LorraineDesign

Well, a week ago I posted about how having passions outside of your job can fuel your creativity and motivation. I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on the things that I am passionate about, and how they might relate to my future. Now, a week later, I’m doing a bit more than just reflecting: I was laid off yesterday. Our office decided to get rid of their entire print design department along with 12 others. (And just when I was thinking I had a routine down for keeping up posting/AIGA stuff too!) I’m not going to lie: I’ve been through a whole range of emotions in the last 24 hours, but for the most part, they’ve been positive. (…aside from the panicky feeling I get when I think of insurance.)

I’m not sure yet what I want to do—as I mentioned before, I have a lot of interests—but I am excited. This is exactly the opportunity I need to try something different: a different city, a different state, (different country?), different field of design…the sky’s the limit. And I plan on taking full advantage of every positive in this situation. Job opportunity in NYC? I can be there in a week. Grad school for web design? Animation? German? Sure! Freelance work to pay the bills? You bet!

I know job hunting is a full time job, but I plan on expanding and keeping my Design Resolutions. I want to use this “extended vacation” (or is it a sabbatical?) to take the time to learn how to cook, more seriously pursue learning Czech, or even finally open an Etsy shop. If James Baxter (or Pixar/Disney) calls, I’m totally moving to California. And if you know of anyone wanting to adapt an animated film about the rock cycle into a book that’s translated to German, give me a call! 

So much of what we hear lately is doom and gloom. (And let’s face it, looking for a job is pretty depressing in this economy.) But life is what we make of it, and I choose to look on the bright side of life (cue whistling). There is a lot of opportunity if we only focus on it.

Related posts:

1. Wednesday’s Weekly Reader: Week 2+3
2. Wednesday’s Weekly Reader: The Return
3. Wednesday’s Weekly Reader: Decorating How-To’s

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