MY 'WHY'

Where to even begin, have you ever been asked your ‘why’?
One of the major questions we may never actually explore or sit down to think about, and document… why do you do what you do?

I mean, we do know why though, right? I thought I did. But until meeting & attending to some workshops with the incredible Renae at Dreamhunter, I never really knew.

I’ll start here…

For over 3 years I was a graphic designer at an amazing design agency in Rockingham called Media Engine. I absolutely loved it! The work, the people, the environment, all of it…

I was presented with an opportunity, a role in which I’d never actually apply for myself, within the Medical Technology industry. My ‘safe side’ decided to take this great opportunity and to be blunt, all based on the ‘career potential’, the ‘title’ and the $$ figure. I was the Marketing & Communications Executive for the Region of Asia Pacific. This was incredible! I took on things I never thought I would, I travelled, I was part of teleconferences aligning with the UK, Germany, Sweden etc. (insert sleepy emoji), I designed artwork for the whole region (an extra role taken on board).

I ran on the adrenaline of it all, I have that thing we call ‘work ethic’ to an extreme level, everything I do, I do at 150%... soon there’d have to be a crash, working at such a rate.

I was loving the responsibility & how much I’d achieved. Within 3 months, my name was even mentioned in the company’s global forums, the top dogs. I kept pushing for that praise, it was like an addiction, sleep came second. After my first event managing experience (another role I’d taken on) in which I’d flown to Singapore for, alone… I crashed. Hard.

I questioned everything. What do ‘I’ want to do with my life.
…and what did I spend 4 years studying for to pursue!?

I decided, in that moment… If not now, when?

(okay maybe not ‘in that moment’ within a solid 2 weeks of quite literally being depressed & sick… the thought of letting this amazing company down)

Always imagining/dreaming of a day where I would have the courage to take the risk and work solely for myself, doing what I love… only ever just a thought quick to be crushed by my ‘safe side’.

I have now finally taken that huge risk I’d only thought would exist in my dreams.

So to start noting my ‘WHY?’

Freedom – working for myself.
Passion – utilising my creativity, the work I love.
Problem solving – unique and thoughtful design, working out how to tell the client’s story in smart/quirky/witty ways.
Helping others – using my knowledge, experience & expertise to help others to look the part!

But upon reflecting on this whole experience I have my why, my ‘elevator pitch’.

Because… being able to utilise my creativity & skills on an everyday basis and in a way that can help other businesses/clients.
Nailing a concept.
The end result.
The positive feedback.
Seeing your designs out in the world.

That is my happiness. Sure, some people may think I am crazy for what I did give up, but I now see & truly believe, you can do anything you want in this life, anything you put your mind to it's yours!...

...and more importantly, money isn’t worth your happiness.

KB
xx