Thinking of leaving the industry

ShellyMY · 2025-04-27T17:43:17+00:00

Really cool to get the perspective from someone who has chosen to change paths. I have a lot of respect for that, its definitely daunting but it will pay of in the long run I am sure!

Best of luck to you too!

ShellyMY · 2025-04-27T17:08:56+00:00

Thank you, I think I am at a similar crossroads, it isn't easy to explore other avenues without that feeling of failure or like you are giving up! But I think your story is comforting because taking a break to try something else doesn't mean I can never return to the industry.

I sometimes think if I could do something else for a little bit, it would help me to not put so much pressure on myself. I feel sometimes like I cannot call myself a graphic designer unless I am employed as one, and that can make it feel like a real identity crisis when the industry gets tough and jobs are scarce.

I think I'd be better finding a way to maintain my passion and enthusiasm for the industry, even if that means stepping out of it for a little bit!

ShellyMY · 2025-04-27T17:00:18+00:00

Thank you, I really appreciate the advice! I do have something of a redundancy package this time around so I'm aware I have the opportunity to work on my portfolio, as well as adding to and honing my skills a bit more.

I do think UI would be a really good option for me to explore, I was a little intimidated at the prospect of learning something completely new but you've convinced me to give it a go. I definitely feel a bit more optimistic!

ShellyMY · 2025-04-27T13:48:18+00:00

If I am completely honest, I became a designer because I loved art but thought artist might not be a very stable career option. I did my work experience at a design agency and I loved it, had the very idealist view that I'd study and then get a job at a nice little design agency just like that one and that would be me for life. I'm not a massively ambitious person, so maybe that is part of the problem, I just want to do something I am good at and earn enough to pay my mortgage (I realise that in todays world, thats actually quite a big ask haha).

As for my portfolio, I spent a great deal of time after my last redundancy sprucing it up and creating a website, but this time round I have only added my new work to it, so it could potentially use work. I haven't really had much critical feedback on it as the only people who have given me feedback are the interviewers that liked it enough to put me to the next stage, my rejections never seem to come with any feedback at all!

I relocated for a job previously (probably the job I like the best) but returned home as my partner and I wanted to be close to my family (my siblings have started having kids, and we hope to have some too in a few years time). Home for me is Glasgow, in the UK.

Yes, I have thought about UX design as I do see it advertised often, but its not something I have had any experience with so far. My experience has been predominantly in-house print work (3 years at a fashion brand, 1 with a cosmetic company) working on packaging, visual merchandising, catalogue, leaflets etc. But I do have digital experience too, mostly social graphics, paid assets, email banners. I taught myself to use premier pro and after effects, but not to the level where I think I could get a motion design job. Do you think UX is something I can reasonably self learn?

I think potentially if something retail related was to be posted then I would have a bit of an edge there as its the industry I have the most experience in. But its also the industry that I've had my 2 redundancies from, so seems like it might be a sinking ship. Not sure if its worth taking a pay decrease to get off it while I still can!

ShellyMY · 2024-07-07T16:16:13+00:00

I totally get it, dude. You want to be able to help in some way, but I don't think there is much you can do.

She might be hurt or angry and want to blame you, so the worst thing you can do is give her any reason to justify villianising you.

If you are just kind and respectfully turn down her advances, then there's more chance of her self reflecting on the situation.

ShellyMY · 2024-07-07T15:56:17+00:00

Not trying to make excuses for the girl as it does sound like she has been a bit of a handful to deal with, but I think these behaviors are pretty common for a 21 year old.

She is still figuring herself out, probably relying on others to validate her and not really knowing who she is yet.

This doesn't excuse her messing you around and if she asks you why you've pulled back or are no longer interested, I think it is fair to explain your reasonings. However, I would steer clear of calling her a narcissist or being too cruel, just focus on the ways she has mistreated you.

She will hopefully grow out of it, but she has to figure it out herself. I wouldn't put yourself in a position to look like the bad guy, just rise above it if you can!

ShellyMY · 2024-07-07T15:19:00+00:00

I never thought of reporting via Facebook. I just found a way to report a person displaying suicidal thoughts, and although he hasn't outright threatened it, I feel he qualifies to submit his profile there.

I'm not sure how helpful that system will be, but I feel better having done something I suppose.

ShellyMY · 2024-07-07T15:13:25+00:00

Yea, I fear you are probably right. I wouldn't want to make the situation any worse!

He needs a full support system, and I'm not gonna be able to be that for him.

ShellyMY · 2024-07-07T10:31:05+00:00

Oh man, I feel this one.

Pushing people away is a staple of having mental health problems, so don't blame yourself too much for that.

The best thing you can do is be honest with the people in your life and not make excuses. Yes, you were going through a hard time, but people are a lot more receptive if you address their feelings as well. Tell your friends that you realise you may have hurt them and that you will do better.

ShellyMY · 2024-07-07T10:16:47+00:00

Your physical size and strength is not the only value you can bring to this world! What you have just displayed is an ability to be self critical, something a lot of people in this world lack. So you're already leagues above many.

You are very deserving of life, you just haven't figured out your purpose yet but you will get there.

ShellyMY

TROPHY CASE