i was laid off on monday.
since i have funds to live for some time, this doesn't concern me. and i get unemployment. and i wasn't particularly happy at that job anyway.
but i would like to go about considering my future in an organized fashion.
if anybody has good questions i should consider, or knows of good resources (books, maybe?) that might help me organize my thoughts, this would be helpful.
how to break down questions like, what do i want to do with my life? now that i've spent ten years learning and learning about myself. and what exactly have i been learning, anyhow?
fortunately i can afford to be thoughtful rather than reactive in responding to this, ehm, change of plans.
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9 comments:
ajulie,
Your approach to this situation as a teacher seems right to me.
Questions to consider:
Along what lines of development have I pressed most deeply? Is there potential for greater depth along those lines? Do I have the fire to explore those more deeply?
What economic posture do I need?
Blessings.
glad to know that you're doing well, all things considered.
don't read self-help books myself, but i've heard good things about "what color is your parachute"
are you going to use this opportunity to explore grad school in art again?
greenfrog,
thanks. i seem to always take that approach. i kind of wish i wouldn't. it's not letting me be upset about the whole thing, and i think maybe i should let myself spend some time being upset about it.
peishan,
my dad suggested that one too. i'm going to have to check into it.
yep, my half-baked plan-of-the-moment is to apply for the art institute this fall in design or industrial design, take advantage of being in school, learn everything i can, then i'm in a better position to either start a career (what the hell in, i don't know) or start teaching (since i'd have a masters degree). this presumes a full ride + stipend, because i'm not going into debt over it...
congrats! It's a wonderful thing to be given an opportunity to reconsider.
I did a seminar w/ Sam Keen a couple of years ago and walked away with a great question. He invited us to remember what we did - freely, eagerly, with abandon - as young children, then consider what work allows us to pursue similar activities.
As an artist, you already know much more about your preferred ways to spend time than most do, so this may not be helpful.
But it's the only exercise I've taken to heart for distilling down to the heart of my passion.
Jules,
Good luck. Go with your plan. It's as good as anything and chances are you'll land on your feet like the cat you are. For the time being, you are free and can do as you please. So play for the next few weeks, take a vacation, then make your plans for school or whatever happen. Blessings with whatever you decide.
Regards,
John
P.S. Check the WCIYP book out at the bookstore carefully before you waste money on it. I initially thought that it was a useful book, but later came to realize that it was useless for any one other than a business person. At least that was my impression and experience. Your mileage may vary.
hayden,
yes, it's a good thing, but also terrifying. i'm going into, well, whatever, a whole lot more informed than i was the first time. and i may yet be horribly, horribly mistaken.
i did realize that what i want to make isn't necessarily teabowls, or inhabitable sculpture. just, things that people physically interact with. that are beautiful. if it's supposed to function, it has to function effortlessly. the design has to be thoughtful, something that design people can appreciate, and the detailing has to be intelligent, has to contribute to the appearance and be considerate
of fabrication methods.
jbm,
i'll probably get "parachute" from the library, as i'm not of a mind to actually buy it.
it doesn't seem, though, that one plan's as good as another. i went into my most recent job knowing that it wasn't ideal but that i'd learn a lot. well, it wasn't ideal, and i learned a lot, but whether it was that bright of an idea i don't know. maybe not. but it's the decision i made, so i'm rolling with it now.
well, we'll see.
Follow your bliss- you can't go wrong!
Send us a blogpost or two over to RockOm!
Can you do graphic design as far as websites go? We're looking for some much needed assistance in that area as well!!
I'm sorry about the layoff. That kind of stress and news is never enjoyable, but I'm glad to see that you recognize it as an opportunity.
As far as books and ideas, IMHO, What Color Is Your Parachute? really rocks.
Something I've really been getting from your blog the last few years, is that you really long for creative expression; you know that already, but I think the more creative you can be in your work, the happier you'll be.
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