Hello all.

Anonymous

July 11,2022 at 8:20AM UTC

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Hello all.

I'm 43 years old, for 2 years now I've been the person that oversees production from start to finish on custom orders of patio furniture cushions. I also sew, am knowledgeable with fabrics, textiles etc. I dabble in design but I am no pro. Artsy, crafty, love to design and build.. That being said.. I'm being persuaded to go back to school for a degree in business( entrepreneurial) and I just don't think that it's the right path. But what is? There's no crafty degrees out there... I'm so lost... Any advice? Please

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AnonymousJuly 11,2022 at 1:31PM UTC
Who is persuading you? Are you looking to branch out on your own? Need a change and don't know if you should start your own business? If you don't think business school is the right path and you aren't committed to business/entrepreneurship, then school would be a waste of time and resources. If you do want to start your own business and could benefit from understanding marketing, financing/money management, etc., then start by taking one targeted class and see if you like it. I'd also recommend finding people who you admire IRL or on social media (if that's your thing) and cherry picking what you like about what they're doing with their business to see if you can incorporate that into your plans. Good luck!
Rosamond CopeJuly 11,2022 at 7:22PM UTC
Thank you
AnonymousJuly 11,2022 at 2:41PM UTC
Don't every allow yourself to be persuaded to do anything. Especially something you know is nit a correct step for you.
I would consider anything in design, art or related. Consider doing some informational interviews with people you admire and learn more about how they built their career and share your question of career path. Surely there must be people who's work is something inspiring to you. Start there.
Also, find online career tests to determine what your natural inclinations are. How you think, matched with possible careers. Also, your local community College counselors might be good resources to help point you to resources that might augment your research.
It's a bit of a process but we'll worth your time.
Rosamond CopeJuly 11,2022 at 7:21PM UTC
Thank you
KatJuly 11,2022 at 8:32PM UTC
Unless you want to run your own business (doing this or something else) you don't need a business degree. You might want to check out a trade or technical school instead. You can take classes in upholstery, carpentry, woodworking, jewelry making, building trades and/or interior design. If you find a field you like, you can get an Associate's Degree in about 2 years. Even if you don't get an AA, taking these type of classes will let you learn new skills and improve the ones you have. They can also connect you with job leads (instructors and other students) or possibly commission you to do pieces for projects being worked on. You don't need a degree to be successful at being crafty. Start a store or Etsy or someplace similar (or exhibit at local craft fairs to sell pieces you've made and take custom orders if that's something you'd like doing.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 12,2022 at 8:27PM UTC
Please don't let someone - anyone - "persuade" you into investing YOUR time into doing something you are not 10000% onboard with.
What would you do with a business degree? Not what other people think you might or could or should do with one - what do you see yourself doing with that business degree?
Why are you considering getting a degree in the first place? You can learn lots of things without getting a degree. There are plenty of art classes you could take, carpentry classes, welding, jewelry making, etc.
I would recommend you check out your local community college's course listings - you could take a bunch of classes - explore multiple different options and see if one ignites a passion.
AnonymousJuly 12,2022 at 9:48PM UTC
I have an MBA, and you don't need a degree to run a business or be successful in other fields. Where are you interested in heading? I'd try to use that as your guide. One suggestion to investigate is museum preparator or technician.