“Why Not Do It All?” Embracing A Multifaceted Career Journey
by Nicole Pellegrini

I strongly remember a conversation when I was in high school with my boyfriend at the time. We were talking about what we wanted to do for a living (when we “grew up”) and I named off a few different things involving art and science and teaching. My ambitious list was met with the response, “you can’t do all of that.” And I remember thinking, “why not?”

Now, of course the implications behind that conversation are a whole other thing entirely, which I can save for another time. But the truth is, I’ve never wanted to do just one thing or be just one thing. I’ve never been one to do what I’m supposed to.

I’m curious. Multifaceted. Multipassionate. 

I’m currently on my third, fourth, or whatever numbered career change since I graduated college. My most recent career path is Real Estate. But let’s backtrack a little bit. In college, I studied fashion design. After graduation, I got an internship but I didn’t love it. So I dabbled in odd jobs in the service and events industry. I lived out my 90’s dream of being a barista at a coffee shop. 

Once I decided to apply my college degree to my career, I got a job as a handbag designer and did that for a while. When that job ended in 2018 due to the company going under, I took a leap of faith on something I felt called to do and started my blog. 

Before long, that passion for writing had opened the door to my next career path as a marketing content creator, and a brand copywriter and strategist. I freelanced in those areas for the next 6 years. And when my last full-time contract brand copywriting ended unexpectedly last March, I started my next and current career chapter as a real estate agent.

My path has been by no means traditional or linear.

I’ve faced a lot of uncertainties, ups and downs. However, these shifts have always seemed to have a natural progression to them and I can feel when it’s time to try something new. 

Sometimes my careers will overlap. In fact, right now is a perfect example of that. Real estate is taking off, but I haven’t abandoned copywriting altogether, and I may never because it is one of the most fulfilling career choices I’ve ever made. I also dedicate time to my art and jewelry line. So, I’m a real estate agent who writes and makes art? Yeah that about sums it up.

I do all these things because I enjoy them. And because I can.

Which also means that so can you. It’s never too late to be who you want to be and do what you want to do. Career shifts can be scary, but when you’re taking a chance on you, they’re always worth it.

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