often falls short of these lofty statements. In industries like architecture, where creativity should thrive, younger and mid-career professionals frequently find themselves relegated to roles focused on execution rather than ideation, stifling their potential for innovation and growth. The loss is on the corporate side too, but that is another topic altogether.
The consequences of this stifling environment extend beyond the workplace. The lack of motivation and the mental burden of doing something that you have no passion for has a ton of negative side effects. With so much of our lives spent on our careers, settling for unfulfilling work can take a toll on our overall well-being. Yet, despite our meticulous attention to so many other, in comparison even trivial, aspects of our lives—our coffee preferences, for example. Ahem, "I'd like a Venti, half-caff, triple shot, soy milk, extra hot, no foam, caramel macchiato, with two pumps of vanilla syrup, one pump of hazelnut syrup, one pump of toffee nut syrup, extra caramel drizzle on top, but only on half the cup, and please make sure it's stirred exactly 12 times clockwise and 6 times counterclockwise. Oh, and can you also add a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg on top? Thanks!", and yet, we often neglect the importance of finding genuine fulfillment in our careers.
Creativity, in its broadest sense, is not just a luxury but an essential aspect of our humanity. It's intertwined with our identity, influencing how we approach challenges, solve problems, and express ourselves. When stifled in our professional lives, we risk losing a vital part of ourselves.
But there is hope. It's time to reexamine our career choices and prioritize our happiness and fulfillment. Whether it's pursuing a career in a creative field or finding ways to infuse creativity into our current roles, we owe it to ourselves to reclaim our sense of purpose.
Here's where my personal journey comes into play. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working for various big companies, boutique firms, and notable architects. While I always found ways to be creative in problem-solving, my own creativity truly flourished when I started my own company. Despite initially hesitating to label myself as a designer, I discovered that design was my strongest suit, even as a technical architect. It became evident that there had never been ample room for me to express or contribute these talents within traditional structures.
This realization was a game-changer. I learned that creativity isn't limited to traditional artistic expression but can manifest in reassessing team structures, production processes, and more within existing or new environments. So, how can you look at your job differently to exercise this creative muscle?
Start by challenging the status quo. Question existing processes and structures to identify areas for improvement and innovation. Don't be afraid to experiment and take calculated risks. Embrace failure as a stepping stone towards growth and learning. Seek out opportunities to collaborate with diverse teams and individuals who can offer fresh perspectives and insights.
Most importantly, remember that creativity thrives in environments that encourage curiosity, exploration, and authenticity. Whether you're working for a large corporation, a boutique firm, or even starting your own venture, prioritize creating a culture that values and nurtures creativity.
For those considering a career in architecture and design, resources are available to support your journey. My courses on practice and process on LinkedIn Learning, as well as those we recently launched on DDC provide valuable insights and guidance. Additionally, seeking out mentors and networking within the industry can offer invaluable support and guidance as you navigate your path towards a more fulfilling career.
Let's answer the call to rediscover our creativity and pursue careers that align with our passions and values. By doing so, we not only enrich our professional lives but also reclaim a vital aspect of our humanity. Let's go!
