Career status: Love it, but...!

‘It’s complicated’.

I call myself a “doer of dreams”!

Whether it was studying fashion, working in Mumbai, starting my craft-based label or collaborating with other sustainable and mindful businesses - these were all dreams that were 'done' eventually!

Two years ago, I dreamt of branching out of fashion and crafts. And hence, here I am venturing into travel storytelling and more.

I enjoy the process of realizing something that is still imaginary! I have always loved working in start-ups alongside a founder full of passion and a little dream!

But currently, I feel I am struggling to answer the professional question of “What do I do?”

I have dabbled in many things and have been the first or sometimes the only team member of many projects. So, I am wondering what I should call myself - entrepreneur, creator, founding member, project builder, storyteller, manager?

The name of a role has not been a big deal for me but now I am wondering if I should care about it?

Without being modest and yet respectful, how can I let the professional world know that I have helped founders realize their dreams and turn their visions into reality, from a thought to a company launched?

While some experiences with brilliant mentors have been fulfilling, the grim reality is that not everyone wants to give you the credit you are due. You probably have to flaunt it a bit, which in itself is super awkward for introverts like me.

I’m writing this as I’m getting ready to apply and look for new gigs for the new year with just a simple goal: Travel more, write more, create more.

And I am in a dilemma about the direction I need to take. Should I go towards creating a new brand with a new dreamer? Or look for working with a well-established company?

The sweet spot isn't about the company size; it is about the culture. I want to be around people where quality matters, where health (physical & mental) matters, where a sense of initiative matters and where one is encouraged to take off days to figure out all the productive and lazy ways one can spend a Sunday.

Currently, I’m at a phase where I love working with startups and dread them too!

I love everything about the work I have been doing all these years and yet there is a pinch of confusion in my heart that I can’t put an exact word to it. Maybe it is a pinch of self-doubt, nervousness, fear and excitement of an uncertain future.

Yet, I remember a quote - “Make friends with uncertainty!” and a promise I had made to myself two years ago - to spend at least 50% of my time enjoying the present.

So, with that thought, some caffeine kick and a to-do list for January, I start refreshing my resume as the first step towards new meaningful work, alongside updating my travel list for 2025!

I'm actively looking forward to new opportunities - so if you need someone to create and grow alongside, feel free to drop me a message.

P.S. I’m new to Substack. A big thank you for reading the weekend ramblings of my currently confused mind.

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I am Namrata Gohain, a designer-turned-storyteller, writer and content producer. I document stories on responsible travel, crafts, cuisine, slow living and my creative journey.

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