Before RVing I had a wonderful job as a graphic designer at The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. I have a degree in and passion for design. Art and design will always be part of my life.

But on the road I chose to focus on writing, photography, painting, weaving, drawing, and dance – other ways of being creative that I hadn’t had time for while working.

When I returned to Austin the natural decision would have been to plunge back into regular office work at a design firm or as an in-house designer. I did apply, and even interviewed a bit, but I found that my approach lacked enthusiasm and I realized I wasn’t ready to return to a desk.

I started considering other professions. Soon my “just in case I don’t land a design job immediately” options became my most exciting and sought-after job options.

I landed at Whole Foods, a company I have always admired, at the flagship store (which I have often hung out in), working at the juice bar.

So far the experience has been tremendous. I love the physicality of the job (combined with my bike commute, it has made me stronger than ever) and the constant interaction with people. I also love that my coworkers are generally happy, idealistic people who try to make the world a better place.

The company is very supportive of its employees and I was immediately asked what future I’d like to have with it…

It didn’t take me long to meet the marketing team and land a couple shifts with them. They taught me how to paint the chalk boards that decorate the store and how to make some holiday displays. It was fun to feel crafty and to get to know new parts of the massive, maze-like store. I will continue to pursue opportunities to use my art and design skills at Whole Foods. And in the meantime I’m picking up some freelance design work and joining an art club.