some… news
Yesterday, I was laid off along with nearly half of the other employees where I worked. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised, because the design firm I worked for has always had financial difficulties. What did surprise me was that after two years of employment, I didn’t get any notice or severance pay (nevermind what was in my contract or verbally promised), and so today I’m trying to wrap my mind around what’s next. It’s a scary, unexpected place to be in. I’m sure many of you have experienced something similar over the past year or two, and I’ve been overwhelmed by the support and encouraging words of blogging friends on twitter.
I feel very lucky that I have something small in my back pocket between Mint and Hello Tenfold, and that I have a loving, supportive husband who is encouraging me to follow my heart. Two months ago, I cut my day job hours back to 30 to be able to spend more time on Hello Tenfold, and have been really happy with the direction it’s headed. My only disappointment was that I didn’t have more time to focus on the things I loved. The truth is, I wasn’t happy at my job, and Mint and Hello Tenfold were bright spots in every day.
I’m still undecided about what’s next, but Mint and Hello Tenfold are here to stay. I’m going to take this free time and focus my energy on the things I love, and who knows… maybe some doors will open for me. I’m going to take some time for myself and familiy on Friday and Monday. Although I’m staying pretty positive, the break will be good for me to digest what’s happened and rethink my goals.
As always, thanks for reading Mint. I think I have the best and kindest readers out there!
Responses to “some… news”
Courtney
September 17, 2009 at 2:42 pmEchoing the sentiments of everyone above, I’m so sorry to hear about what you’re going through. And it’s even ore disappointing to hear how it happened!
But in any case, you are super talented and I know that you will come out of this stronger, happier and even more successful. Can’t wait to see where you take things next!
Trude
September 17, 2009 at 7:09 pmOh honey I feel your pain! Its never easy. I guess it all works out right in the end, though, huh? I was laid off the end of last July and it took until the end of March to find a decent position. Now any time a boss says “Come in my office” I get mega paranoid. But it was really the best thing, because it made me reassess my life and make some big decisions. Big hugs to you!!
Kate
September 18, 2009 at 12:29 amEllie,
Very sorry about this. But your tenfold clients — like me!– will only benefit from the extra time you have to spend on your own creative projects. You are so talented and great to work with! You will overcome!
–Kate
Tara
September 18, 2009 at 9:37 amI’m a bit late to this Ellie. But I can tell you from my personal experience that you never know where your dreams can take you until you shed the things that are holding you back. And sometimes we don’t have a choice!
Your dreams will take you far! Best of luck!!
tanya
September 18, 2009 at 12:05 pmellie – the best is yet to come! i, too, was laid off a couple months ago. it was the push i needed to live my real life!
alexandra evjen
September 18, 2009 at 12:52 pmi’m sorry to hear that. i hope something else comes along soon or that you able to make mint a full-time job.
shelley
September 18, 2009 at 1:40 pmoh, Ellie, i’m sorry to hear the news.. and it’s funny timing that i should read this post of yours since my mom was just laid off last night from her job at a university.. everyone seems to be in flux right now.
that being said, i am mostly *happy* for you because i know it will bring great new things! you have talent and spirit and great design sense, go get ‘em!
France
September 18, 2009 at 2:02 pmHello Ellie,
Just discovered your awesome blog and like you I am a graphic designer who was laid off after 9/11… after a a few weeks of reflection I started a little company named after my two little muse Molly & June. The best things I’ve ever done in terms of sanity – not the easiest but the most fulfilling… I’m positive that this new situation will bring you a surge of creativity and happiness.
hello, friend.
September 18, 2009 at 2:26 pmEllie,
It is truly unfortunate what has happened to you and our fellow design community all around .. Such talent of our friends getting laid off and loosing their jobs, it’s nonsense.
But I am confident you will come out of this strong. You are such a talented designer, I have no doubt you will be able to find another job easy or even be able to work from home doing freelance and running your etsy shop.
You are in my prayers and thoughts dear friend.
xo. danni
Jessie
September 19, 2009 at 10:30 amIt should be clear from 100 comments of encouragement and praise that you will be 100% okay! Hope you can embrace this as a meant-to-be transition. In my photography I often come across clients needing graphic design around here; I will surely send people your way. Good luck, and have fun!
Nicole-Lynn
September 19, 2009 at 6:31 pmSo so sorry to hear this… it sounds like you have the right attitude about everything though!
ellie
September 22, 2009 at 9:07 amthank you for all the kind words & emails. I’m touched, overwhelmed, and grateful for your support!
Sarah
September 22, 2009 at 11:21 amthinking of you, ellie. your positive attitude will help you through for sure! you are so talented and I look forward to seeing hello tenfold and mint grow! :)
lindsay
September 23, 2009 at 1:27 pmyou are so very talented – on to the bigger and better things!