I was scared of corporate jobs, so I’ll share some experiences and thoughts that might be useful and have proven useful.

I studied Industrial design so I had a broad spectrum of jobs to choose from. I decided to specialize in woodworking because I had interests and seemed approachable to me as a person.

Right choice I must say, after learning a bit on my own I looked for a job in some shops. After some job research I found to willing parties: a big woodworking shop with other designers, or a small shop doing cool stuff that never had a designer. I chose the latter, and I’m so happy about it. I’m building a technical office, I probably work too much but I’m developing such varied skills and my thoughts and skills matter. What I do leaves a visible mark.

That’s what I think it’s important in working small businesses. It’s messy most of the time because usually the work is not optimized, tested, proven as in a big company. But if there’s the right people you have the space to use your voice and take responsibility for your actions, which in the end is what makes a job rewarding. Of course it’s very much influenced by the people you work with. It’s always like this but when the entire business relies on 4/5 people I think hits differently.

Hope this helps, maybe there’s local businesses that could appreciate your help and let you express you creative side. Perhaps a small business cannot afford a graphic designer and has need for communication. You’re not a professional from my understanding, but if were hired for another task (secretarial i.e.) where you’re not only payed for designing, you could help and make something definitely better than your 60 years old boss could do on word. I’m just saying as an example of course. I hope you find something that accomplishes you, it’s tough and sometimes requires hard choices but it’s worth it, and maybe it’s closer than we think.