Got official written offer. I’ll start on the 21st.
Grandma also died. Grief is hitting differently bc I’m estranged with her, but it’s upsetting that I felt I wasn’t allowed to know her and by extension not know my family outside of parents and siblings. Now that she’s gone, I guess I’m now “permitted” to know more of my family. It’s complicated. I’m upset at myself for both things I could and couldn’t control.
But at least I’ll be able to see my cousins again soon.
Got a verbal offer for a job last Friday and I’m waiting for background check to process. I asked for a salary boost and they obliged this week. They also said my trip to my grandparents will most likely be approved.
I get a potential bonus up to 4k. 401k, health insurance, dental, vision, PTO, and holidays.
I won’t be making much to live by myself unless I really budget. But I’m making far more than I expected as a jr level designer. I’m on the higher end, especially in the area. Can’t help but think I got lucky. Nonetheless, I’m hoping this serves to be a good stepping stone.
I feel happy but anxious. This is what I’ve been building towards for years, but it happens in the blink of an eye. Feels strange. This of course opens up lovely family dynamics, like my mom asking for money ✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧ so fun. I mean ofc I’ll help out with the house, but I want to draw a line since I need to financially support myself. In regards to why she would want me to give her money for the house, when my dad pays for it… She’s being weird. She’ll get weirder.
Anyway. Yup. Strange but good times? Struggling to process how good this can and will be for me. Sigh, and one of the first things I have to get is a car. 💀
I turned down a job offer due to its lack of transparency and structure. I feel regret and relief. Someone told me I could’ve just taken the job and see how it would take off (as a very new startup), but I was eyeing their unguaranteed, unpredictable hours (no social outreach, online contact info, questionable timeliness, etc.) in conflict with my transportation logistics and said no. Plus…I’ve seen disorganized leadership before, and I detected it throughout the whole process.
They kept saying it might’ve been worth a try, though. And it’s like great, sure, stir up more of my regret and what ifs. I definitely declined it without any hesitation whatsoever.
Other than that, had another interview. It was weird and oddly short. Not confident.
Aaand…I pet my dog. A lot. He’s fluffy.
Graphic design. 🫠 Er, a worse market for sure. I have experience w internships and volunteering, but not at a full time job.
Still figuring out the niche I wanna head into. I prefer user psychology and design strategy tbh, but I feel like I’m spinning my wheels on that.
Well, 2 months and no job, but ik it’s rookie numbers. I know someone who got a job in 4 years. He’s doing well now but sheesh.
I’ve started working on my own designs again. Polishing my portfolio while figuring out how to reach out to folks for pro bono work haha. Unsure of what to show them. And I applied to Starbucks.
Other than that, reconnected with my cousins and cleared up silly family drama. Even though the economy is awful, it’s good to know there’s still family.
I learned that I’m a runner-up for a jr graphic design job, which is both discouraging and encouraging. I’m wrestling with this feeling of frustration by being second but also appreciative. I was commended and told if they had a second position available, they would’ve greatly considered me further. And yes, perhaps there were bureaucratic words littered in, but it did seem genuine, and that being put in second place was most likely a close call. I feel fairly optimistic about my relationship with them despite the circumstances.
Overall though, I’m just continuing the job hunting grind and planning some projects I’ve put off since university. Still going strong!
I graduated, so I’ve been decompressing and occasionally looking at jobs when I see something on an app. Hoping my screwed up college time perception from gets fixed soon—I hate knowing what’s on my schedule but not knowing what today is. It’s so discombobulating.
Got another interview coming up. Feel mixed on returning to family, but it’s not like my college town was gonna be my forever home… It hurts to close a chapter. I’m worried I’ll return to old bad habits when I live with fam. Trying to remind myself that I’m different now.
I got my first full time job interview tomorrow! I’ve been applying to jobs slowly, but I currently have an advantage in my design cohort because my portfolio site is basically done.
I also somehow connected with folks in my college town that are from the old guard of design. He told me to relax and that I’ll be fine, haha (☍◡⁰) and then gave me his designer friend’s contact— his friend has connections throughout the community.
I’m conflicted about graduating. But also, I want my hobby time back. Excited, scared, and confused!
Thank you! 🫂 I’m doing alright. Hopefully I can see them soon. In the meantime I’m planning on visiting my adoptive grandparents by the end of October.
And thank you! ⌯’▾’⌯ I’m hoping this will be a new start!