Full name?: Vivian Nunez
Position / Job title?: Freelance Writer + Founder of Too Damn Young
1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A physical therapist…long shot away from that now. I grew up shadowing my mom at a physical therapy office and translated so much for the therapists that I was pretty sure I was going to be a PT. But, then I walked into college, fell in love with digital marketing and couldn’t stop writing articles, so I knew my passions were elsewhere.
2. Fast-forward several years/decades. How did you land (or create) your current position?
I wrote all through college, so when I graduated it was a natural progression to freelance and write for different publications. In terms of founding Too Damn Young, that came from personal experiences coupled with timing. I knew that by creating TDY I would be making my personal story extremely public, but at the same time knowing that a teenager could find solace in it was motivation enough.
3. Did you have to take on internships to get there? How important in general, do you think, are internships?
I think internships are extremely important because they give you insight into what a typical day in your desired career looks like. I majored in marketing and minored in journalism, completed internships in both areas and found a middle ground I really love, which is writing and digital marketing. Knowledge in both areas has helped me when creating my site. Interning is hard, and most times not paid, but I think it pays off in greater dividends in the long run.
4. What is the single most important piece of advice you would give to other career-minded women?
It’s okay to still be figuring things out. Everyone is and once you accept this you let inspiration in. It’s also okay to have more than one dream, you can check out a piece I wrote on this here.
5. Let’s talk about work/life balance. What does that mean to you? Is it important?
I think that there comes a time when you place more emphasis on one than on the other, but it doesn’t mean both can’t coexist. I think it’s important, at any stage you’re in, to cut yourself slack and realize that all you’re doing is more than enough.
6. If you could look into a crystal ball and see 20 years into your future, what would you want to see?
I would like to see a Vivian who has a life full of love and things she feels passionate about. I hope this includes a job I more than tolerate Mondays for, all kinds of relationships that make leaving my work at work easy, and the same dedication to family I have now. Adding a dog to the mix wouldn’t be a bad thing either.
7. What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received – career-related or otherwise?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is to make it a priority to constantly check in with myself. This way, for me at least, life is less about just existing and more about living.
8. Should you work for the money, or do what you love?
I think there’s a middle ground. You have to find a job that will give you enough to sustain yourself, so that you’re actually able to enjoy all aspects of your life without worrying about how you’re going to make it to the end of the month.
9. What is the single most important factor of a job?
For me, it’s that it has to be in line with my values. I can’t feel that any part of who I am is being compromised when I take a job.
10. If you married a millionaire husband and didn’t have to work, would you? (Be honest.)
I would continue to work. I would dedicate my time to growing Too Damn Young into all I want it to be.
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