First off, let me just say: you’re not off track, you’re on your track. A lot of us start down one path (hello, business management) and then life taps us on the shoulder like, “Hey, you actually like this other thing.” That’s not failure—it’s clarity.
From what you’ve shared, I hear two strong themes:
You light up when you create something with your hands and see tangible results.
You value people, connection, and contributing to society.
Those are not opposites—they actually blend beautifully. Careers that mix hands-on work with serving people do exist, and they tend to feel really fulfilling. A few paths that come to mind:
Skilled Trades / Craft Professions: Think sign making, graphic design, woodworking, fabrication, or even technical trades like HVAC or electrical. These let you make things and literally see the results of your effort every day.
Design & Creative Fields: If you like the process of turning ideas into real, usable things, graphic design, industrial design, or even marketing/branding could tie your hands-on creativity with your people side.
Community-Oriented Roles: Nonprofits, community development, or customer-facing jobs in industries you care about. This way, you still meet new people and feel your work helps society.
Hybrid Careers: Jobs like project management in creative industries (construction, sign making, events) give you the structure of business + the joy of seeing things built + plenty of people interaction.
Here’s my HR advice: instead of forcing yourself to pick one box (“creative” OR “business”), explore where they overlap. Do some job shadowing, try side projects, or talk to people working in these fields. Notice what excites you when you imagine doing it every day.
And remember—you’re not behind. You’re building a career that fits you, not just a résumé that checks a box. That curiosity you have right now? That’s the best career fuel.
