Freelancer's Journey to Find Meaningful Work Through Hustle

The following is a guest post by Colleen Kong-Savage, an illustrator and writer who lives in Manhattan. She shares with us the difficulties of finding employment after a divorce and being out of the workforce for almost 10 years to raise her son.

The journey of finding meaningful work can often feel like an uphill battle, especially for those re-entering the job market after a significant hiatus. The struggles faced can be deeply personal and reflect broader societal barriers. In this context, the story of Colleen Kong-Savage serves as a poignant reminder of resilience and ambition in the face of adversity.

Understanding Unemployment in a Competitive Job Market

Many individuals grapple with the question: "Why am I so unemployable?" This feeling often plagues those who believe they possess the necessary skills and experience yet find themselves consistently overlooked. Colleen's experiences epitomize this struggle, illustrating the paradox of being talented yet unrecognized.

Despite her creative capabilities and a solid portfolio, Colleen has encountered numerous obstacles. After years of raising her son and stepping away from traditional employment, she has found it increasingly difficult to secure a job in graphic design.

• Outdated Skills: In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, skills can quickly become obsolete. Colleen's expertise in print design is less relevant today, where digital design dominates.
• Job Market Saturation: In cities like New York, competition is fierce. It is not uncommon for hundreds of candidates to apply for a single position.
• Employment Gaps: Research shows that long unemployment can lead to bias in hiring, making it harder for those out of the workforce for extended periods to secure interviews.

Exploring Temporary Employment Solutions

In light of the challenges she faced, Colleen turned to temporary employment agencies. This strategy is a common choice for many freelancers and job seekers looking to re-enter the workforce.

Colleen's experience with several creative temp agencies revealed a harsh reality—while her skills were acknowledged, the sheer volume of applicants made job placement a significant hurdle. A staggering ratio of 100 applicants to a single job opening illustrates the competitive nature of the graphic design field.

According to studies, individuals who have been unemployed for more than six months face substantial disadvantages. Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston highlights that only 1-3% of candidates out of work for over 26 weeks receive interview callbacks, compared with 9-16% of those who have been unemployed for a shorter duration.

Strategies for Pursuing Creative Dreams

Colleen's "Dream Trilogy" offers insight into how she attempts to navigate her career aspirations despite the obstacles. This trilogy emphasizes the importance of creativity and entrepreneurship in her journey.

• Part I: Create engaging children's books. Colleen's passion for storytelling is a driving force, and her determination to illustrate her own work showcases her commitment to her craft.
• Part II: Launch a clothing line. Through her brand KONGA NYC: Beastly Attitudes for Kids, she has taken the first step in building her creative empire.
• Part III: License artwork for various products, such as greeting cards and home decor, expanding her reach and potential income streams.

Navigating the Challenges of Being an Illustrator and Author

The path of an artist is fraught with challenges, particularly when trying to find an audience for one's work. Colleen's experience with her children's book, Subway Line to Bedtime, exemplifies the hurdles many creators face in securing publication.

Despite receiving positive feedback from established professionals in the industry, the difficulty in finding a market for her book underscores a common challenge for many artists—balancing personal vision with commercial viability.

Essential Steps for Aspiring Creatives

Colleen has outlined several key strategies for navigating her artistic ambitions:

1. Crow loudly: Self-promotion is crucial for artists. Colleen acknowledges her discomfort with marketing herself, yet recognizes that visibility is essential for success.
2. Find the market: Understanding the audience is vital. Colleen's personal stories may resonate with some, but she must also consider broader appeal.
3. Make lots of stuff: The creative process is ongoing. Producing a variety of works increases the chances of success and helps refine her artistic voice.
4. Build endurance and grit: The journey is often littered with rejection. Colleen draws inspiration from successful authors who overcame significant obstacles before achieving recognition.

Envisioning a Flourishing Illustration Career

As a parent, Colleen reflects on the need for faith in both parenting and professional pursuits. Just as children progress through developmental milestones, so too must she trust the process of building her career in illustration.

The anxiety surrounding her future income and career stability is significant, yet she remains determined to shift her focus towards the work that truly excites her. This mindset is pivotal in navigating the uncertainties of freelance work.

Commitment to the Craft

In her journey, Colleen has embraced the mantra of "just do the work." This approach has allowed her to focus on producing art, refining her skills, and maintaining connections within the industry.

Whether through social media engagement, portfolio development, or networking, Colleen actively seeks opportunities to promote her work and brand. This proactive attitude is essential for any freelancer aiming to establish a sustainable career.

Have you faced challenges in finding employment after a long break? What strategies have you employed to stay motivated and keep your skills sharp? Your experiences and suggestions could be invaluable to others on a similar path.

Updates and Progress in Colleen Kong-Savage's Career

Since sharing her story, Colleen has made remarkable strides in her career. She illustrated The Turtle Ship in 2018 and has continued to evolve as both an illustrator and author.

In March 2024, she released Piano Wants to Play, a beautifully illustrated book that explores the perspective of a piano yearning to be played. This project exemplifies her dedication to storytelling through art.

Looking ahead, Colleen has signed on to illustrate a book about the origins of fortune cookies, proving that perseverance and creativity can lead to fulfilling opportunities in the artistic world.

Si quieres conocer otros artículos parecidos a Freelancer's Journey to Find Meaningful Work Through Hustle puedes visitar la categoría Online Business & Side Hustles.