Career

Danise from West Hamlin, WV, asked:

Hi Julie, 

Since I listen to your podcast every week, I know you’ve helped so many people by giving them a glimmer of hope and direction. 

About 6 months ago I emailed you and said that I felt a huge change was going to happen in my life. It has now happened.

I was let go from a job with people I love and with whom I’ve worked for the past 17 years. A job in which I have 30 years experience.

I’m a newspaper graphic designer and have ink in my blood. I’m 57 years old and am now faced with trying to figure out what the next stage of my life is to be.

Julie, I don’t know where to turn. I’ve never been fired from a job. In fact when I was let go I was told it was a business decision and that they loved my work. I guess they couldn’t afford me anymore. Can you help me please?

Hi Danise,

My heart goes out to you as you go through this metamorphosis into the next chapter of your life.

I understand how scary it is to be laid off since it happened to me when I was 24. In my case however, I used it as a path to figure out where I wanted to live and what I wanted to do. Within two weeks I interviewed for and was offered several positions. I accepted one and moved to Los Angeles. Since I started my first company there, met my husband and got married there, had my son there, invented surgical devices and founded several other companies there, and loved living there for 15 years, I can honestly say, my being laid off ended up being a huge blessing. I believe the same can and will happen for you.

When I ask if it’s in your best interest to stay in the graphic arts field, I get a YES. When I ask if it’s in your best interest to stay in the newspaper graphic arts field, I also get a YES – with a caveat. When I ask if it’s in your best interest to broaden your scope to include non-newspaper graphics projects, once again I get a YES (that’s the caveat). 

Now, some suggestions …

In the short run, I “got” it may be a good idea for you to contemplate an online career. Everything is digital and there’s no reason you can’t work from home.

1) Look into becoming a freelance graphic artist on sites like Elance and Fiverr. It can bring in immediate income, get your name out there and perhaps lead to a permanent position somewhere.

2) Consider volunteering at a local high school, college, or university. You could share your knowledge with students who will most likely educate you on the newest trends in the world of graphics. This could create opportunities for you to network with adults and kids alike. And who knows, some of those kids may have parents and/or acquaintances whose companies need your skills.

3) Listen to the Design Matters podcast by Debbie Millman. Debbie is an award-winning graphic artist and co-founder and professor at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Tim Ferris says, “She’s designed everything from wrapping paper to beach towels, greeting cards to playing cards, notebooks to t-shirts and Star Wars merchandise to global Burger King rebrands.” I believe she has been involved with the packaging design of close to 20% of the products found in most grocery stores.

Even though Debbie isn’t a newspaper graphic artist, the fact she came to my mind when thinking of you tells me you’ll glean ideas from listening to her show.

Another reason may be Debbie is responsible for one of my favorite quotes, one that’s applicable to all of us and especially you in your current situation. That quote is, “Hard decisions are only hard when you’re in the process of making them.”

Follow your passion, take one step at a time, and trust you’ll be led to the next step.

Good luck on your new adventure. I truly believe it’s going to be terrific for you!