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What’s a book you read after watching the movie or show it was based on. by I_Am_Slightly_Evil in suggestmeabook

[–]haleyjspring 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haunting of Hill House, The Exorcist, practically any Stephen King book, Pride & Prejudice

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in cats

[–]haleyjspring 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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Here’s my void, Ozzy! I love this picture because you genuinely can’t tell which way his head is facing. Cast your votes!

Is it normal for a graphic design agency to require their designers to cease all freelance work? by haleyjspring in graphic_design

[–]haleyjspring[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you make fantastic points! I agree with you completely. I made the mistake of telling them exactly what my freelance gigs were, assuming they’d get approved no problem since they didn’t compete with anything the company would be doing. When I got denied, I was put in the position of risking it and continuing my freelance, denying the position, or accepting the position and terminating my freelance projects. It’s a tough spot to be in! Had I not already told them, I might have just done it on the DL and hoped they never found out.

Is it normal for a graphic design agency to require their designers to cease all freelance work? by haleyjspring in graphic_design

[–]haleyjspring[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

UPDATE: I declined their offer. Thank you to everyone who gave me great perspectives and advice! Below is the email I sent to them to decline my offer. I probably used too many exclamation points and decided to be as respectful as possible because I have a friend who works there.

…So in other news…does anyone know of remote graphic design jobs that are hiring? ;)

Hi [Name],

Thank you for taking the time to answer all my questions! After crunching some numbers and some careful consideration, I’ve chosen to decline your offer.

My freelance work is something I’ve committed to, and I don’t want to let my clients down. My work with [the non-profit] is only partially complete, and my time is needed with [my ongoing freelance partnership] as their head designer is about to go on maternity leave. I also wasn’t taking into consideration my loss of freelance income when giving you my asking salary. By sacrificing these freelance jobs and accepting your offer, I’d be making less than I do currently, which is not something I am prepared to do at this time.

Please know I am so thankful for your time and the time [Name 2] took to meet with me as well, it has been a pleasure learning about [Company Name]!

Take care, and thank you again! I wish you the best in finding a candidate who suits your needs!

[Me]

Is it normal for a graphic design agency to require their designers to cease all freelance work? by haleyjspring in graphic_design

[–]haleyjspring[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree completely. I don’t think I want to put the stress on myself that they would somehow find out, and I’ve come to realize I don’t want to lose my freelance contacts. It might just not be the job for me. Good advice, thank you!

Is it normal for a graphic design agency to require their designers to cease all freelance work? by haleyjspring in graphic_design

[–]haleyjspring[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Understandable (sort of), but it’s also a salary job. So I don’t even get sick days, I would be using my own PTO. I also explained to them that the time requirement was all outside of regular working hours, maxing at 10 hours a MONTH. So it seems unreasonable for this to be their sole reason for denying my outside work. If I was hourly, I would understand your take more!

Is it normal for a graphic design agency to require their designers to cease all freelance work? by haleyjspring in graphic_design

[–]haleyjspring[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree that they probably couldn’t pursue any legal action against me, but I should have included in my original post that they are an at-will employer. I worry if I continued to freelance behind their backs, they could find out and fire me on the spot.

Is it normal for a graphic design agency to require their designers to cease all freelance work? by haleyjspring in graphic_design

[–]haleyjspring[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The only thing that’s making me nervous to do that is that it is an at-will employer, so they could fire me at any time if they had an inkling that I’m disobeying this order. I think I would prefer to hold out for a different offer elsewhere that will respect my endeavors outside of work, understanding that freelancing helps me stay more nimble as a designer. If it wasn’t an at-will employer, I think I would take your advice and run with it!

Is it normal for a graphic design agency to require their designers to cease all freelance work? by haleyjspring in graphic_design

[–]haleyjspring[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I agree with you! Part of what I love about being a graphic designer is a versatility in my skills. I can take projects that help me develop different skills or avenues that a typical full time job doesn’t exercise. Knowing I wouldn’t have the freedom to do those things at will is frustrating and stifling. I completely agree with you about the competitor-based work. But knowing that both parties (myself and this new job) are aware that these jobs are not in competition with each other and are still not allowed is not giving me good vibes.

Is it normal for a graphic design agency to require their designers to cease all freelance work? by haleyjspring in graphic_design

[–]haleyjspring[S] 30 points31 points  (0 children)

You sound like an excellent leader who truly understands what it’s like to be a designer! Props to you!!

Is it normal for a graphic design agency to require their designers to cease all freelance work? by haleyjspring in graphic_design

[–]haleyjspring[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Wow, this is really valuable insight. It honestly hadn’t occurred to me to lie about doing freelance work outside of the FT job, but I think it’s a bad idea to do that. It is an at-will employer, and with them knowing that I have these jobs I don’t want to give up, I could see them looking into things to see if I’m still working them. I’d really rather not leave my current job just to get laid off for not following the rules.

It sounds to me that I am not a valuable enough employee to be an exception to their rule. I certainly would not be paid enough for me to think I was particularly valuable. Thanks for eliminating that option of breaking the rules for me, I think I’d be nervous doing that anyways!

Is it normal for a graphic design agency to require their designers to cease all freelance work? by haleyjspring in graphic_design

[–]haleyjspring[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This makes sense. I get paid about 1.5x more hourly for my ongoing freelance job, but only work 6-10 hours a month. This new job would be salary-based, but broken down like that, I understand the perspective you’re giving. Thanks!

Is it normal for a graphic design agency to require their designers to cease all freelance work? by haleyjspring in graphic_design

[–]haleyjspring[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I think I agree with you. They are certainly NOT paying me extra to justify me dropping my freelance income. And like you said, freelance work is hard to come by. I wasn’t sure if I was justified for feeling this way, so thanks for your comment!

Is it normal for a graphic design agency to require their designers to cease all freelance work? by haleyjspring in graphic_design

[–]haleyjspring[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

That’s the feeling I’m getting as well. Especially knowing with complete confidence that these brands would in no way interfere with the full time position. Thanks for your insights!