Feeling stuck in tech consulting role - need advice on switching to creative career path

Management consulting Management consulting careers and networking
1

Hi everyone,

I’m really struggling with job satisfaction right now. I work as a tech consultant doing mostly ERP implementations and system selections. Started this job right after college in 2022. The money is decent and my team is nice, but the actual work feels soul crushing to me.

I have zero interest in enterprise software. I don’t want to spend my days discussing invoice processing workflows or scheduling demos with supply chain software vendors. None of this stuff excites me at all. I think part of the problem is that I studied literature in college while most of my colleagues have backgrounds in business or engineering.

I keep applying to other positions but I’m struggling to translate my current experience into something different. I really don’t want to just jump to another consulting firm doing similar work. What I really want is to join a team that builds products or works on brand strategy. The challenge is that most interesting roles I find want design portfolio work or creative experience that I simply don’t have yet.

Any suggestions on where to focus my job search? I was at a cafe yesterday and overheard some people brainstorming ideas for their project and it reminded me of the collaborative energy I loved in school. I want to work on something innovative and creative instead of just figuring out data migration timelines or software architecture decisions. My literature background makes me crave more writing and creative thinking. I never want to see another enterprise platform again!

I’m based in Chicago if anyone has local connections. Happy to take a salary hit for better work satisfaction. I know this is kind of vague so feel free to ask questions to help me figure this out.

2

Your literature background is actually a huge asset! Content strategy roles at startups bridge creative writing with business strategy perfectly. Start building writing samples now - even personal projects count!

3

lol another ERP consultant having an existential crisis. Welcome to the club. You’re gonna struggle transitioning to creative roles without actual creative work to show. Everyone wants to be the ideas person, but companies need proof you can execute. Start doing creative stuff on weekends - write articles, help friends with side projects, whatever. Don’t expect anyone to hire you for brand strategy just because you hate invoice workflows. That collaborative cafe energy you’re romanticizing? It’s like 10% of real creative jobs anyway.

4

Tech consulting’s actually a great foundation for creative work - you’ve got project management, client communication, and analytical thinking that agencies and product teams love. I’d look at UX writing roles since they blend your lit background with tech experience perfectly. Companies desperately need people who can make complex technical stuff sound human and approachable. Volunteer with nonprofits to build portfolio pieces, or help local businesses with their content strategy. Chicago’s got tons of fintech and SaaS companies looking for content designers - they’ll love that you get both the technical and creative sides. Your ERP background gives you serious credibility when writing about complex products.