I get it. A job is a job. And in this economy having any type of job is golden. One piece of advice that has been constantly being thrown at me is to work retail or something else if you are in between jobs. While this is practical, sound advice – for my type of career – working retail or some other position will kill it. Why? It will cause a setback and an endless loop. Setbacks aren’t bad per say, but it’s bad if on your resume you list that after working in your field for six months you’re forced to work retail because nothing is up your alley.

I’d rather live at home again, freelancing instead of working retail – and being insanely exhausted all the time that I wouldn’t have the strength and energy to search for another job. Besides working in a field that is NOT your chosen field is so SOUL killing. Freelancing kept the soul alive – if I had worked in a position that was not art it would’ve killed me.

Plus, it’s better to say on your resume that you’ve been freelancing in between instead of working retail in between jobs because you are still gaining experience in your field. While it may be minimal experience, it is STILL experience in the field.

Since Minuteman, I’ve done freelance work for several companies. It helped built up my portfolio while still recovering from that experience. In the end, it helped me land the job I have now. If I had been working in a completely different field to just make money – I wouldn’t have had the strength and energy to continue freelance work. Yes, not having money to pay for my artwork needs sucked, but I was willing to make a bit of a sacrifice and hold back on the artwork to work on my graphic design.

I also get, that some people don’t have the luxury to float around and not have to worry about paying rent, or other expense. While, living at home isn’t the best situation, it’s helped me focus on my career so that one day I can live on my own, doing what I love to do.