This is probably the most intense amount of scope creep I’ve ever had. I’m not talking about projects either, I’m talking about career scope creep.
Back in 2010 I shut down my S-Corp, stopped taking clients and took a full time job at a financial advisory firm as Creative overlord. With my family in mind I thought it would be a good opportunity to put my skills to work. From a branding standpoint the place was in shambles. Their “creative department”, and I use that term loosely, needed serious help. It took me awhile to understand this new world of finance but it gave me an education I would have had no where else.
While working there, my goal was to cohesively brand this company – collateral, website, everything down to a style guide. There was nothing but resistance. So what I began doing was creating an “aging file” of comps I would present but would ultimately get shot down. Every year when I was working on a new project, I would pull out the “aging file” and re-present my comps from the previous year. And every time there would be a response from the president “oh wow, I like that, but could we…” But ultimately there was always buy in. This went on until my departure in 2013. By that time, I was done with design, advertising, marketing, and I was absolutely toasted.
So I made a bold foray into Real Estate. I’m still in Real Estate to some extent but I’ve recharged. It’s a career that is hard wired into the fabric of who I am. And I wouldn’t say its design or advertising that keeps me coming back, it’s the entrepreneurial spirit of broadcasting and sharing ideas that contain value. Creating a great product or service for my customers is the most important thing. If it sucks, I’m not excited about it I won’t believe in it. But if I do, I’m all in. Sort of like I am now.
Scope creep happens and sometimes its for the best!
Godspeed!