Finding Balance: How Two Years of Corporate Design Helped Me Rediscover My Hobbies

Let’s be honest—corporate design isn’t exactly the stuff of design fantasies. There’s no constant brainstorming of creative campaigns or pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Instead, it’s all about structure, consistency, and following brand guidelines. At first glance, it can seem mundane. But over the past two years, I’ve come to appreciate the precision and functionality that corporate design brings.

The beauty of this kind of work lies in its predictability. Most projects have clear timelines and scope, leaving little room for the stress of constant creative shifts. This stability has allowed me to be highly efficient during work hours, wrapping up my responsibilities without having to sacrifice my mental energy after hours. As a working mother, having unlimited PTO has been an absolute game-changer. I don’t have to worry about scrambling for sick days or stressing when my child needs me at home. The company culture genuinely supports setting healthy boundaries between work and personal life, and that’s something I’ve fully embraced.

With this newfound time and energy, I’ve been able to dive back into hobbies I love but had long pushed aside. My crocheting skills have flourished, and I’ve even started creating seasonal inventory, something that brings me immense joy (especially with Halloween right around the corner!). It’s allowed me to blend creativity with relaxation, something I didn't have time for before. Reading, another passion of mine, has also made a comeback in my life. I now set aside time for reading, indulging in novels that had been collecting dust on my digital shelf for years. This simple pleasure feels like a luxury after a productive workday, where I can truly unplug and unwind.

I owe much of this hobby renaissance to the company’s amazing approach to work-life balance. There’s no pressure to check emails after hours or work late into the evening. Instead, there’s a respect for personal time that’s rare to find in the corporate world. This balance has made me not only happier but more productive when I’m on the clock.

While corporate design may not seem like the most sexy job to the outside world, it has provided me with something far more valuable—balance. The opportunity to focus on work during the day and explore my passions outside of it has given me a richer, more fulfilling life. It’s proof that even the "boring" jobs can sometimes lead to the most exciting personal growth.