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Turning the Page

More people than I could possibly count without losing track have lost their jobs in this sucky economic situation. Well, not to be insensitive to the plight of the unemployed, but I have quit my job. Yep, voluntarily gave it up.

I have been a graphic designer since Eustacia, now 18, was three months old. No. 1 was three, and we were spending our days governed by snack time and nap time and Baby Beluga. I remember the day Husband called from work and asked if I'd like a job—it's something new—it's called desktop publishing. I learned to use a computer and a mouse and everything Adobe could come up with. Well, not quite everything because I stopped at web design.

Through everything that happens to people—the death of my father, the ups and downs of the economy, the growing up of our children, the growing up of me—I have designed book covers and catalogs and CD packaging, and that mouse I hardly knew what to do with 18 years ago has become an extension of my right hand.

But enough is enough, I say. I went from loving the job to hating it, from jumping into a publishing list to see what I could do with it to falling down into it and banging my head against the wall with each new title.

The average modern American changes jobs over a dozen times in a lifetime and changes careers three or four times. Being a graphic designer was my first long-term career, so now I guess here comes number two. I don't know what it is, exactly, but I'm hoping it will involve something I really enjoy doing and something I think I'm good at. Maybe it won't be just one thing but will simply be more of what my days are governed by now—horn playing time, lesson time, English class time, writing time and just breathing time.

So, here's to the next chapter or the next page or whatever is next.

Comments

Well done you! If you have the choice, there is no point doing what you don't enjoy anymore.

Here's to more writing, for leisure and purpose.

Er... can I have your old job? ;)
dive said…
It's probably just as well you quit your official job, Robyn, because with all the other work you do you couldn't have had time to eat or sleep!
Have a great time next week, by the way!
Shan said…
Wow! Well, congratulations on the closing of another era in your life. And the good thing about that job is that you can always use those skills in other ways. You are one of those ever evolving ever creating people that will always be interesting no matter what you are doing. :)
Sassy Sundry said…
Cheers! Welcome to UnemployedLand!
Shazza said…
Best of luck on your new page Robyn!

Love the new hat!
Lulubelle B said…
Best of Luck as you start your new chapter.

Is that an Easter bonnet? Could also be Mouse Ears. Just wondering...
MmeBenaut said…
I can so easily empathise with you Robyn and went through a similar process a few years ago. Although I was forced into it by "retirement on medical grounds" and moved from a high salary to an invalid pension, what I thought would be tough was actually a blessing and now my life is so full that I don't know how I ever had the time to work! Your life is full too, with writing and creating jewellry and artwork and other imaginative bits and pieces. Enjoy this time and especially your week with Eustacia. Well done!

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