I find myself in a bit of a rut in my creative industry career at the moment.
This year marks my almost 23rd year in the creative industry. I've worked in various settings with different roles, such as creative agencies, event companies, PR agencies, and conducted workshops at universities. Over the past 5 years, I've been collaborating with brands from various parts of the world, mostly e-commerce brands. However, this year, while working with a retail marketing agency in Dubai, I experienced consistent psychological pressure from my manager. By psychological pressure, I mean receiving comments about my work that didn't really mean anything, like "I didn't like this, do something else." Or one day, they would say, "You're a genius, I really love that," and the next day, they'd criticize the same work saying, "Actually, I didn't like this at all. It has turned into a crisis. I need another alternative to present to management, but I don't have time for revisions right now, think of something else."
All of this has taken a toll on my self-confidence and courage, especially considering that I've been working as both a designer and a manager for years. At this point, instead of continuing to work there, I preferred being unemployed. It has been a month, and I haven't been able to find a suitable job. I'm trying to find a way forward on my own.
Does anyone have any advice on this matter? How have you dealt with similar situations in the past?
Replies19
- @Ali Can Elagöz That’s incredible, I really hope you succeed with where you want to take it!
- The fact that you have left this job shows that your know your worth and the value of your creativity, sometimes when the opportunity hasn’t come to you best thing to do is create it for yourself. Maybe starting your own company may be a form of freedom and I’m sure you have the network to find a team from being in the industry. Hopefully this helps 🙏🏼
- Came across late to this and other people has been very helpful. My advice is to have some side projects/freelance projects where you can feel good about your creativity. I've dealt with this in the past and I have to say unfortunately it's very common in the creative industry where our value is somewhat intangible.Your manager should give you proper guidance if not happy, make you understand where the issue is. If not, it's not leadership, just bossing around. It's their job to have time to give feedbacks! Please try to leave as it's a very toxic environment in the long run.
- @Ali Can Elagöz unfortunately I used to believe the same, but in my experience it’s only about 50% true. Some think if you are kind, then you are weak and they will walk over you to advance their own career. Also in this industry, people will steal and claim your ideas as their own, or throw you under a bus so they can walk safely across the road. And believe me, I am an optimist.
- @Trinity Mitchell I've had a gander at your portfolio, and I must say, you're a talented designer! Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise! As someone who's been through a similar phase, I can tell you that I've been on the hunt for remote clients in the UK and Europe.Would you consider joining forces to find a path and win together? I've added you, let's have a chat!
- @Marco Beyermann Thank you for your kind words. Actually, I don't think he's a bad chap at all, and he's got no issues with creativity either. Likely, he was just a bit muddled in the noggin and didn't quite realize the impact of his behavior on me.
- @Dalano Barnes Thank you! I must say, I understand you very well. In terms of freelancing, I've taken it a step further and set up my own independent design studio. We'll see what the future holds :)
- @christopher conway Thank you Chritopher. I always used to believe that if you treat people well, you'll receive the same in return. Apart from one or two exceptions, I hadn't experienced anything contrary to this. I suppose being subjected to such treatment has shaken me to the core. The thing is, I had fixed countless mistakes made by that manager in the past, and I had been sensitive about keeping it discreet. Seeing it go unacknowledged was what shattered me.
- @Constance Stephens You're in completely wrong place. This iis not an appropriate way to sell here.
- @Paul Block After your message, I messaged some of my old managers and friends, these calls were only for hearing some good things about me, but almost all of it ended with a freelance project. It made me feel really good. Thank you for that!
- @Yasmine Patpatia Really thank you for your offer, give me a month and let's make this call as paid, this is what you deserve! :)
- I’m in exactly the same position only I’ve been unemployed for 4 months now. My last workplace was toxic in so many little ways, gaslighting staff and pushing their self-worth down. My self-esteem has diminished and it’s made me question my skills and abilities. I’m working through it and taking this time to explore the creative pursuits that make me happy and try new things. I’m trying to apply for different roles, try out for new opportunities and not let pride get in my way. It’s stressful but I’m happier than I was staying in an awful workplace!
- Hey Ali,It sounds to me like your manager were very insecure and couldn't make important decisions. They might be above their grade or don't have criteria so they blame it on you because they don't know what they want. This tends to happens with people that overthink and overanalised. This kind of managers will micro manage everything you do and you will feel drained as a result. I think you probably did the right thing. Step away from that enviroment and focus onto finding something else. No one should feel like that at work. It sounds like your are very experinced, I am sure they will be better clients outthere who will value your work.
- I just read all replies. Thank you so much all the good hearts! This is why I reallly love The Dots!
- Hey Ali,I had a similar experience in my last video editing job with a very un-creative manager, who would say “what the fuck is that” when I tried something new with my editing, until it was approved and suddenly he’d think the video was amazing.I’ve not worked for people as long as you have but it drove me to the point where I feel it’s better to work for myself than others, and I’m now giving a go at freelancing. Is that something you’ve thought about, doing freelancing?
- Unfortunately this is part of the creative industry, it’s a fruit salad, my best advice is try and find somewhere you are happier, staying put does not help, you can’t change some people. Taking a leap is a risk but most of the time it works out better than expected.
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- Hi Ali, I completely get how you feel. I believe the best way to try and deal with this is contact old colleagues you have worked with for a chat. Those that knows you best and appreciate your hard work and skills. They may give you some great advice and maybe some work to help you build your confidence. Just be around people that lift you and you will bounce right back.
- Ali, I’m really sorry to hear this has happened. I think you should start with rebuilding some of your confidence back - also try and stay creatively inspired.I’m a Creative Coach and work with people facing similar challenges - such as being heavily disregarded creatively and then managing the impact of that.I would love to offer you a free call to see if I can help! Send me a private message if you’re interested. Yasmine
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