Just plain lost....

[juliek]

Hi all! I am a newbie here and I really really want to work from home more than anything! I pretty much have no other choice! My hubby works 2 jobs (which still isn't enough! Geesh!) So I literally have no time to go to work outside the home unless I put my 10 mo old in daycare- NO WAY! For one, the expense of daycare isn't worth it, and two, NO! I breastfeed also, and I am not quitting any time soon..... Anyway, I have a degree in Graphic Design. I finally achieved that 2 years ago. Well, after that, I wasn't planning on looking for a new job in the field ( I had a job in photography at the time) until we got back from my sister's wedding (which we took a 2 1/2 week vacation to). Then I was going to crack down and find me an entry-level job in graphic design. Well, lo and behold I found out I was pregnant with my son. And, I was not feeling so well. I seriously could not get off my couch for like 3 months. Lol!! Soo, of course, I stayed home until my 4th month when I was feeling better my photography job was wanting me to come back. So, I did, because I knew they'd be supportive of my "special needs" of being pregnant, versus a new job, they might not want to deal with a pregnant woman :). So, I have been out of any type of work for over a year now. And now I am so unsure of myself. I feel like I may be out of touch with my inner artist. Plus, I ended up falling in love with photography, which I just happened to stumble upon that job while in school. I am trying to figure out "what I want to be when I grow up"! Lol!! I feel like I should use my graphic design degree because I went to college for it, but I want to do photography, too. I can do both, because I love to add special effects to photos, but then I wonder if there is something else out there I might want to do. I did all my own decor for my wedding last year and I loved doing it and did an awesome job, so I thought maybe I could do that as a business. OMG! Can you see why I am soo lost? I have the opposite problem most people have! I have too many things to choose from! I really could use some advice/guidance/ a good book suggestion, something..... Thanks!

[Audrey]

Julie,

Graphic design is huge. I've hired someone a few times now to design things for me. Have you thought about creating a site and offering your services?

[hbixler03]

You know I think you should definitly do something with graphic design. You actually have a couple of options:

1. Start your own graphic design business, set up a website and portfolio, price out your services and then start promoting.

2. You could become a graphic designer for royalty free stock places like: www.istockphoto.com and www.gettyimages.com etc. They take illustrated graphic designs, stock photography, and videos! It may be a great place for you to start making a bit of cash! There are actually a TON more places and if you do a Google search I am sure you will find plenty of places to sell your graphics!

3. You could do both!

Graphic design is such an awesome way to make money online. I know what it's like to have the hubby who works two jobs and it's not enough, lol, that is the story of my life, but I have found blog design to be a great service to provide and it helps supliment the income for sure! I really feel you could do the same with graphic design. :)

[Lori]

Hi all! I am a newbie here and I really really want to work from home more than anything! I pretty much have no other choice! My hubby works 2 jobs (which still isn't enough! Geesh!) So I literally have no time to go to work outside the home unless I put my 10 mo old in daycare- NO WAY! For one, the expense of daycare isn't worth it, and two, NO! I breastfeed also, and I am not quitting any time soon..... Anyway, I have a degree in Graphic Design. I finally achieved that 2 years ago. Well, after that, I wasn't planning on looking for a new job in the field ( I had a job in photography at the time) until we got back from my sister's wedding (which we took a 2 1/2 week vacation to). Then I was going to crack down and find me an entry-level job in graphic design. Well, lo and behold I found out I was pregnant with my son. And, I was not feeling so well. I seriously could not get off my couch for like 3 months. Lol!! Soo, of course, I stayed home until my 4th month when I was feeling better my photography job was wanting me to come back. So, I did, because I knew they'd be supportive of my "special needs" of being pregnant, versus a new job, they might not want to deal with a pregnant woman :). So, I have been out of any type of work for over a year now. And now I am so unsure of myself. I feel like I may be out of touch with my inner artist. Plus, I ended up falling in love with photography, which I just happened to stumble upon that job while in school. I am trying to figure out "what I want to be when I grow up"! Lol!! I feel like I should use my graphic design degree because I went to college for it, but I want to do photography, too. I can do both, because I love to add special effects to photos, but then I wonder if there is something else out there I might want to do. I did all my own decor for my wedding last year and I loved doing it and did an awesome job, so I thought maybe I could do that as a business. OMG! Can you see why I am soo lost? I have the opposite problem most people have! I have too many things to choose from! I really could use some advice/guidance/ a good book suggestion, something..... Thanks!

Hi Julie :)

I'm with these other ladies --

There is plenty of potential in Graphic Design. It's the most pricey section, but elance (http://www.elance.com/c/splash/main/publish.pl?rid=AAGT&f=sellerfunnel1) gets tons of graphic design work you could bid on.

Lots of women need banners designed for their work from home websites too. Also many of them are using content management systems or blogs and need a header designed.

Let us know how things go!

Lori

[tam2005]

Hey Julie,

I did all my own decor for my wedding last year and I loved doing it and did an awesome job, so I thought maybe I could do that as a business.

Did you do your own flowers? That's what I did...I was a floral designer before I started working at home. I did that for 10 years. And I got burnt out on it. lol

Floral design is in big demand as well.

But, I think you can definitely combine the two...Photography and Graphic Design. Would be an awesome business!

Keep us posted. Thanks. :)

[JESSICATHOMPSON]

I think you should do what you truly love. You are lucky to have so many options to choose from but if you are feeling like you should only do graphic design because you have a degree then don't do it. You need to like what you do to be successful in it. I know Graphic Design is huge and is a great career but make sure you like it because with any business there is going to be a slump but its a lot easier to get through the slump if you like the business you're in. Also check out other local businesses that are in Photography and Wedding Design. If there are 100 other people doing the same thing chances are its going to be tough. Good luck to you in whatever you choose. Congratulations on both babies. My 2 kids are 12 months apart. Its hard but worth it.:D

[Hisgirl0305]

YOu should definately do what makes you happy and starting your own business is a VERY good thing...Let me know whe the time comes and you get set, I will help you spread the word...plus I may use your services for my web design! ;) I am ALWAYS looking for good graphics!:kewl:

[lisamommy]

Yes just remember with any business you choose, you are going to have to market it, if you want the business. So I would also research on how to market your business. There are some great books out there on Marketing, I found some of the greatest from my local library. I love photography, wish I could have kept going with it in college. If you need to choose one, think of what makes you the happiest, what get you going, what do you see yourself doing in the long run and maybe making you the most profits and joy.

Good luck to you!

LISA M.
www.SwitchYourStore.com
www.GoGreenAndProfit.com

[Hisgirl0305]

Good point, Lisa :)

[honey415]

I agree with everyone here, make sure that it is something you like. If you enjoy both Graphics Design & Photograghy then go with both.

[lacyb]

That's the reason I want to work from home also. The idea of handing our daughter over to someone else to watch all day is just something I can't get my head around! I would also recommend money management courses to anybody that is having financial trouble. We have looked into some of Dave Ramsey's concepts on managing money and there are some real simple ways to make your money go further. Good luck to all!

[athome]

Graphic Design is huge. I would start with a website you can even go to freewebs.com and make a free one for now. They have cute backgrounds. The other ladies gave you other great advice. Good Luck to you