Job Hunting...

[WannaBHomemaker]

I've only been a member of this forum for a few days but I can tell that all of you are a close-knit group that truly cares for each other. I think that is wonderful!

I've worked at my current job for almost 3 years and yesterday I realized I can no longer work under my boss.

His business (where I work) has been failing ever since it opened (6 years ago) and now he is just looking for a decent excuse to close it. He will not do anything to help us succeed, like getting a business loan to get the shop out of debt, or getting a new copier so we can better serve our full-color jobs. It's a lot more complicated than that, but that's the short story. I like the people I work with and my manager is my best friend, but I cannot be held back by this owner any longer.

So yesterday and today I have applied for 5 Graphic Design jobs in town. Unfortunately, moving isn't an option, so I may have to stay here awhile before something new becomes available. My husband and family have been telling me for awhile get a new job, and yesterday the owner snapped my last patience straw. I'm looking for a Graphics/Web Design job with a successful, growing company with good benefits.

So I wanted to ask for you all to keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I'm starting this job search! Thanks in advance!

[ChapterTwo]

Hi Autumn,

I certainly can understand that you've "had it" with your boss and with this company. I wish you lots of luck with your job applications; I took a quick peek at your website and it certainly seems you have amazing qualifications. You will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers - I hope the perfect job will fall in your lap!

And also, welcome to CL! It's nice to have you aboard. :)


Kim - Chapter Two

[WannaBHomemaker]

Thank you! I'm so glad I found this board!

[RoseMary]

Hi Wannabe~so nice to have you here! I'll keep you in my prayers. I know that the right job is out there for you some where. Keep your faith and don't get discouraged.

R~Mary

[ChapterTwo]

Autumn - I wanted to mention one thing to you...Have you checked craigslist.com in your area? I am a freelance writer and have gotten jobs that way. It's just another option...but I hope something comes of the jobs for which you've already applied! :)

[Evelyn]

WannaB:

Welcome and good luck with your job search!!

Evelyn

[dedavis]

My thoughts are with you too. Being stuck in an unpleasant work situation casts a dark shadow over your whole life.

My only advice about finding creative work is to stay open to possibility. Interesting freelance jobs or commissions will come your way, and some of those will open doors to other possibilities. Consider getting the 2008 Artist's and Graphic Designer's Market (it's a book). In the brave new digital age, it's possible to work from any location.

Best wishes.

[WannaBHomemaker]

Thank you everyone!

Kim - I perused craigslist but didn't find anything on there right now. I'll keep an eye on it though.

It's so hard to know if "work from home" stuff is real or not! I'm just ignoring all of them to be safe.

[dedavis]

It's real...I know a guy who does work for Nickelodeon from home, and he's insanely busy. My own experience is that the work comes in waves. If you need a steady paycheck, it's probably best to do something else.

[greenoak]

good luck....its a pretty rough economy out there..
..maybe you could freelance....like make up a sample of what you could offer beauty shops or lawyers or truckers etc... in labels, cards, flyers, and show them around...maybe something good would happen....
on line seems pretty hard...im on one business site where most of the members are trying to sell marketing goods or ideas....
ann
www.greenoakantiques.com
www.magpiecottage.blogspot.com

[Polly Snowbush]

Some times you just have to make concessions. Very prudent that you are keeping the job for now; always a better vantage for applying. If the job ends at least you would qualify for unemployment income and health coverage for awhile. There is always 'The Work Source' - agency contracted out by the State Employment Commision. Am sure there is one local to you. Sitting down with a counselor will get you ideas/leads to other jobs. Create a new resume and carry copies around with you. Be open to opportunity. Your bank teller, hair dresser, grocer etc all know people. Look at job hunting as an adventure - may be your dream job out there. You just have to broaden your parameters, scope. Also consider the company you are in. Maybe they are just being prudent. After all it is no easy feat to create and maintain a business. The illusion of the happy homemaker filling her days with home, hearth and creativity - rarely a reality. Just another job, poorly paid with long hours and very limiting, not always stable and no reference if you lose that position. Now a mix of the two would be ideal if you can afford it. Part time or limited full time hours in a position maybe not directly in your field where you can shine. Possibly a take off from there will occur.

[gigiG]

Best of luck~ I just know something will turn your way. It must be so hard for you to be at that job with your boss acting that way...you deserve to be happy at what you are doing. When you think about it, we are at "jobs" more than we are home :o....

Let us know what happens!

[Memmey]

Wanna...your right about this site . I have never felt more encouragement than I have here with these friends. Cyber space friends from all over the country. I love them each and everyone. I've met one in person and she was fabulous.
I just want to tell you that if you have the ability and talent then there is a place for you. I hear all the time that finding a GOOD employee is hard. Just keep on applying and you will be rewarded. Sometimes you have to give a little away to get your name out there.
When I went back to work after my divorce I was equal parts scared and broke. I bought some beautiful note cards and wrote a note offering a complimentary hair style. I offered them to real estate agents, one at the bank and a few at the law offices and I got a great response. It seems funny now how well that worked to get my work out there.
My business is very small now but after 37 years of being in this profession it is time. I have been thinking what I could do for the next 37 years of my life.....LOL

[cheapdiva]

Mem's got a new look - I like!
Everyone should be doing something they at least like doing. I'm more for loving what you do but am still working at that. I always wonder how people find unusual jobs - where is the want ad for skywriter or wildlife tagger (you know the people who band birds and the like) or even grave digger?

I just want to do things that get my creative juices going and keep me excited!!

[WannaBHomemaker]

Hi Ladies! It's great to be gone for a week from this forum and come back to find people encouraging me! I'm still on the job hunt - watching the classifieds and all - I've applied to every designer job available but haven't gotten a response yet, and it's been awhile, so I think God must want me to stick around here for a while. We've had a change in personnel which has helped the situation tremendously, but I'd still like a job with health insurance benefits! I had a few great selling weeks with my Mary Kay business and was able to purchase design software for my house, so I can start doing side jobs much more easily. I just got a new website gig too - DH's cousin has PBR bulls and I took over his website this week. One of my website customers is going to renew her contract so I'll have 3 websites I'm upkeeping for pay (a little anyway). My MIL has a shop and I have a notebook in there with price lists and stuff for people to order from - I've gotten a few orders from there and the Chamber where MIL lives has called me up for a few printing and design opportunities. Anything helps you know! You'd think between Mary Kay, website maintenance/design, graphic design, and photography that I could make some decent money!! But the problem is that there are way too many photographers and designers out there. anyway, that's all I've got for today... back to work... Thanks for all your continuous support!! :D

[WannaBHomemaker]

Hello everyone!! Hope you haven't forgotten about me!! I've taken on a new website side-job and it's been taking up all my free time PLUS the print shop where I've worked the past 3 years HAS CLOSED. The owner is probably going to file for bankruptcy. So.... I got a new job at Texas Tech University!! I'm really excited about all the state benefits I'll get and it's more pay!! I start on Monday!

I also got a tax number so I can sell my own stuff. I'm taking over several of my old jobs' customers for a little extra money too. I thought I was going to have to go completely on my own with my design and MK, but then last Friday I got offered the position at TTU, which I joyfully accepted! Some day I will go out on my own, but first we have some debt to pay off!

I hope you all are doing well! I'm so sorry I've been gone so long! I've missed you!

[gigiG]

Best of luck Autumn- Presently I work at a college, and enjoy the atmosphere- and benefits too! I also work my little biz on the side- life is busy-but fun.;)

[Memmey]

Autumn!!!! I knew you would get a good job! We have been missing you.:D Glad you are back .

[Lisa S]

Congratulations! Good luck on selling your stuff too.

[Polly Snowbush]

Terrific news! :D Your persistence paid off and you are on your way! Watch out world, here she comes...think I just heard an Aggie groan. ;)