There's No Place Like Content Design

Life sometimes feels like a scene from The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy wakes up, surrounded by familiar faces, and realizes she was home all along. Her whirlwind journey taught her about courage, heart, and intellect—qualities she had all along. That’s how my career shift has felt.

Unemployment has been its own journey. It pushed me to confront what I want in a job, what I don’t, and where my skills and passions align. When I first heard the term "content designer," it clicked. That’s what I’ve been doing: crafting words, visuals, and experiences that make sense and guide people without overwhelming them. It felt like finding the right label for my skills.

But like Dorothy’s trip to Oz, my path hasn’t been straightforward. I explored UX design, questioning if I should branch into user interfaces or broader design roles. Along the way, I learned that my strength—and passion—has always been in writing. Someone pointed out that it’s okay to lean into what you’re good at, and it hit me: content design brings together everything I love about writing, teaching, and creating intuitive experiences.

The realization was freeing. I’ve been doing what I love all along; I just didn’t have the right frame for it. Now, I see how my journey—bootcamps, mentors, career coaches—helped refine my focus. It’s been challenging, but I’ve gained clarity, confidence, and new perspectives. The road here wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.

So, here I am, back to where I started, but with a clearer sense of purpose. Content design isn’t just a job title—it’s the culmination of everything I’ve been working toward. Sometimes, like Dorothy, we need a journey to realize we’ve been on the right path all along.