When people ask me what I do, the answer isn’t exactly simple. I usually sum it up by saying I work in advertising. But what does that mean, really? There are so many facets to this dynamic industry. In today’s economy, you often have to wear multiple hats to make your way in any career. Advertising is no exception.
So I’ve been at this for just over five years now, and in that time, I’ve been in various roles from receptionist to proofreader to traffic manager and, most recently, account service. Some might say I’ve been climbing the ladder, but I look at it more like diversifying. You wouldn’t invest all your money in one stock, so why invest all of yourself in one aspect of a career?
Sure, it can be a challenge to adjust from one area of agency atmosphere and culture to another, not only for yourself, but for your coworkers, as well. Moving out from under the creative umbrella as a traffic manager to account service, I was told (jokingly, I hope!) that I was going to the “dark side.” It can be tempting to allow yourself to fall back into your comfort zone after making a transition, but you don’t have to limit yourself to what you already know. Playing it safe can make us lazy and complacent.
Sometimes you have to give yourself a little shove into uncharted territory and be willing to build upon the knowledge you have and learn new things in order to flourish. It may be a simple truth, but it can be applied to individuals and businesses alike. Push yourself – your limits and the limits others may set for you – in order to grow and break free of the mold. Step out and give something new your best shot. You never know, it could be what you were made to do all along.