I remember when I was a kid in the fifth grade looking at the clock waiting for 45 minutes to pass so I could get out of class(pick any). Now, days are flying and years seem like that 45 minute class to end. Quick and unapologetic.
One year ago today I was “let go” from my previous employer where I was the Multimedia producer for four years. That day, when I drove straight home and told my wife I was unemployed, was the hardest thing I’ve had to do… at this point. The emotions of fear, anxiety and lack of confidence hung to the back of my throat suppressing my adam’s apple. Where do I get the money for our mortgage and car payments and all the other debts I’ve accumulated through my young adult life?
To be honest I was looking for other work while I was at my previous employer. I was very unhappy there. They did me the favor and pushed me out the door.
Since going through that door into the world of freelancing I scratch my head and can’t believe what this past year has brought me. First and foremost it has brought my wife and I so much closer. Professionally I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing people and worked on some projects that will elevate my career moving forward. The contacts I’ve made are great, the best thing about this line of work is you get to know the product or service you are working on. I enjoy learning, it took me more than 20 years to figure that out but when I work with a client I want to know exactly what they doing to make their video or presentation that much stronger.
What about another secure job? I don’t know if I can honestly go back to another one gig wonder M-F 8-5. I’ve had some interviews with some great companies and I can honestly say I was not excited about getting back in the workforce. When I say workforce I have to be clear, working in an office environment probably would not suit me. What would? Working in a boutique with like-minded creative individuals that feed off of each others ideas minus the egos. Does a place like that exists? If it does, hire me! If not, it will.
3 responses so far ↓
1 Jarod // Jul 9, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Nice! I am glad you are continuing to use your creative talents.
2 Marina Martin // Jul 10, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Here in Seattle, I’m part of a co-working space called Giraffe Labs. We rented some industrial (read: cheap) office space in a popular/easily accessible area downtown and everyone pitches in $100 each month for access ($150 for 24-hour key access). This way we can all get the water cooler atmosphere when our home offices get lonely, but don’t actually have to return to the 9-5 life.
I’m glad to hear your year on your own has gone so well! I love watching people break out on their own and escaping the corporate grind. (Helping people get paying gigs through Elastic Lab means I get to see this a lot!)
3 Andy Coon // Jul 10, 2008 at 11:28 pm
I hear about those environments and that is great! I wish we had one here in Greensboro. I get distracted by the dog, dirty dishes and other house chores when I don’t have work.
I love my experience with Elastic Labs. How do I know when more work is ready for me? I can’t take on to much more at the moment but I’d love to get an update on projects. What a great concept you have.
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