As a 20 year old in 2021... Would you: A. Start your own business or B. Find a job

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  • @Alessio La Ruffa I love hearing people's stories! Thank ypou for sharing this. I am really happy to hear that you made it through the lockdown and that your skills are improving. The job sounds like something that would really show you around the city. I'm sure moving took a huge leap of faith but I am so glad to hear it worked out for you.
  • @kaylyn kemp I was very lucky in that my wife qualifies for an ancestry visa for the UK. We moved over two years ago. I took a job shooting properties for an estate agent for the first year and a half. It definitely saved me during covid as I was put on furlough and managed to survive lockdown. It was a great entry to starting out in London as I got to see a lot of the city and even refined my lighting technique for when I went freelance a couple of months ago.
  • @Alessio La Ruffa Hi Alessio! It's so nice finding South Africans on here! I'd love to know how you ended up all the way across the globe?
    That is really valuable feedback. Thank you. I graduated thinking that I was confident in my work, but I noticed there is a lot to still learn in the industry.
  • @kaylyn kemp I'd say the usual things: an online portfolio and a short, nicely designed CV. I'd check also the legal stuff if you intend to work for companies abroad (taxes, work permits etc.)
  • I think finding a job would be the better idea as you have something to fall back on and your job can also go towards funding your business until its self sustainable, good luck either way.
  • @kaylyn kemp i agree, I am in the same boat with looking for a part time job. Hopefully something comes up eventually for us!:)x
  • Hello, fellow South African! Try finding a job because you'll get paid to learn about the industry and once you've learned a lot and feel confident in your skills, see if you can freelance while you work. Once you're confident you can consistently make more freelancing than working a job, take the plunge.
  • @Anna Negrini Thank you for the feedback Anna. This might be what I need for now. The creative jobs in South Africa unfortunately do not pay a true living wage at all! Do you have any suggestions on how I could present myself to international companies in a manner that would make them consider my application?
  • @Danielle Dey Thank you Danielle! I have been looking for jobs or positions that are part time so that I can get valuable experience, while investing time into my own business. It has proven to be a lot harder than it seems to find the perfect part-time position though.
  • @Luke Freeman Thank you Luke! I really appreciate this honest insight! Where I live, in South Africa, creatives are hugely undervalued and underpaid. Because of this, I have actually already started a small business but very quickly realised there is a lot that I do not know. Therefore, it takes me a lot longer to learn certain skills as I have to figure it out myself. I also freelance in between as it pays A LOT better, but I am not sure it is giving me the guidance that an agency/design-house would... So, I suppose the question is, do I want experience or money because it doesn't seem like I can have both here.
  • @Alice Kenny I was wondering about this! Just through freelancing I realised there are so many details and things that I never even knew existed. As a Graphic Designer, at which point (years) do you think you have built enough experience to start a business?
  • I think as a junior you gain so much knowlege and experience by working with others. I'd suggest finding a job, or if you go down the own business road, make sure you have a community of peers and mentors to learn from.
  • I am 23 yo but... I woukl say B while you try to do A (?). I think it would be the perfect combination : )
  • Chasing a design job can be stressful, and make you feel devalued. I’d suggest setting up freelance find some clients to work for and small agencies to freelance for to help build up the experience and portfolio.

    Also make time to do experimental design work. As everyone else stated do both. Create a business model where are you going to host a website etc how much you’re planning to invest into running freelance.
  • I would say, if possible, do both!
    You can always work part time to keep yourself going. However, if you feel like you have a good shot at running a bussiness and want to give it your all that's something I'd also suggest; especially as you're only 20 so may as well give it a shot!
    Good luck x

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