To School, Or Not to School?
Filed Under: Web Design, personal
I have been thinking about trying to enroll in a graphic design or photography program here in the Fall. I don’t know anything about what it’s like to go back to school and get a new bachelors when you already have one. I don’t have any idea how much it would cost, and obviously, I would have to take more loans. I already have $40,000+ in student loans left from my last one. So–is it worth it?
Reasons for getting a graphic design degree
- A lot of jobs are requiring it that a few years ago did not
- Would really hone my skillset and give me the grounding in fundamentals I seek
- Would possibly let me get through a bad time in the economy
- Could still take freelance while doing so, just at a lower volume
Reasons against going back to school:
- I can barely earn enough to live and pay loans right now as it is. Will adding another degree really make me that much more employable that I can make enough to handle the new, larger debt load?
- I could probably find a job somewhere without one
- School can be very tedious
- I already have more real world experience equivalent than a degree gives
My job search has been fairly unfruitful right now. It’s tough not to be discouraged and wonder if I need a big change in life. I was talking with Jay this morning, and he was trying to point out that it doesn’t necessarily reflect badly on me. It’s hard not to feel discouraged though. My freelance business is going okay, but how long will that last?
I’m adrift on a sea of uncertainty today. I’m waiting for a wind to nudge me in the right direction, but maybe I should just pick a direction and start paddling.
I Have Joined the Twitterati
Filed Under: personal
I am now on Twitter as JeremiahTolbert. Who should I be following? Who shall follow me? Assimiliate me, Twitter!
Is there a way to sync up Facebook status posts with Twitter posts? Surely there is a program that will manage both for me. I remain skeptical of the usefulness of this application, but if it alleviates the solitude of working from home a little, I’m all for it!
An Updated Biography
Filed Under: personal
I have taken some time on this fine afternoon to write new words into my About Me page. They might be of some amusement value to those of you who know me well, and even those of you who do not.
(Shortest. Post. Ever.)
I am Also On the Market for Writing Gigs
Filed Under: personal
I can string words together in a pleasing fashion
I’ve been writing much here about how I am available for freelance web design, but I wanted to make it known that I am very interested in picking up freelance writing jobs as well, particularly within my areas of expertise. I would especially like to break into some freelance blogging. If anyone hears of jobs in this department, or knows of good resources where I can seek out said work, please drop me a line via email or in the comments.
Week One of the Freelancing (And Job Hunting) Life
This past week has gone very well. I have now been longer without a job than any time since I was sixteen. But don’t think I haven’t been working. I am handling a number of design projects at the moment (but I’m always looking for more). About half of this week’s work was direct client work, and half of it was work I am doing as a subcontractor for another design firm in the area. The design firm work is at a lower rate than I charge myself, but I am trying to justify that to myself with the acknowledgment that I have to spend less time getting that work.
I have surprised myself with inner strength and professionalism that I didn’t know I had. The experience is teaching me to be less afraid of asking for things I want. Shame melts away when you have the feeling that you have nothing to lose in doing something. There is a lot of fear of uncertainty in this pursuit, but there isn’t that dread that comes with worrying about your job. You are your job. You make your work. It’s a direct level of control of destiny that is refreshing.
I have worked harder in the past week than I have in years. In a paid position, a lot of your time is spent doing tasks that are not the actual work. But you still get paid for those hours just the same. But as a freelancer, you only bill for work on the project, so your days are longer. You still have administrative tasks that need to be done. My financial goals will never be set on having 40 hours a week of billable labor. Because it would mean 65 hour weeks in reality.
The Health Care Issue
A large concern is finding a way to get affordable health insurance for myself and my wife. We’re using COBRA right now (although I still haven’t received the paperwork, so it’s all out of pocket until such time as we can be reimbursed). The COBRA is double the cost of our insurance previously. Sarah’s work plan would cost nearly the same to add both of us, on an inferior plan at that. I’m willing to take any advice anyone has on this issue. If I continue to work as a freelancer, and do not find a full time position somewhere, then I will increasingly need to find a solution to this problem. Going without insurance is not an option, given just the cost of our prescriptions.
What’s Next?
Learning to relax. Learning that the work will still be there when I get back. That is a lesson that I am going to have to drill into myself. Finding more work is something I feel constantly compelled to do right now.
Developing my plans and schemes into coherent businesses. I am drawing up plans to develop an actual design company that will be my public face in the web world. I am locating other design firms in the area to offer my services. I am writing proposals and pitches for the publishing industry that could be a big break for me if they go well. I’m investigating the cost benefits of investing in my own printer for photo prints, and seriously launching my photographic work for sale. I think I have a lot of great work in my portfolio now, and I would like to share it with others. Getting paid for that would be a bonus.
Things look up right now. I have a lot of plans, back-up plans, and business ideas. I would love to have a 28 hour day to work on them, but if I budget my time right, I think this could end up being a very positive life transition. The best part about it all is, I look forward to getting out of bed each morning and tackling it all.
