How to Succeed in Today’s Job Market as a Creative Professional

Dear Creative Professional,

I hope you’re doing well amidst the challenges of the current job market. Various industries continue to announce significant workforce reductions, as companies report ongoing widespread layoffs. Let’s take a painful look at February layoffs:

• Cisco laid off 4,250 employees
• Farfetch laid off 2,000 employees
• DocuSign laid off 440 employees
• Amazon laid off 400 employees
• Snap laid off 500 employees
• Cue Health laid off 245 employees
• Okta laid off 400 employees
• Toast laid off 550 employees
• Instacart laid off 250 employees
• Polygon Labs laid off 60 employees
• Mozilla laid off 60 employees
• Not to mention several companies, including Nike, Mattel, and UPS, have announced layoffs in recent weeks.

It’s a harsh truth that many creative professionals are currently dealing with. However, we must recognize these difficulties and equip ourselves with practical strategies to overcome them.

The recent layoffs demonstrate the unprecedented challenges that the workforce is facing, regardless of the record-breaking profits companies are experiencing.

But amidst these challenges lies an opportunity for growth and resilience.

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Let’s not ignore the obvious issue and instead focus on finding solutions. Here are seven tips to help you succeed in today’s job market:

1. Stay Flexible and Resilient: Embrace change and adaptability. Your ability to pivot will be your greatest asset in uncertain times. Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One* is a great book I highly recommend. If books are not your jam, check out the Career Relaunch podcast.
2. Diversify Your Skill Set: Keep learning and expanding your toolkit. The more versatile you are, the more opportunities you’ll uncover. Here are some free resources: Coursera, edX, Skillshare, and LinkedIn Learning.
3. Network and Collaborate: Connect with fellow creatives, industry professionals, and potential collaborators. You always need to find out where your next opportunity might come from. You can start by joining my LinkedIn group, Creative Zentral.
4. Optimize Your Portfolio: Showcase your best work and tailor it to the roles you’re applying for. A well-curated portfolio can make all the difference. Check out Jamie Roberts on YouTube if you’re struggling with your portfolio. 🎨 Jamie Roberts is an experienced professional who provides valuable creative advice.
5. Consider Freelancing or Entrepreneurship: Don’t limit yourself to traditional employment. Freelancing and entrepreneurship offer flexibility and autonomy. Fiverr, Upwork, and Etsy are excellent platforms to showcase and offer your creative services.
6. Prioritize Self-Care: Your well-being matters most. Take time for self-care, stress management, and healthy work-life balance. You can sign up for my Design + Mental Health Workshop happening on March 31st, where I, along with a marriage and family therapist, will provide practical strategies and insights to support your mental and emotional wellness in the creative field.
7. Disconnect and Recharge: Set aside time to disconnect from work and recharge your batteries. Whether you’re currently in the workforce or seeking employment, prioritizing activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul is essential for overall well-being. Whether it’s through meditation, exercise, or spending time in nature, taking care of yourself is crucial, especially during challenging times.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Together, we can overcome any obstacles and achieve our goals. Keep pushing forward, stay focused, and never underestimate the power of your creativity and resilience. You’ve got this!

Wishing you the best,

Barney Abramson

Your design mentor.

*Amazon Affiliate Link

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