| Topic Name: |
Going through the almost 30 career crisis! |
| Message Name: |
Starving artist |
| Date Posted: |
04/22/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
I have been working as a Graphic Designer for about 7 years. I have learned alot from all my jobs but I have come to discover that I don't really enjoy my work and I think about a career change.
My passion is my art (I am a painter) but it is really hard to break into galleries and I am not ready (I would have to crank out more paintings before I approach any galleries and that takes time).
I need a job in the meantime. I am at the point right now that I am too overqualified for some positions and I thought about doing administrative work (I know how to use a computer fairly well and can type over 45 wpm), but since I have all this design experience, most companies for administrative positions won't give me a change because I don't technically have experience doing administrative. I know I can do the job but the past design jobs are getting in the way. Since the economy is so bad I am still looking for design positions as well as administrative.
The big question from most potential employers is "Why don't you want to work in the design industry anymore?" or "Why do you want to make the switch from design to administrative work?" I don't quite know how to answer that, I have trouble believing the answer so would they possibly believe it? |
| Message: |
I don't mean to laugh amid all this sorrow, but the cliche was just too tempting.
As a graphic designer, I'm sure you have more skills than the obvious ones related to color, shape, and texture. You should now be comfortable working with clients who are clueless as to what they need done, with departments that have outrageous expectations as to what can be done, and with budgets that determine what really can be done. YOu should be well-versed with negotiation, judgement, partnering skills. These are highly valuable skills any employer would want. So why just limit yourself to an admin position? I think you're selling yourself short.
Yes, you have to eat. But there has to be a job out there that combines your passion with the realities of the job market. Have you considered partnering with a design or an architectural firm? How about working in an art store? How about selling some of your pieces on e-bay?
"Why don't you want to work in your industry anymore?" Because you feel that to stay sharp and marketable, you need to take educated risks and challenge yourself over and above your comfort zone.
"Why admin work?" My guess is because you haven't yet truly explored other possibilities. Let's not get lazy out there. You'll lose your perfect interim job to someone else!
Just a thought. Could you show your works at a local library or senior center or dentist's office or any other public place? Get your work out there. Get your name out there. Why wait for that perfect time when you have all the perfect paintings you want. This perfect time will never happen. The perfect time is now.
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