Today was my last day of over 7 years as an art director at Sinnerschrader.
As I’ve mentioned before, one of my main motivations was a unshakeable desire to return to Australia after over 10 years. I’ll be stepping off the plane in Sydney on October 3rd.
But more than that, I’ve been motivated by something I think of as “growing up.”
Working for a big company is in so many ways so very easy. Someone else decides what you’ll do. Someone else tells you how to do it and when. And someone else shoulders the stress and worry if and when things go wrong. No matter what you do, as long as you’re at work every day, do your best to be useful, and don’t do something completely stupid, you get your paycheck. And no matter how excellent your work is, every month’s paycheck looks the same. This state is akin to childhood—your parents shield you from most of life’s worries and feed you regularly.
Many people work this way all their lives, but it’s been getting under my skin for a year or two. It’s pretty cosy to have so little worry, so it took that long for the itch to outweigh the comfort.
Growing up is about deciding things for yourself. Saying “yes” to risks, and living with the triumphs and disasters of your own decisions. Earning more when you work harder and less when you slack off. Being able to run with exciting new ideas, and reject the duds. Knowing that there’s no one else to blame, no matter how good or bad things are.
I believe living and working this way is what it is to truly be alive. I certainly hope I’m right, since I am, as of today, a freelance designer.
It feels pretty good so far.
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hi matt,
i wish you all the best. i was always wondering how a creative guy like you would stay as long in the same job as you did. so congrats to you decision and “schreib mal ne postkarte”.
it is a ironic coincidence that you enter australia on the “Tag der Deutschen Einheit”.
take care.
congratulations
welcome to the bright side!
Congratulations and all the best with your new venture! Having taken the plunge around a year ago myself, I’m sure you’ll feel more alive than ever in times to come.
hey matt,
That’s quite a decision!…I think you’ll love it. Take care and enjoy!
good luck.
you won’t regret it, i guess…
Hi Matt, now that I read this post I understand your decision even better. I tried that free way of living for a short period but it wasn’t my cup of tea for now. But I think you are a guy who is really made for that! Your new blog design should be a good start. I like it – it suits you. So all the best for you, hope we stay in touch!