[IxDA Discuss] what helped most in your career? : Dealing with criticism

[Kim Bieler]

Lukeisha,

I took a job once where I hoped the firm owner would become a mentor.  
I said as much in the interview. Not only did this not happen, but  
after a year of working there, I had nothing to show for it  
professionally. Everything I had worked on was the continuation of a  
previously existing project and I became suspicious that he had  
stopped assigning me new design work.

I mentioned my suspicion to him and he confirmed that yes, he didn't  
have confidence in my design ability. I was floored, but at least I  
knew the truth.

So, I was faced with a dilemma. I could either believe his assessment  
that I was a bad designer, or I could believe my clients and others  
who said I was a good designer. I had a lot at stake -- my career, my  
self worth, my dreams.  Ultimately, I decided that his opinion did  
not count and that moreover, I couldn't afford to believe him.

That realization -- that I had a CHOICE what to believe -- was enough  
to empower me. I put in my resignation the next day and embarked on a  
freelance career that I have never regretted.


-- Kim


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    Kim Bieler Graphic Design
    www.kbgd.com
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