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It’s never too late to start your dream job. And I should know!

By Jen Bishop •

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I’m grateful for many things in life (great husband, supportive friends, healthy family) but the thing that makes me pinch myself on a regular basis is doing what I really, truly love, and that is writing this blog. For me, this is not just a hobby but a full-time job, my small business, my hopes and dreams for the future and hopefully something I can one day work around having a family.

Until you do what you love, you don’t realise how unfulfilled you were in your previous jobs or what a rare privilege it is to be in such a position. So often, people tell me they’d love to be doing something else but for whatever reason (age, family commitments, mortgage, what other people would think or the feeling of obligation to look after other people first) they think they’ve left it too late. I have become quite evangelical about telling people it’s never too late.

If you really want it, go get it! It might mean working really hard, or effectively having two jobs for a while (which is what it felt like when I had a full-time job as editor of a business magazine while I also put as much, if not more energy and work into my then non-money-making blog). Yes, you may have to sacrifice something you can no longer afford because you’re paying for some extra study or costs to set up your own business, but if you really want to do it, I urge you to go for it.

When I was retrenched 18 months ago, I could have leapt into another full-time senior editorial job. I was planning a wedding that needed paying for, I was 31, I was keen to get on the property ladder and, in the not too distant future, start a family, so the safe route was the obvious one. Starting a business – a blog for goodness’ sake – was not the obvious decision and I’m not, by nature, a risk taker. But for whatever reason, I went for it. I worked my butt off (I still do) and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve never worked harder but I’ve never enjoyed it more.

People tell me all the time that they’d love to get into interiors and think they’d be really good at it, but they’ve left it too late. It’s never too late! It’s a cliché I know, but there really is nothing so fulfilling as being paid to do what you love.

Did you know you can study interior architecture online through Open Universities Australia? You can do a bachelor degree or one of many 13-week units which might be enough to make you realise if you do, or don’t, actually know what the job of an interior designer entails and if it’s for you. Interior Bites, for example, is a fully online introductory unit about the tools of the interior designer and how they are integrated into interior architecture. With a holistic approach, aspects covered include colour and light, lighting, materials, finishes and decoration, noise, furniture and furnishings, technology and structure.

If you, like me, wanted to start your own business, interiors-related or otherwise, you might look at something like Issues in Small Business Management (again, 13 weeks) or something more specific like Digital Video Projects (I could do with that one myself!) or Foundations of Marketing. You don’t have to do a whole degree, but you might like to keep adding units until you eventually do!

Even if it doesn’t lead to a career change, I personally think there’s nothing like stretching the old brain! Learning for learning’s sake can be rewarding and enjoyable too. A few years ago, in the UK, I completed two thirds of a degree in international studies and frankly, I don’t care that I didn’t (and maybe never will) complete it. I felt, having gone straight into journalism after high school, I wasn’t ready to leave the world of study completely, and I really enjoyed it. (Yes, I am a bit of a nerd!) It was flexible and worked around my unusual hours as a newspaper reporter and my long distance relationship.

Are you one of the lucky ones already living the dream, doing something you love and getting paid for it? Is there something else you’d rather be doing that you’ve kind of given up on or told yourself it’s too late for? Have you done any online study? I’d love to hear your experiences!

Open Universities Australia knows all about flexible online learning and the fact people need to fit studying around their jobs and families. There are a whole host of student support services available, including free tutorial support, student coaching and counselling as well as access to FEE HELP. Why not explore your options today?

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February 13, 2014

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Victorians, are you still allowed to have gas in y Victorians, are you still allowed to have gas in your home? We share the ins and outs on what you need to know about the new rule in Victoria when it comes to your energy.

The good news is, for most people nothing will change, however if you are planning a new build/renovation that requires a planning permit – you will need to speak to your builder to get your permit lodged before 1 January 2024!

 We’re here to answer all your questions with the help of @australiangasnetworks! Read more via link in bio now.

 #cookingongas #gaspower #gasconnection #australiangasnetworks #australiangas #australiangasnetworks #gasappliances #gascooker #gasfireplace #gasbarbecue #gasfire #gasstove #gashotwater #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #realrenos
Our ever popular top places to buy Australian bed Our ever popular top places to buy Australian bed linen online post has been updated for 2023! Head to the blog now via link in bio to get some bedroom inspiration!

Whether you liked classic stripes, fun florals, moody linen or cotton covers, we have something for you!

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The owner of Noosa homewares and furniture mecca @ The owner of Noosa homewares and furniture mecca @coastalvintage, Sally Oulton travels the globe looking for amazing interior finds. And now you can join her on one of her bespoke interior sourcing tours to Bali where you’ll be taken far from the crowds to discover the best homewares and furniture that the Indonesian paradise has to offer. Read all about it via link in bio.

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Just capturing Mr 5 here before he stops going to Just capturing Mr 5 here before he stops going to daycare and preschool next month and becomes a school boy. All the feels 😭❤️🙏🏻
Need a great housewarming gift under $200? Bonus, Need a great housewarming gift under $200?

Bonus, you can use these as inspiration for Christmas gifts too, for the interiors Addict in your life.

Trust us, they'd be delighted to receive any of these and there are even more ideas with links on the blog too, via link in bio now.

You're welcome!

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At home with interior stylist @emma.blomfield Sw At home with interior stylist @emma.blomfield 

Swipe for a sneak peek of the before and afters and head to the blog now via link in bio to see how Emma transformed her Art Deco apartment on Sydney's lower north shore.

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Photos by @joe_cheng
Christmas scents are an integral part of festive d Christmas scents are an integral part of festive decorating for me!

It's time for our annual Christmas candle roundup and I swear what's on offer gets better by the year! The packaging too! All of these would make wonderful gifts (hint hint 😉).

I always treat myself to a Christmas candle and buy a few as gifts. You can't go wrong!

Whether you like a more traditional fir kind of fragrance or something more reminiscent of Aussie summertime, we've got you covered. There's even a fragrance free beeswax option.

Head to the blog via link in bio to find all these with pricing and links to buy.

Do you treat yourself to a Christmas candle each year? If not, we really think you should start!

#christmascandle #christmascandles #christmascandlelight
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Give your bathroom a makeover without a full reno. Give your bathroom a makeover without a full reno.

Great ideas from @missapriltowels on the blog today via link in bio.

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You can also search on the website for our top hand soap pump finds!

#handtowel #handtowels #handsoaps #handwash #bathroomstyling
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 10 years. She is mum to two young boys and lives in Sydney.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarHelen Barker says

    February 14, 2014 at 12:41 am

    A great blog post Jen and very inspirational 🙂

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      February 14, 2014 at 9:08 pm

      Glad you enjoyed it Helen 🙂

  2. AvatarKat Whitwell says

    February 14, 2014 at 12:00 pm

    Hi Jen,

    I loved loved loved reading this article! I am a week away from finishing my first year of a BA in Visual Culture/Arts via Open Universities which is very exciting.
    12 months ago I made the decision to leave a very stressful & non-creative 10 year career as an Event Manager to pursue my dreams. Thankfully I have a very supportive (emotionally & financially) husband who encouraged me to take time and indulge in my creativeness which I hope can take me into a career in interiors.
    I too thought I had left it too late as for me, turning 30 wasn’t my scary age but turning 31 was!! Having a mortgage and an ‘almost done’ renovation we have made some serious sacrifices to allow me to have this opportunity but I just know we will look back in a few years and hopefully be thankful that I took the plunge and will continue to not looked back! Next steps are to get myself into the industry and to also do what I too, truly really love!
    Kat 🙂

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      February 14, 2014 at 9:08 pm

      I’m so happy you were brave enough to make the move and have a supportive husband as that makes all the difference!

  3. AvatarTheLoverList says

    February 14, 2014 at 12:02 pm

    Like Helen said, this is really inspiring and now you’ve got me thinking about a much bigger dream and desire to make some changes in my life! B xx

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      February 14, 2014 at 9:08 pm

      Oh good! Don’t put it in the too hard basket. Write it down somewhere and make it happen!

  4. AvatarLucy Roberts says

    February 14, 2014 at 4:16 pm

    Perfectly timed post Jen,

    Just the inspirational kick up the butt I needed to get me into gear.

    My goal is to get on to a course or enroll in online study so I can get started on my dream job of interior styling and architecture…

    I have a long way to go but just know I’m going to love the journey, as like you, I’m a bit of a nerd and LOVE LEARNING!

    Thanks Jen.

    x

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      February 14, 2014 at 9:07 pm

      All the best with it Lucy! Reach for the stars!

  5. AvatarHeidi Shaw says

    February 14, 2014 at 5:57 pm

    At 38 I began a midwifery degree, 3yrs down, 1 to go and I too am living and breathing proof it’s never too late to chase your dream!!!

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      February 14, 2014 at 9:07 pm

      Good for you! I have a friend in London who started as a midwife and later became a tube driver! How’s that for career change?!

  6. AvatarDonna says

    February 14, 2014 at 11:39 pm

    Amen to that! I studied Interior Styling last year and this year I’ve moved on to Interior Design. I was reading The Australian Ugliness by Robin Boyd last weekend and suddenly everything clicked. I kicked myself for not going into architecture out of high school like I had always dreamed… but am now thoroughly enjoying the learning. Which is something I didn’t enjoy in high school. Which means it’s perfect timing now! It’s never too late to follow your dreams. There’s so much work involved… but I love it and it doesn’t feel like work. I’ve surprised myself by tackling the ‘too hard pile’ – something I’ve always avoided. I’ve learned more about myself than any self-help book. And now I’ve gone on and on! Thank you for following your dreams… we love the resourcefulness and interaction you bring to the industry!

  7. AvatarJacqui Fir says

    February 15, 2014 at 9:19 pm

    Hi Jen,

    I Loved your article on it’s never too late to start your dream job. I’m turning 50 this year and the kids are all grown up. I’m not loving what I do for a living and have always wanted to study architecture or interior design. All the people that responded to your article that had started something new when they were in their 30’s. I don’t think that’s old as there is plenty of time from your thirties. Do you think starting something new at 50 is just a bit too late or should I look at it as doing it just for the love of learning. I would love to hear what you think.

    Jacqui

  8. AvatarElaine says

    February 16, 2014 at 10:38 am

    Well said Jen and as I have just started my own blog after thinking about it for so long it is also good timing and inspiring : )

    http://myinteriorslife.com

  9. AvatarLauren says

    February 16, 2014 at 7:46 pm

    I’ve just discovered your blog and this post has come at such a perfect time for me. Thank you for the inspiration, as well as the suggestions on where to find more information!

  10. AvatarMelissa says

    February 16, 2014 at 10:50 pm

    Hi Jen,
    I just came across your website by chance and read your post which I think must be a sign. Literally two days ago I was ringing around a few of the design schools and looking at starting an interior stylist course via online. I’ve been thinking about doing it for some time now and just tonight was sussing out whether I could turn my husbands work bench in the garage to be my study space!!! Sometimes we get a sign and I think your topic is very timely and might be the tipping point of me booking in for the course this week. Thanks for the inspiration.
    I’d love to pick Donna’s (one of your followers who left a comment earlier) brain about her thoughts on the interior stylist course. How can I get in touch with her?
    Thanks

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      February 16, 2014 at 10:53 pm

      Love that timing! I have emailed Donna and asked if she minds me passing on her email. Good luck! Jen

  11. Avatarsue says

    February 16, 2014 at 11:05 pm

    amen! i started studying interior design a month before my 38th birthday whilst juggling a demanding full-time job… i graduated, left my well paying job & went on to become a 41 year-old intern in order to get my foot in the door… my second (& third) internship was at 42, and now i’m working in a busy, dynamic studio taking on projects i never dreamed imaginable! it’s heart breakingly hard at times, starting from scratch… and scary… but fear is just a sign you’re alive! 😉

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      February 16, 2014 at 11:07 pm

      Now THAT is commitment to doing what you love. Good for you, Sue! I love hearing stories like this! Jen

  12. AvatarScrapbook of style says

    February 17, 2014 at 6:57 am

    This blog post wS written for me. I’ve been saying for the longest time that I would love to do something in the interiors area, and the stars just aligned for me. I have just started my own blog and I wake up excited every day! Thanks for the encouragement!!!!!

  13. AvatarScrapbook of style says

    February 17, 2014 at 6:57 am

    Would love some tips on how to grow your blog audience!

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