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About my inactivity -- J-LO isn't what you may think...

Community
#1

I need to get this off my chest –

I’ve not been as active in the forums here as I would like. The reason why is that last week was the end of a “module” (i.e. “quarter”) in the vocational school wherre I’m an instructor at. So that sapped a lot of time with tests and final projects and grades and such. This monday, I was informed that there’s no classes for me to teach for the foreseeable future.

Yup, been hit by the big J-LO (Job-LayOff). I hope to turn this into an opportunity and pursue venues that I really couldn’t as a full time instructor.

I’m busy creating new stuff for a portfolio and I’m truly excited by this.

So, I’m makin’ lemonade outa the silverlining in this bleak cloud over me. I’m totally open to any and all comments and such anybody wishes to share. This is the best community of its kind I’ve ever been involved with. Maybe others in this forum are in like straits and this could help others.

Even though the US economy sucks right now, it did the last time I was laid-off and I landed on my feet just fine. I just don’t want anybody to feel sorry for my sitch, just hoist a [insert recreational beverage/etc here] for me in celebrating a new opportunity for yours truly and everybody in a simular situation.

Mike Rhodes

#2

MTB raises a cup of wine
Cheers and good fortune buddy!

I too am suffering from a kind of lay-off.
I have been missing days here and there because I am told to stay home (no work).
Retail industry is really sucking right now.

Hope things pep up in the near future for more then just you and I…

#3

I will most definitely drink to that, best wishes to you Mike and everyone else too

#4

Hi Mike

I work freelance as a copy-editor for scientific journals but I too am trying to change my path. At 37 this is probably somewhat late in life but it is a yearning that needs to be fulfilled. The work I do pays well and is not bereft of purpose, but it just doesn’t scratch my long-troubling creative itch.

As far as creativity goes I sort of lost my way. I tinkered here and there but 20 years went by and I have barely a work to my name. I finally have taken the plunge and cut right back on my freelance work so I can concentrate on putting a portfolio together. With this I hope to get on a course that will consume all my savings.

My future is uncertain and in the end it may have been a bad choice. As far as your situation goes, it sounds as if you had the choice made for you. So, it is probably self-evident, but all I can really say is that it is now up to me and you.

A good thing that freelancing has taught me is the need for discipline when working for yourself. If you are going to put a portfolio together then do it. You will have to cut a channel through your financial and other worries to keep your creative juices flowing. Tap into those and ride them for all they are worth. Even harness any despair you have and pump that into your art; melancholy has stimulated some of the greatest works of art this world has known.

We are now responsible for ourselves and our futures. Current affairs willing, I wish you all the best in yours and offer this, not so much as advice, but as encouragement :slight_smile:

#5

Remember that everytime a door closes a window opens. Just be ready, and things will work out in a satisfactory way!

#6

thanks, everyone who replied!

Mahlikus: I’ll hoist a cold one for you and everyone in our situation. cheers!

On a positive note, probably the Retail sector will be the first that’ll pick up when the “recovery” occurs.

Antimorph: Thanks for the words. BTW, I was introduced to Donne by my first GF, and when I was in basic training (USAF) she would send me huge letters (around 40-80 ppgs) and lotsa Donne.

Bonecradle: Don’t think that being X-years old is “too late.” Heinlein said it best – “Specialization is for insects.” I’m just 3 years older than the “Secret of Life, the Universe and everything” (you do the math :smiley: ) and I’m finally going to seriously pursue my dream of being a Comic Creator. I got the life experience that goes with my age and an art style that is truly my own (no Jim Lee/John Byrne/Flavor of the Month – well maybe a little ‘manga’ ). Sure I’m concerned that maybe I can’t get published, but that’s not stopping the spousal unit from setting up a savings acct just for ComicCon in San Deigo(sp). Bless her strawberry blonde head.

DId you know that JMS (creator of Babylon 5, current writer of Spider-Man and other TV and comic series) was (iirc) about your age when he went to Hollywood to make it as a writer?

As far as disipline goes, this is what I do and it seems to work: I still wake up at the same time as before the J-LO, shave brush the teeth, eat breakky. Then at the same time I would leave for work, I take a 15 minute or so walk to get my mental ducks in a row and then I come home and hit the 'puter and create. Making sure I take the breaks that I’m used to. This works for me and I’m able to produce some neat stuff :+1:

Also historically, in recessive times, like now, and with war just dawning, the entertainment biz always experiences an upswing.

Thanks again for replying, dude.

DeeVee: That’s my attitude. I’m taking this as the universe giving me a ‘hint’ to pursue my dreams and accomplish my long desired goals. Thanks for the affirmation.

mr

#7

Man, I wish I could get laid off (seriously). They won’t even let me take holidays (no holidays in 2.5 years!!). I’m sick of this stupid, unchallenging, unsatisfying routine. Anyways, congratulations! :slight_smile:

#8

You are not alone Mike! I have been working in the animation industry for the last 5 years and I have been ‘layed off’ three times! As a matter of fact, almost everyone I know is ‘layed off’ these days. Right now I am working part-time and building my portfolio again. Working full-time when there is a new version of ZBrush to learn would be a super big drag. It is great to have some time to be creative and develop new skills. If one can manage it, (keeping a low overhead), it is not a bad life to skip from job contract to job contract. Least one doesn’t get bored.
Security is nice, but I think it is a thing of the past. Best of luck. :wink:

#9

I to am self unemployed