Web Design Forums

pgo · 19-09-2005, 02:39

Well, I'm not thrilled with working nights anymore. After a year, it gets a bit old.

I'd really like to get a web-related job, but the pickings are slim (or should I say, non-existent) in the town I live in. There are some freelancers here, who make a comfortable wage. My problem is specifically health-related. Since I have a bad back, I need health insurance and getting health insurance independent of an employer would cost at least $400/month. That's higher than the average rent around here. Far as I'm concerned, if you pay more for health insurance than for a place to live, there's something wrong. As an upstart, I couldn't afford it - even if I somehow starting making bank.

So, I need a full-time job. With benefits.

Are there any suggestions for resources - I've exhausted Dice.com - all those companies want is developers. Some designers, but not many, if any, junior level. And all these jobs have ridiculous requirements - (X)HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL, XML, SOAP (whatever that is), ASP, ColdFusion, JSP, Java. That's 11. And JSP is the most common. I'm going to be looking at HotJobs, Monster.com, and all the regulars next.

If anyone knows of any resources, please let me know. I took a look at Pixelworthy.com and I doubt I'd be able to get a job there (A) and (B) they seem to hire part-time. I need full time and I need benefits. I can't afford thousands of dollars of medical shit by myself.

If we had a national health system I wouldn't be so concerned.

Maybe I just need to get another four-year degree. In graphic design this time - instead of painting. Which actually might not be too hard (of course, getting another $100,000 degree isn't an option) since I have a degree in fine art, I've got a lot of general education and fine art credits. I could probably get another degree in 2 years. Perhaps I shall speak with an advisor.

fresco3000 · 19-09-2005, 08:21

Wow, sounds like a tough call. Ever considered moving? I've been in a similar position but UK/Europe is a lot lighter on the health costs. There are jobs out there, but rarely on your doorstep. One positive about web work is you dont have to be local to the job, but building up a client base is a lot harder. Maybe you should push your freelance career whilst you're still working nights, make the break when you get established?

Meantime....

http://marcom.aquent.com/
http://www.freelancers.net/
http://www.creativepersonnel.co.uk
http://www.freelanceforum.co.uk

You might also consider contacting local web design/IT companies.

Good Luck!

pgo · 19-09-2005, 09:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by fresco3000

Maybe you should push your freelance career whilst you're still working nights, make the break when you get established?

Thanks for the tips and links.

I'm basically doing that right now, but not making any real money. My father runs a marketing communications company, which does marketing strategy, brand strategy, PR, etc. and I do some things for him - like website assessments (this needs to be changed, you shouldn't be using an image map for navigation, your site doesn't even load with JavaScript disabled, and so on). But those only take a couple hours to run through and only pay...maybe $100 (at $30/hour) - since I just do the technical stuff - code improvement suggestions, usability, accessibility.

I do have a couple possible leads on freelance projects - church website and something else I don't even know exactly what it is yet as a distant possibility.

I'm really thinking about going and getting a graphic design degree. Seeing as I already have a Bachelor's degree, I should be able to wrap up another one in 2 years or so - while working freelance and living off those sweet, sweet student loans. Those were the days.

Alexanda · 19-09-2005, 09:43

you dont need a degree to do graphic design. You learn a lot more reading books and going on placements, which you should be able to do if you work nights.

fresco3000 · 19-09-2005, 14:18

I agree, a graphics degree might not get you any further. Why not follow your dad, sounds like he's only a few steps away from your industry. It's all visual communication, is'nt it?

Mik · 19-09-2005, 16:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by cantona

you dont need a degree to do graphic design. You learn a lot more reading books and going on placements, which you should be able to do if you work nights.

haha hitler cunt.
Sleep?

mark · 20-09-2005, 03:08

Nice use of the hitler card.

I haven't seen it employed so effectively since I heard dinner lady being insulted at St. Illtuds junior school in 1979.

mikesunit · 20-09-2005, 04:37

You're dead right about the design degree. If you have an interest in it and are good at it then there is very little point at going back to school. You're better off working on getting a great portfolio together and making your website a showcase for your talents.

shameless self promotion :: http://www.creativepool.co.uk

pgo · 20-09-2005, 04:40

Well, you all may be right.

Anyone want to recommend some graphic design books? I have a few on my Amazon wishlist.

I'm still thinking about going back to school next year. It would get me out of my job and back into the sunlight. Plus I'd learn something. Maybe I'll just take a few GD courses.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fresco3000

I agree, a graphics degree might not get you any further. Why not follow your dad, sounds like he's only a few steps away from your industry. It's all visual communication, is'nt it?

Yes and no.

His is more verbal communications - press releases, copy writing, showing his clients how of effectively communicate with their clients. He does work closely with a few graphic designers (and sometimes with myself). He helps with concepts (he used to be the artistic type - I just actually pursued it...he went the literary route).

My problem still remains that I'll need health insurance and I'll be damned if I'll be able to afford it anytime soon. I may have to move to get decent employment - only problem is, I have to have qualifications to get said employment.

seen.to · 20-09-2005, 08:17

In this game employers are more interested in your portfolio, your experience and your attitude than your qualifications... and if they want qualifications I'm sure your fine art degree will satisfy them.

I met with Geoff & the team at Pixelworthy but like you say, they were only interested in part timers.

If you're thinking of moving back up this way I'd recommend BossStaffing. They are the only agency that have actually performed for me... Though to be fair to some of the others they did throw a few offers my way that were too junior so they may well be good for you.

Of course going the agency route doesn't help with insurance - unless you tell them you are only available temp-to-hire.

Also, did you check out the list of other Philly Web design firms on Pixelworthy's site? Let me know if they've removed it and I'll send you a CSV of them all.

HTH & Good luck!

pgo · 20-09-2005, 08:32

Thanks, seen.to.

I'd love to move back up to Philly or NYC or anywhere on the east coast. I'm sure I can find that listing on Pixelworthy's site - if not, I'll let you know. I'm sure there's more opportunity in that area. I'll also look at Boss Staffing.

I'm not going to be able to move for months - or as long as a year. I'm staying with my current job and insurance until my health issues are resolved (probably end up having surgery in the near future).

Alexanda · 20-09-2005, 08:34

Book List that helped me:

The new typography - jan tschichold
Graphic Design as a second language - bob gill
Beware wet paint - alan fletcher
Grid systems in graphic design - josef muller-brockmann
Stop steeling sheep and find out how type works - erik speikermann
Pioneers of modern typography - herbert spencer

you'd learn more reading them than going on any degree course.

pgo · 20-09-2005, 08:36

Much obliged, my good man.

I shall look for them.

finbarr · 20-09-2005, 08:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by pgo

(probably end up having surgery in the near future).

fucking hell pgo what's happened to your back? I had a snowboarding accident a few years ago that fucked my back up bigtime but I never needed surgery - just a few chiropractic treatments and continual yoga

pgo · 20-09-2005, 09:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by finbarr

fucking hell pgo what's happened to your back?

That's my actual MRI. Notice how the disc near the arrow is black - this mean's it's devoid of moisture and no longer serving any purpose (in other words, when those two vertebrae on either side of it move, it's bone on bone and they don't move as they should). You can also see, in that image, how the two last vertebrae don't exactly line up as they should.

The spaces where the nerve roots exit the spinal column have shrunk as a result, causing the sciatic nerve to be irritated as it exits my spine, which causes burning, tingling, stinging, and aching pains from my very low back down the left leg to my left foot. There's basically pain constantly - although it's usually quite mild and more aching than real pain.

I got a series of 3 epidural steroid injections in June (they go in from the back and through the foramen with a needle and into the spinal canal to inject steroids and anesthetics to reduce inflammation of the nerve). Then 4 weeks of physical therapy, after which I felt OK for about a month. Then it got so bad I could barely walk, so the doc wanted to try again w/out surgery - this time, they put me on Celebrex and gave me 4 more weeks of therapy, which I finish up on Thursday. It's helping, but not as much as I'd like. Going back to the doc next Thursday.

That's what's wrong with my back.

finbarr · 20-09-2005, 09:08

that is pretty serious... but why has this happened? Is it some sort of hereditery thing? Or did you do something to cause it?

pgo · 20-09-2005, 09:23

It's a combination. Heredity is one factor. That, and degenerative disc disease happens to everyone - it just doesn't cause problems for everyone and doesn't generally manifest itself at the ripe age of 23. And I probably suffered an acute injury - the closest I can come up with is 2 years ago I slipped on the ice (drunk, of course) and landed square on my ass. Doc said that'd do it.

An acute injury like that can pinch a disc and cause its leathery outer layers to tear and the moisture inside (it's got jelly-like stuff in the middle) to dry/leak out.

Also smoking hasn't helped things. Since nicotine is a dehydrating agent, it removes moisture from your body including intervertebral discs.

Probably a combination of all 3.

The good news is they could probably do a disc replacement (artificial disc) instead of just fusing those vertebrae together into one solid bone, which can cause problems with other discs.

Either way, it's a major surgery (they have to go in from your front, below the belly button, past muscles, intestines, major arteries, to reveal your spine - can't do it from the back) and you spend 4-5 days in the hospital and then 6-8 weeks out of work (no extended sitting periods, no exertion for that time).

On the plus side, I could get out of work for 6-8 weeks. Paid sick leave. And did I mention 6-8 weeks off work?

fresco3000 · 20-09-2005, 10:06

I think www.aquent.com offer health insurance if they take you as a freelancer. They do things a little differently and also hire coders. Maybe you could start coding for them and take some Graphics work too, once your comfortable with it that is...

Alexanda · 20-09-2005, 11:13

Move to an african country, the doctors are great over there (the british health service (NHS) always hire them) and it'll be cheap to get fixed up.

mike_m · 20-09-2005, 13:16

Haha, good idea - I hear the congo is nice this time of year. Friendly people too...

19-09-2005, 02:39	#1 (permalink)
pgo Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 12,337	Advice Needed Well, I'm not thrilled with working nights anymore. After a year, it gets a bit old. I'd really like to get a web-related job, but the pickings are slim (or should I say, non-existent) in the town I live in. There are some freelancers here, who make a comfortable wage. My problem is specifically health-related. Since I have a bad back, I need health insurance and getting health insurance independent of an employer would cost at least $400/month. That's higher than the average rent around here. Far as I'm concerned, if you pay more for health insurance than for a place to live, there's something wrong. As an upstart, I couldn't afford it - even if I somehow starting making bank. So, I need a full-time job. With benefits. Are there any suggestions for resources - I've exhausted Dice.com - all those companies want is developers. Some designers, but not many, if any, junior level. And all these jobs have ridiculous requirements - (X)HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL, XML, SOAP (whatever that is), ASP, ColdFusion, JSP, Java. That's 11. And JSP is the most common. I'm going to be looking at HotJobs, Monster.com, and all the regulars next. If anyone knows of any resources, please let me know. I took a look at Pixelworthy.com and I doubt I'd be able to get a job there (A) and (B) they seem to hire part-time. I need full time and I need benefits. I can't afford thousands of dollars of medical shit by myself. If we had a national health system I wouldn't be so concerned. Maybe I just need to get another four-year degree. In graphic design this time - instead of painting. Which actually might not be too hard (of course, getting another $100,000 degree isn't an option) since I have a degree in fine art, I've got a lot of general education and fine art credits. I could probably get another degree in 2 years. Perhaps I shall speak with an advisor. Last edited by pgo : 19-09-2005 at 03:48.

20-09-2005, 03:08	#7 (permalink)
mark Hey Alan, nice rope! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Cuntoff Posts: 763	Nice use of the hitler card. I haven't seen it employed so effectively since I heard dinner lady being insulted at St. Illtuds junior school in 1979. __________________ Don't get sand on your ice cream...

20-09-2005, 08:17	#10 (permalink)
seen.to unusual suspect ™ Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: DE, USA Posts: 3,312	In this game employers are more interested in your portfolio, your experience and your attitude than your qualifications... and if they want qualifications I'm sure your fine art degree will satisfy them. I met with Geoff & the team at Pixelworthy but like you say, they were only interested in part timers. If you're thinking of moving back up this way I'd recommend BossStaffing. They are the only agency that have actually performed for me... Though to be fair to some of the others they did throw a few offers my way that were too junior so they may well be good for you. Of course going the agency route doesn't help with insurance - unless you tell them you are only available temp-to-hire. Also, did you check out the list of other Philly Web design firms on Pixelworthy's site? Let me know if they've removed it and I'll send you a CSV of them all. HTH & Good luck! __________________ [[proverbs and quotes]] [[blog]] [[work]] [[photowebby - some photo's by me]]

20-09-2005, 13:16	#20 (permalink)
mike_m Work faster microphone .. Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Dubai Posts: 1,738	Haha, good idea - I hear the congo is nice this time of year. Friendly people too... __________________

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19-09-2005, 08:21	#2 (permalink)
fresco3000 Registered Fuser Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: London Via Belfast Posts: 18	Wow, sounds like a tough call. Ever considered moving? I've been in a similar position but UK/Europe is a lot lighter on the health costs. There are jobs out there, but rarely on your doorstep. One positive about web work is you dont have to be local to the job, but building up a client base is a lot harder. Maybe you should push your freelance career whilst you're still working nights, make the break when you get established? Meantime.... http://marcom.aquent.com/ http://www.freelancers.net/ http://www.creativepersonnel.co.uk http://www.freelanceforum.co.uk You might also consider contacting local web design/IT companies. Good Luck!

19-09-2005, 09:43	#4 (permalink)
Alexanda European Champions 2008 Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 2,620	you dont need a degree to do graphic design. You learn a lot more reading books and going on placements, which you should be able to do if you work nights.

19-09-2005, 14:18	#5 (permalink)
fresco3000 Registered Fuser Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: London Via Belfast Posts: 18	I agree, a graphics degree might not get you any further. Why not follow your dad, sounds like he's only a few steps away from your industry. It's all visual communication, is'nt it?

20-09-2005, 04:37	#8 (permalink)
mikesunit Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 42	You're dead right about the design degree. If you have an interest in it and are good at it then there is very little point at going back to school. You're better off working on getting a great portfolio together and making your website a showcase for your talents. shameless self promotion :: http://www.creativepool.co.uk

20-09-2005, 08:32	#11 (permalink)
pgo Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 12,337	Thanks, seen.to. I'd love to move back up to Philly or NYC or anywhere on the east coast. I'm sure I can find that listing on Pixelworthy's site - if not, I'll let you know. I'm sure there's more opportunity in that area. I'll also look at Boss Staffing. I'm not going to be able to move for months - or as long as a year. I'm staying with my current job and insurance until my health issues are resolved (probably end up having surgery in the near future).

20-09-2005, 08:34	#12 (permalink)
Alexanda European Champions 2008 Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 2,620	Book List that helped me: The new typography - jan tschichold Graphic Design as a second language - bob gill Beware wet paint - alan fletcher Grid systems in graphic design - josef muller-brockmann Stop steeling sheep and find out how type works - erik speikermann Pioneers of modern typography - herbert spencer you'd learn more reading them than going on any degree course.

20-09-2005, 08:36	#13 (permalink)
pgo Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 12,337	Much obliged, my good man. I shall look for them.

20-09-2005, 09:08	#16 (permalink)
finbarr who the fuck am i? Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: london Posts: 2,706	that is pretty serious... but why has this happened? Is it some sort of hereditery thing? Or did you do something to cause it?

20-09-2005, 09:23	#17 (permalink)
pgo Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 12,337	It's a combination. Heredity is one factor. That, and degenerative disc disease happens to everyone - it just doesn't cause problems for everyone and doesn't generally manifest itself at the ripe age of 23. And I probably suffered an acute injury - the closest I can come up with is 2 years ago I slipped on the ice (drunk, of course) and landed square on my ass. Doc said that'd do it. An acute injury like that can pinch a disc and cause its leathery outer layers to tear and the moisture inside (it's got jelly-like stuff in the middle) to dry/leak out. Also smoking hasn't helped things. Since nicotine is a dehydrating agent, it removes moisture from your body including intervertebral discs. Probably a combination of all 3. The good news is they could probably do a disc replacement (artificial disc) instead of just fusing those vertebrae together into one solid bone, which can cause problems with other discs. Either way, it's a major surgery (they have to go in from your front, below the belly button, past muscles, intestines, major arteries, to reveal your spine - can't do it from the back) and you spend 4-5 days in the hospital and then 6-8 weeks out of work (no extended sitting periods, no exertion for that time). On the plus side, I could get out of work for 6-8 weeks. Paid sick leave. And did I mention 6-8 weeks off work?

20-09-2005, 10:06	#18 (permalink)
fresco3000 Registered Fuser Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: London Via Belfast Posts: 18	I think www.aquent.com offer health insurance if they take you as a freelancer. They do things a little differently and also hire coders. Maybe you could start coding for them and take some Graphics work too, once your comfortable with it that is...

20-09-2005, 11:13	#19 (permalink)
Alexanda European Champions 2008 Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 2,620	Move to an african country, the doctors are great over there (the british health service (NHS) always hire them) and it'll be cheap to get fixed up.

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