Career transitioning while adapting to a changing world

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I often reflect on the famous phrase, "The more things change, the more they stay the same." It feels nearly impossible to grasp its meaning today. As I sit here contemplating my plans, the backdrop of ongoing trade tensions and tariff disputes creates a sense of uncertainty.

I try to tell myself it's a bigger nightmare than me and a fight in the schoolyard, but I am out of earshot of the fray. Trying to tune it all out is challenging because I fear that ignoring the issue will make it harder to strategize my plans. Finding my Zen also needs to include putting my ear on the rail.

The geographical transition: it's not just a new licence plate.

I am currently in a career transition during one of my adult life's most economically and politically challenging times. I migrated from Alberta to Vancouver Island in 2021 but haven't yet found my groove here. In Alberta, I thrived and gained valuable experience, which has shaped who I am today, along with some learning scars. I worked as an economic developer in local government in Alberta, but my experience here has been quite different.

The island's economic development approach has a distinct vibe, philosophy and funding, placing the community at the forefront of its strategies and dependent on grants. While there is nothing wrong with using community economic development to grow a region, it differs from what I am accustomed to. In my experience, community development worked in harmony with economic development. Community economic development, which intertwines economic growth with community well-being, presents unique challenges and opportunities. Each approach has its vision, goals, and tactics. They both require the creation, implementation, and evaluation of plans. Available grants also tend to focus on community development over economic development, which aims at budgeting and strategy towards community quality of life over helping businesses and attracting investment.

In my previous roles, I collaborated with existing businesses, supporting and advocating for their concerns while working with community development organizations and professionals. I also promoted my community to attract investment and development. In community development, the focus is on enhancing the community's quality of life and providing the necessary services for success, ultimately benefiting all residents. Effective community development makes economic development much more manageable, while successful economic development—characterized by a thriving local business environment and job creation—contributes to a flourishing and happy community.

Can a community economic development strategy focus solely on one type of professional? It is generally ineffective because it lacks a comprehensive approach to both activities. Successful outcomes require collaboration among individuals with various specialties, interests, and backgrounds. A strategy for community economic development must consider conflicted advocacy, as excessive development can threaten the quality of life. Addressing issues such as "Not in My Backyard" (NIMBYism), threats to open spaces, increased density, heightened traffic, and pressure on existing community services by professionals who can effectively navigate these challenges.

Working alongside an economic development professional to find a balanced solution seems more practical for achieving community growth and cohesion. Each stakeholder can advocate and present their views to municipal administrations, First Nations, elected officials, businesses, and residents in knowledgeable, passionate, and empathetic ways. Regardless of the outcome, this collaboration would lead to well-considered solutions with strong engagement across the community. In my experience as an economic developer, I would be doing a disservice to community development work because it is not my area of expertise.

Now what? What's next?

I have a solid understanding of my strengths and weaknesses. I should avoid pursuing a new career in community services. While I am passionate about several aspects of the community where I currently live, I am uncertain if I could build a successful career in that area. Given my current situation, finding a role in economic development won't fit me right now.

I am a vision builder and storyteller, and I derive great satisfaction from helping to build brands. My ability to craft compelling narratives and my passion for brand development have been key to my success. I enjoy assisting businesses in aligning their core values and effectively communicating their messages to critical audiences, including customers, investors, and potential customers or investors.

My success over the last decade stems from a blend of experiences leading up to my municipal government work. I started as an artist and graphic designer, collaborating with small tech firms and print publishers.

I then transitioned to a large tech corporation as a creative director, where I developed a passion for marketing and communications and became familiar with "the pitch." Eventually, I entered local government, where I discovered my true niche. My first role in economic development placed me on a team that excelled in the field, and I received excellent foundational training.

With my design background and storytelling skills, I learned to pitch concepts using visuals, words, and passion, successfully guiding projects through deployment. I gained valuable experience working with several communities, eventually leading my own departments as I moved around Alberta. In my new career shift, I aim to integrate all these experiences into my specialty.

A fundamental requirement for the new role is to continue to feel I am helping ideas, products, and services thrive.

I'll find it, or I'll build it. There's a market for it because the world proves it will never be the same again.