I was just about to start writing something about London when the music (Slowburn by Fold) sent me all philosophical, and I suddenly decided it might be a good idea to reflect on things. Put it into perspective. Something I do far too little of on my blog.
Things are nearly finished at college, and it’s very near to me starting a real full time job. I’ve got something lined up, so the fear of being stuck for months trying to get my first break is alleviated. Nor do I feel scared about the prospect of working 5 days a week, because I already work more than that easily. But I can’t help feeling a little bit anxious about it. I guess this is just normal.
All those things I used to bleat about when I was doing my A Levels are now coming true – I used to crave a job that I enjoyed, and now I have it. I used to crave to be taken seriously, to be given an opportunity to prove that I’m good at something, and I have all that now.
To think back 2 years for a second, all that felt like a far away possibility. I couldn’t think what I was ever going to get a job at. What was I good at, other than passing exams? I’d always wanted to be a police officer, and I so nearly went down the route. So nearly. Then I saw a flyer for a web design course at Wakefield College.
It was a risk, and I didn’t really know what to expect. All I knew was that I couldn’t do with another 3 years taking exams, and I liked designing websites every now and again. When I eventually started, it was obvious that I’d found what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. It was just one of those things where you just know it feels right.
Since then it’s all been a massive rollercoaster ride. I got extremely lucky at the end of my first year and got given the opportunity of a lifetime to go be an in-house graphic designer at a company. Since I’ve been there I’ve learned so much, and I’ll never forget my first opportunity. Most junior designers end up designing bits of websites and business cards, but I got the opportunity to do everything from start to finish. It was a massive opportunity, and I thank life every day that I stumbled upon it.
So where is next then? Well, who knows? I’m still in the very early stages of my career as a graphic designer, and I love doing it with all my heart.
In many ways, loving my job is a step above a lot of other people I know, and I’ll never take that for granted, even for a second.
Mar 17, 01:34 AM
ciara
most people do jobs or get degrees in things they don’t love because it’s ‘security’. but when you can find something you truly love doing and get paid for it, too….that is the best feeling ever. so i think you’ve got it made. :)
Mar 17, 01:42 AM
Darfuria
I am far too jealous of you, dammit.
Mar 17, 08:55 AM
Craig
Ciara, that’s very true, people do do degrees because it’s security. People also do degrees because they don’t have a clue what to do with their life, which is a bit of a silly way to spend 3/4 years. I’ve always said that the best thing to go to uni to do is learn a trade, or something that is actually worth it. The gap is closing now, and it’s not going to be the case for much longer that anybody can do anything with any degree.
And Darfuria, your time will come. I know that is very easy to say, but I’m a strong believer that the good guys get what they deserve in the end.
Mar 17, 04:54 PM
Kimmy
I’m gonna hold you to that last comment Burgess. All i seem to have at the moment is stress and the knowledge that i’m a very good organisationalist. So the stress comes from sorting out other sods crappy organising. Maybe i should become a PA? Nah, i’d get too bored with being a personal assistant even though i’d be good at it. Maybe a producation assistant though. That’s be nice.
Mar 17, 08:16 PM
Rob
I second what Kim says, the stress best be worth it.
I’ve seen the other side to my career though. I’ve worked the logistics, I’ve done the loading unloading, the organizing, the ordering, the cocking up, good times but shite pay.
So qualifications wont get you a job you love. But it will get you something like it with a damn sight better pay!
What more could you want?
