Hello, Ladies of Hive,

<div class="text-justify">

This is my first post here in the community and my entry to the [Ladies of Hive Contest #8](https://peakd.com/hive-124452/@ladiesofhive/ladies-of-hive-community-contest-8). I was invited by @romeskie and she inspired me to participate in it as well. I'd like to call on @kayceeports2020 and @wandergirl to share their thoughts and stories. Please grab a cup of tea or coffee, because this would be quite a long read.</div> 


https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/discoveringarni/zQxI1ZlB-Ladies20of20Hive20Contest.jpg




#### If you started all over again, what kind of career would you like or want?

It took me a really long time to admit what I am really passionate about but if I were to choose my career, I would take the same route as an Architect and Interior Designer.

##### Architecture and Interior Design Journey
It all started with rejections.  The first was a fashion design teacher who told me that I had no business in fashion and encouraged me that I had a good eye for perspectives and should consider architecture.  

I remembered the first time I saw a blueprint as a child, I was fascinated by it, but I was more interested in the inside of a structure than it is outside. 

I pursued [architecture](ve-178708/created), but my real passion was [interiors](ve-178708/created).  My Mom threatened me that she wouldn't send me to college if I study the latter. Hence, I took architecture at a university from June to March. While the rest of my peers were taking vacations, I spent my school break studying Interior Design in another college from April to June.

Five years later, I completed my bachelor's degree. We also faced financial problems so  I didn't get a chance to finish my interior studies. I was forced to become the sole breadwinner and send my siblings to school. 

Still, with my architectural background, I applied for jobs in the interior design industry. My first attempts always led me to sales. The companies didn't see me suitable for working at the back office (which I wanted) or on-site because I was too feminine. They wanted me as part of the sales team pursuing projects. Something I wasn't ready for back then. 


##### Elusive Design Position

I continued applying for a design position which led to many interview rejections for not having enough personal designs to show in my design portfolio. 

Instead, I built myself a corporate career in interior project sales and project management where I managed designers.  I spent the first ten years of my career in Dubai presenting in front of clients, selling other designers' designs or products, and managing the project from start to completion.  


https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/discoveringarni/59Q2i4Lq-Quote202.jpg


##### Lost My Way
I enjoyed the first three companies I was in for the adrenalin rush of not having a routine, but when I moved to sell chandeliers for a luxury lighting brand, I drifted away from the design practice. 

There was no room for creativity nor hone my craft. I became a lighting supplier and it was all numbers and figures which I didn't really enjoy. However, it was the daily widening of comfort zones that benefited me. I never thought I would meet and work with really talented designers, one of which created iconic projects that I'm proud to be a part of even from a manufacturer's perspective. 

Though being in a practical world, I was torn because if I were to work in the design field, I won't be earning as much as I would in sales and won't be enjoying the incentives and benefits from just working 9-5 hours and the comfort of having full undisturbed weekends. 

After searching for years, I am grateful to God (to the Universe) that He (or She) finally gave me my dream job.  


##### Opportunities Came to Become a Designer

It started when the luxury brand I was working for gave me the responsibility to design and manage the renovation of their Middle East Headquarters.  

###### I took the leap, left my lighting supply job, and worked with them as a freelance design consultant. 

Several months later, while I was in Busuanga Island in 2013, I received a phone call and email from a former client I was selling chandeliers to, to join their design team. 

I was flabbergasted, especially when they entrusted me to design a five-star hotel with 380+ rooms consisting of 2 towers for an international hotel brand.



##### Life in the Design Firm

In the design world, the working hours are not fixed and some weekends are sacrificed due to deadlines. It was something I was ready for. The hours go by unnoticed. Even when I became pregnant, at times I forgot I was pregnant as I enthusiastically carried material boards to present during meetings.

I took pleasure working with the team. I was amazed by the trust they have given me and the mentorship I have gained. I had the best design manager anyone could wish for because he allowed me to explore my style and guided me throughout.  I also had the best managing director who's both a perfectionist and incredible with people.  

I remember coming to the office most mornings before anyone gets there so I could browse inside the material library alone. There, I'd get excited going through fabric and wallpaper samples. I look forward to my day of designing suites and hotel rooms. I had the liberty to choose furniture, lighting, wall finishes, etc. I got to meet suppliers, this time as their client.

Given my experience being a supplier made me sensitive and responsive to them. I know the feeling of not receiving email acknowledgment nor feedback so I make sure, they get due respect. The whole role switch made me understand why designers can be so moody too. It's because they're under a lot of stress!  They hardly have time for anything. Still, despite all the overtime work, I enjoyed it. 

https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/discoveringarni/QV86qmQN-quote.jpg


##### Family or Career?

As a confessed workaholic, I have always been married to my career but not being able to see my then 4-month-old baby after coming home late nights broke my heart. Around the same time, a major crisis struck our family and I had to put my career on hold to sort it out. 

When the crisis was over, my husband wanted to leave our comfortable life in the Middle East to pursue his dream in the Philippines while a pending job position was waiting for me in Dubai that would even take my design career to greater heights. 

I chose my family and that was the start of my life as a Stay at Home Mom. When I came home to the Philippines, my design career was kept on hold.  I supported my husband in establishing the business that he envisioned. 

On the side, there were some projects located elsewhere that I completed whenever possible. 

The best gift this decision brought me was the bond that I share with my daughter. My husband and I were hands-on so we watched her grow from a toddler to a vivacious 6-year-old. If there was one thing I have learned when ice cream hits the fan (sorry I prefer ice cream), everything comes down to family and career takes a back seat during hard times.  

My move back to the Philippines allowed me to grow in other areas of my life, face things I ran away from and slowly get back into the practice. It was here in my homeland that I started to see myself more as an architect.

##### If you suddenly became a single parent, to whom or where would you go for support?

A few months ago, I was asked to visualize my 65th birthday and this exercise solidified my resolve to be responsible for my future.  So yes, if for some reason, I become a single parent, I  would be dependent on myself.  Of course, I have my siblings, in-laws, and closest friends for emotional support.  With God's help, I was able to send all of my siblings to school in the past, so this gives me faith and reassurance that I can do it. 

I am currently in the process of taking action towards the vision that I saw but I will only talk about it when it happens. To be honest, I am both excited and scared. I am curious to see how that would unfold.

##### What Flower Would Best Represent You? And Why? 


https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/discoveringarni/WNVqDZVi-Marguerite20Daisies.jpg


A Wildflower like Marguerite Daisies. If I were to choose what to aspire and become in this life, may God transform me into a wildflower for these reasons.  I wrote about it in this post: [Becoming a Wildflower](https://peakd.com/hive-154065/@discoveringarni/becoming-a-wildflower).  



> What I love about them is their quiet determination to survive in an unplanned or unexpected environment. They have the strength to thrive. They stand tall and proud as though within their roots is an abundant source of light. They acknowledge their natural beauty with an innate simplicity. They are confident to reflect their authentic self.

> They may appear delicate but they may surprise you with their strength and courage to exist and grow in an unknown place. In fact, I think it is this trait that makes them beautiful. They bring unexpected joy to anyone who sees them.  


Thank you for reaching this far in my post. I got carried away. What about you, what's your dream career story? 

Inspired by my [original post](https://travelgourmande.blogspot.com/2015/03/my-dream-job-that-landed-when-it-was.html) but revised for the contest.