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Out of context: Reply #74291
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- PonyBoy10
I've hit that point where I'm not sure what to do / what route to go.
For 20+ years I've been mainly freelance... lots of branding, graphic design, animation... built tons of websites etc etc. I've worked with and for a number of 'you' over the years (thanks!).
I had to move 3k KM that way (*points left) about a year ago. The move didn't hurt any connections / work but it has trapped me in the middle of Nowhere, New England w/no Agencies / Design houses in site without driving 2 hours down to Boston. All my client relationships remained intact when I moved however shit is changing / work has slowed down (waaaay down w/some of my clients).
I've spread myself around over time (many clients going at one time) but I won't lie... I'm a bit cooked. I need a break... I wouldn't mind working for ONE shop and just one shop. FUCK Mom & Pop businesses BTW - they're all consolidating their shit these days and all that time and effort put in w/ a good chunk of them has NOT paid off... I think I've made the decision that I will no longer take in those sort of projects regardless of what I do (they never end and pay about 1/3 of what they should).
I'm turning 48... I've almost always been in business for myself. I honestly don't know where I stand / what I'm qualified for in terms of in-house work. I've never referred to myself as anything but a Graphic Designer and then I proceed to share various pieces of work showcasing my various skillsets... I've never gone hungry / had any cashflow issues (that weren't of my own making / stupidity)... the work always seems to be there. It's just... I'm cooked. I don't want to keep at the pace I'm moving (I CAN'T keep at the pace I'm moving) ...I'm right at the edge of burning out... my health is effected (as is my marriage)... and I'm not really interested in having another fucking heart attack.
Anyone in this spot? Are there jobs out there for full time freelance folks w/no specific title who has played just about every role? Ideally I'd like to find that full-time / work-from-home gig working w/an actual team w/defined roles etc... I'm about to go into research mode / put together a folio... I'm a little scared though. I'm pushing 50 and have always worked 'for me'... anyone know anybody who made the shift from being their own boss most of their life to finding an agency-type gig? Did they fit right in? What positions where they qualified for?
- look for remote only jobs, there are many job boards. and crypto is very remote, if you are willing to risk it, still jobs there.shapesalad
- https://cryptojobsli…
https://cryptojobsli…shapesalad - remote jobs are great - my co workers all thought I was 7 years younger than I actually am, cos they can't see the grey hair on the back of my head. lolshapesalad
- and 720p web cameras blur out the wrinklesshapesalad
- Also I find crypto jobs are more 'relaxed' team setups (well in FTX's case it was way too relaxed) and so you can be more 'freelance' than micromanaged.shapesalad
- ffs shape, PonyBoy's a bit of an ass sometimes, but he's not a total fucking soulless dickhead that should be taken out back and shot in the face.Nairn
- lol, Nairn—I actually posted a couple crypto jobs a few weeks back in the crypto thread—I suppose I had that coming (I would probably take the jobs). thx shape!PonyBoy
- Hi Kev. I think I'm in the "same" situation now, lost a pair of big clients, things are slowing (only a bit on my side) but I'm taking some days off to focus...OBBTKN
- Need it, but to take energy, rest, learn new skills and re-invent myself. Back to in-house is a no no for me, before I prefer to switch career ;)OBBTKN
- Good luck, and all the best my friend!OBBTKN
- Yeah I’m in this boat too. I moved to a small regional city about 10 years ago as was done with big city life. Was at an agency for 2 of the years when I...thumb_screws
- I first moved down and have been freelance/contract for the bulk of that time. Working from home (sleeping at work) for most of it. Been pretty close to burnoutthumb_screws
- Trying to figure out what to do next. I’ve chatted with a few smaller agencies where the broader skill set seems advantageous.thumb_screws
- Working in crypto?! Watch out bro https://www.linkedin…********
- I’ve reached out to existing bigger clients to see if they have In house remote roles going too. If you are wanting to slow up and have a more defined work lifethumb_screws
- balance, I reckon this could be a solid option. Hit up contacts at bigger shops let them know what you are thinking. If they know this is the direction you wantthumb_screws
- go, something could fall out of it.thumb_screws
- Hey man I’m hope things work out. There seems to be more work in UX these days especially for remote jobs, if you’re into that.Chimp
- https://www.designjo…milfhunter
- Nevermind. My link is only for London based studiosmilfhunter
- agree to milfhunter, position yourself as UX/UI designer. There are plenty of workzaq
- ^ There are UX Designer, UX Lead positions that are fully remote. Indeed sends me like 20 a week. Pay ranges from 80 - 200kBonSeff
- yeah I feel ya. "I never wanted to work a 9-5 so I work 24/7 instead."_niko
- Good luck with it all pony. Let us know how you get on.thumb_screws
- I appreciate the kind words and advice (thumb etc). I'll def. post what I decided to do/how things worked out down the road if I'm not killed by the process :)PonyBoy