If We Were Having Coffee: Exploring Alternative Career Paths

If we were having coffee (or something stronger, because life), and you asked me what career I wanted as a child, I’d grin and say, a lawyer without any hesitation.

That was me, pint-sized yet packing a punch, and strutting around with my school shoes that squeaked louder than my arguments. I was that kid who could turn a simple “no” into a full-length series of rebuttals, even if my logic was about as solid as a wet paper towel. Oh, you bet, I debated for fun! Most times, I just wore people down with my sheer determination, like a toddler who won’t stop asking for cookies. And I took “Objection!” more seriously than an overzealous lawyer in a courtroom drama. It’s no surprise that courtroom shows are still my guilty pleasure!

Honestly, if you asked anyone who knew me back then, they’d probably tell you: “Of course, she was going to be a lawyer.”

But… life happened (doesn’t it always?), and as it tends to do, it threw my carefully outlined plans into a very colourful blender. Before I knew it, I had danced through three very different academic paths:

• Mass Communication
• International Business Management, and
• Makeup Artistry

Somewhere in all of that, I found myself landing, rather gracefully, I might add, in Business Management and Administration. It wasn’t part of the original plan, but it’s grown on me. I’ve learned to enjoy the structure, the problem-solving, and the odd days when I get to flex my design muscles (except this time, it’s Excel and Canva instead of eyeliner and contour).

Lately, though… I’ve been considering the lively flare of Event Planning. It’s exciting, creative, and organized, and honestly, that sounds like my kind of party.

I find myself daydreaming about colour schemes, guest lists, seating charts, and perfectly timed walk-ins. I imagine transforming empty rooms into a vivid, living, spectacular dream. And I think the best part of it would be seeing people’s faces light up when all the pieces come together. That’s the kind of magic I think I’d like to be part of.

Do I still think about the law? Sometimes. I even had a few people encourage me to dip into a paralegal role, just to test the waters. But the truth is, I’m not that girl any more.

The drive I had for the legal world belonged to a younger, hungrier version of me. And while I admire her determination, I also love who I’ve become: someone who’s open to more and has grown through redirections.

So no, I will definitely not be wearing robes, filing legal briefs, or passionately debating in a courtroom in this lifetime. Instead, I am fervently building a career that allows me to explore the heights of my creativity, express myself, and continuously evolve over time.

And who knows, maybe one day I’ll plan a conference or gala… for lawyers. Like, wouldn’t that be poetic?

What about you? What alternative career paths have you thought about or secretly still dream of? Let me know in the comments.

And just out of curiosity, what’s your go-to coffee blend when you need a moment to yourself?