This Is It.
3/15/25
Let's assume a job is not coming.
You're not finding one and you're not getting a better one.
This is it.
Would you keep doing what you're doing?
Would you try something else?
Would you be willing to bet on yourself?
Can you make it happen?
I'm having these conversations more with middle and later career creative professionals. Design directors, creative directors, talented people who - while they haven't given up hope - are starting to realize they might need to go at it themselves.
What's fascinating is seeing people at different phases in this process. Each has strengths, blind spots, and places where they're stuck.
For those on sinking ships trying to decide whether to start their own thing: The challenge isn't staying calm or being complacent. It's about MAKING something happen. Archive your work. Craft your stories. Connect with your network. Build your lifeboat.
For those venturing out on their own: What business lessons have you learned? Are you going solo or partnering up? Is your offering clear? Have you thought through the financials? Yeah, the business plan stuff.
For those torn between freelance gigs and considering career changes: This is the hardest place - balancing survival with the passion for your craft that might be fading. It requires resources, entrepreneurial spirit, and networking ability. Focus becomes crucial.
For those who've committed to betting on themselves: You love what you do but know craft alone doesn't sell. The challenges are real: cultivating leads, pitching, delivery, charging fair rates while staying open to opportunities.
What I've seen work best? Having business owners and coaches in your orbit.
Ideally ones doing similar work where you can drop the competitiveness and build community instead.
There is something wild that happens when you get support and accountability.
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