New here....Need advice!

[jsdesigns]

Hey! I have been a stay at home momma for 10 years. In that time I have also done some freelance graphic design work. I have four kids. I also have a wonderful hubbie that has worked the whole time so I can stay home with them. Here's the deal...we want to switch roles. He stay home with the kids and I get a graphic design job. I feel terrified and excited. Not sure if anyone will want to hire me. I would love any advice from seasoned designers. You can check out my work at www.joannahdesigns.com (http://www.joannahdesigns.com).

Thanks!

[sierng]

welcome.

The "graphics" page has the <title> as untitled.. thats my crit.

[PrintDriver]

Hmmm...Have you checked the payscale for a starting out graphic designer these days and compared it to what your hubby makes now? Or rather, one starting out after 10 years with 'some' experience in Freelance? You say you've done 'some' freelance. A lot? Or a job or two here and there?

[jsdesigns]

Alright...here is the deal. I had time to focus on freelance in between kids. So yes "some" freelance would be the word. And yes, I have researched the pay range. I would make ALOT less than my hubbie, but we could make it work. He wants to go back to school. So, do I have a chance? I just want to know what to expect when I get out there. With what experience I do have should I just be looking for Junior level jobs? Can I shoot for hire paying positions?

[CkretAjint]

What to expect when you get out there is not a whole lot. The job market is so thin right now it's insane. I know VERY skilled people who are struggling to find a job, any job, right now.

Also, having strong web skills will bump you up. It seems that is what most people want; a web/graphic designer to handle everything and get it done yesterday for a big mac and fries.

[PrintDriver]

Apply for anything and everything. :D
If you don't have the skills, it will be apparent at the interview, if you get that far.

4 kids under 10? <that's an assumption>
You sure you can swing this?

[jsdesigns]

yes. 4 kids under 10! Can I swing this...I believe so. My husbands going down hill emotionally in a job that he hates. Something needs to happen. He is very skilled and works for a large corporation, but it's killing him inside. I feel like a droan staying home all day every day with the kids, not what I planned to do with my life, although I love my kids dearly.

I am aware I need to beef up my web skills. I'm working on teaching myself Dreamweaver and then Flash. The sites I have designed are through Homestead. Not sure if having that experience will help or hurt me.

Thanks for the advice. I have other friends who freelance but no one that works a 9-5 job to bounce ideas off.

[Ben Kessler]

Welcome to GDF, Jsdesigns! Best of luck to you and your husband on your career change!

[Red Kittie Kat]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/RedKittieKat/smilies/wel2.gif

Welcome Aboard and good luck :)

[tuliptree]

Welcome! I freelance from home very part time while my kids are young. I'm preparing myself for a career move in the next few years myself, either increasing freelance, going back to school, or going out in the work force. Good luck to you, enjoy GDF! It's a great place here!

[writeaboutbetty]

Where I work there are people with all different skills and skill levels. Who gets a job seems to have as much to do with kismet as with anything. Though you will want to know Dreamweaver, Flash, all Adobe, maybe some database stuff plus how to run different print jobs smoothly.

I thought your portfolio was nice. Very professional. And it won't hurt that you can actually draw and paint. Be tenacious, you'll find something. Give yourself a year (at least) and while you're looking, do every tutorial, take every class, go to every seminar ... learn all you can about file formats, print technology, web building, etc.

Welcome aboard the ship o'fools! -- b --

[jsdesigns]

Thanks everyone! I sent out a couple resumes today. Its hard because I worked for a printer part time just recently and they got hundreds of resumes just for their little, out of date print shop. I know the competition is tough. Thats what is scarry. Once I get into a position I'll be fine. If I don't know it I'll figure it out.

Anyway, Thanks again. I'm excited I found GDF.

[Virgo Nightingale]

Welcome aboard jsdesigns! Good luck to you in your job search, and to your husband in school!

[cornfed]

Welcome! I understand where you're coming from. I have 3 kids and freelanced for 13 years. I started full time last year. If you know your stuff, it'll show through in the interview. Your portfolio will speak for itself, too. I think you have some nice work in there!

My husband and I both went to college with 2 kids. One of us took MWF, the other took T/Th. I'm sure you guys can make this work if you're really committed to it! Sounds like you are! Just make sure the hubby doesn't get caught up in the same rut you've been feeling like you're in - stuck in the house, etc. The good thing is that it sounds like you guys have been living on one salary so you'll be used to that. I'm sure you've realized that there are a ton of discounts and financial aid incentives when your husband goes back to school that would come in the form of grants and not loans. If you could get that, it would be that much easier. Sorry, you didn't ask for any of that!