Life sure does know how to throw us all a curve ball every now and then. Last year, my youngest son Kyan almost died from a rare disease he picked up somewhere. My oldest son Chasen was diagnosed with Autism this past Spring. My wife, Amy, is opening her own photography studio in the Short North Arts District this weekend. And about 2 months ago, I lost my job.
Nothing malicious or anything you see in movies or television, but something that happens daily these days...you're no longer needed. We're headed in a different direction. Your position has been eliminated. Out with the old (i'm only 33) and in with the new. Whatever the case, A&F let me go and many others, and I have spent the past 2 months on severance pay and benefits, but that all runs out this Friday and I have to say the future is uncertain.
But on the bright side of things I've had some great projects along the way that have kept me busy creatively as well as financially. Logos, Murals, Brand Identity, my Children's Book. I have had many interviews with some great places, but I keep hearing the same thing, "We love your mgmt and leadership skills, but your design work isn't where it needs to be." Guess doing T-Shirts for the better part of 10 years doesn't count in the design world! Well, I finally got my foot in the door.
In a few weeks I'll be starting work with Blue Laser Design, a small web design firm in downtown Columbus in the Arena District. They're looking to grow and hopefully I can help them in their long term goals. Also, and this is huge, they see potential in me and are willing to train me in web design and allow me to grow as a graphic designer in the industry I went to school for. The pay is well below what I was making at A&F, but we'll make it work. They seem like a great group of people and hopefully I'll fit in and be a valued part of the team. They're also allowing me to do freelance on the side so if anyone still needs design or illustration work, call me!!
As for A&F, I see my "mutual leave" as a blessing. My friends who are still there sound miserable and I hated all the backstabbing and questionable work ethics. I'll always treasure my time there as I never have regrets and see every step of my life as something to learn and grow from. But I'm glad to put that place in my rear view and never look back. I'm a happier person now.
Thanks for all the love and support to me and my family. If you ever wanna get a cup of coffee and talk about life or whatever, give me a shout.
Alex
Nothing malicious or anything you see in movies or television, but something that happens daily these days...you're no longer needed. We're headed in a different direction. Your position has been eliminated. Out with the old (i'm only 33) and in with the new. Whatever the case, A&F let me go and many others, and I have spent the past 2 months on severance pay and benefits, but that all runs out this Friday and I have to say the future is uncertain.
But on the bright side of things I've had some great projects along the way that have kept me busy creatively as well as financially. Logos, Murals, Brand Identity, my Children's Book. I have had many interviews with some great places, but I keep hearing the same thing, "We love your mgmt and leadership skills, but your design work isn't where it needs to be." Guess doing T-Shirts for the better part of 10 years doesn't count in the design world! Well, I finally got my foot in the door.
In a few weeks I'll be starting work with Blue Laser Design, a small web design firm in downtown Columbus in the Arena District. They're looking to grow and hopefully I can help them in their long term goals. Also, and this is huge, they see potential in me and are willing to train me in web design and allow me to grow as a graphic designer in the industry I went to school for. The pay is well below what I was making at A&F, but we'll make it work. They seem like a great group of people and hopefully I'll fit in and be a valued part of the team. They're also allowing me to do freelance on the side so if anyone still needs design or illustration work, call me!!
As for A&F, I see my "mutual leave" as a blessing. My friends who are still there sound miserable and I hated all the backstabbing and questionable work ethics. I'll always treasure my time there as I never have regrets and see every step of my life as something to learn and grow from. But I'm glad to put that place in my rear view and never look back. I'm a happier person now.
Thanks for all the love and support to me and my family. If you ever wanna get a cup of coffee and talk about life or whatever, give me a shout.
Alex
Comments
No one has a real opinion there. Everyone's opinion is based off what they think Mike wants to hear. What buzzwords has he been using lately? Yeah, I'll use those. That'll get me on his side. That only lasts for so long.
Good for you and good luck in your new job. Don't look back. Abercrombie is a great place for "Yes" men/women.