Ok, so not really. I work a pretty standard 9 to 5 job. Then I spend some time learning something new or blogging. Follow that up with a workout. Don’t forget about dinner along with some well-deserved TV time. Shower, reading, bedtime. And that’s not including my “bonus” activities or hanging out with friends! So yes, work does seem to take up a lot of time in the day, but let me tell you my story as to why it doesn’t really feel that way anymore, and why I’m not always burned out (like some of my corporate America friends).
First Isn’t Always “Best”
After graduating, I basically refused to go home to where I grew up or back to my parents. I wanted to try something new. So, it was a “first person who hires me wins” type scenario and I ended up in a place that actually wasn’t a good fit for me. Biggest lesson learned! I never searched for a job that way again – and suggest nobody does if they can help it. Some of the details of those first six months aren’t really something I would like to share publicly. Feel free to offer me a glass a wine and we can gossip all night long though. The largest thing that was bothering me? My 8 to 5 job was slowly pushed into a 7 to 7 plus job and increasingly cutting into my personal life. And my sleeping routine. And my eating routine. Not to mention my non-existent workout routine. I now urge anyone I know looking for a career change to TAKE TIME in finding out if the job and the employers are a good fit for you. It is NOT just about you being a good fit for them.
However, I will say that my job as an Operational Field Coordinator taught me a few things. I gained invaluable experience in the field working alongside our Project Managers and learning what can go wrong between the design and the real-life install. There was also a lot of learning alongside tradesmen, scheduling turnkey remodels and additions, and understanding the process of creating and submitting permits. After that fluke of a start in the real world, I took a little while to step back and take a look at what I really wanted to do, and spend time looking for a company I really wanted to work for, in a position that was well suited for me.
Short Stint
In the meantime, I still had to make money. Again, going back home to my parents wasn’t an option, and this just motivated me to find a solution – and fast. My first job had also made me very wary of the kitchen and bath industry and I wasn’t sure I could jump right back in. So, I found a few things that all revolved around one of my other favorite things. Teaching and being able to work with children. Kids really bring out the best in people (at least most of the time) because they have such bright, open, and optimistic views of the world around us. They also reteach adults the values of immense patience, empathetic listening, and spontaneous creativity. I urge everyone to try to give back to their community by giving back to the kids – our future.
I couldn’t just go and teach middle school math, but I had some summer experience working at my preschool back home, so that’s what I did. I got a part-time position as a teacher helper and quickly moved up to having my own class of 2-3 year old’s and it was a BLAST. My biggest take-away was being able to practice my innovative skills by coming up with daily crafts and activities to go along with our lessons that would also keep them engaged and entertained. Of course, this paid roughly less than half of my bills (thanks, greater DC metro…) so I supplemented with a few other activities. Nannying went right along with teaching, and I was able to work with the same set of brothers for a few months who were just fabulous – it also helped my cooking skills which had severely lacking after just picking up dinner on the way home from a 12 hour work day, or skipping it altogheter. On the weekends I was also able to feed my longest-running passion: soccer. I got back into coaching, which I did in college, hosting short training classes for children ranging from 2 to 10 all over the DMV area. Seriously, kids are awesome. But, eventually, I knew I was ready to dive back into the kitchen and bath world, so I started the hunt.
Decisions, Decisions…
The resume was rewritten. Color was added (yes, color! I am a designer you know). And I even added some cute little charts that caught your eye. Not your typical resume, but it definitely caught some eyes. I sent that bad boy out EVERYWHERE spending my off-time in the library. Side note: taking a step back after my first job also reinvigorated my passion for reading. I spent a lot of time in the library picking out random books to take home. Also, I had recently spilled a glass of wine on my college computer (oops) so I needed to borrow theirs to get the word out I was searching for a job. But anyways, as I was saying, that resume made it’s way into inboxes (or junk folders) all around the world. I figured I’d shoot my shot and see what happens. There were a few good leads, one being in Dallas, Texas (we will get back to that later) but I ended up finding one just 30 minutes from my current home that intrigued me.
So, my third job post-grad was working for a lumber yard selling cabinets. This is the first real job that got me into designing pencil to paper. I also got my first lessons on how to be a salesperson as well as a designer. Selling is tough! The other designer on staff was a real treasure to work with, and he knew the answer to pretty much anything. From sales to cabinet lines to code requirements: he was my go-to guy. My other coworkers were all so helpful and ready to jump in and answer any questions I had. Windows. Doors. Siding, Lumber (duh). I asked; they answered. Never had I felt so at peace in an office. But, as much as I enjoyed where I was and what I was doing, I began to realize that I wanted to be a part of the installation process and see the fruits of my labor. Then one day, I got a phone call from someone I spoke with months ago when I originally sent out my resume. The owners happened to be going on a trip in the near future and flying into an airport near me – and wanted to chat.
Kitchen Design Concepts
The main event!
My work home. This is the company that got me to pack up and relocate to Dallas, Texas. I had spent a lot of time learning about the company to make sure that it was a good fit, and almost six years later there have been zero regrets on that decision. I absolutely LOVE my job. Yes – of course there are days that I wish I had never left. Yes – I absolutely have questioned why I still work there. But who doesn’t do that every once in a while. The pros FAR exceed any cons. I honestly cannot recall any of the cons to type up here. I am not blowing smoke up your ass, I am being honest. And I feel that it is very important for people to try to identify if a job, employer, etc. is not a good fit for you, and try to seek a change if so.
As a residential designer, I get to work with clients from start to finish. I measure, design, select materials, write contracts, sell, draw permitting plans, order everything, track shipments, watch installs, find on-the-job solutions, and do final walkthroughs. Being a part of it all is addicting. Getting to touch everything in a room and bring it together for a homeowner. The best feeling in the world. And as a bonus? Social Media has been a part of my “unofficial” job description since before my first year was up. This bonus job is such a fun way to be able to share our stories and experience with others.
The title song is “A Hard Day’s Night” by the Beatles
Find all of my blog title songs on my Spotify playlist
R Helene Design 
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