I was a "graphic designer" for like 8 years. What I mean is that I went to OCC and got an AA and was able to get an entry-level job putting together ads and crap on the buzzword software, if you will, that allows you to put "graphic designer" on your resume and business cards. It paid decently and I was lucky they liked me so much during the long dark tunnel I was working my way through during the time.
Halfway though that, when, if all things had been fair (which they rarely are), I should have been seeking higher-level employment in my field, an ongoing freelance gig fell in my lap in the form of designing and producing a women's magazine. It was a monthly publication, and I made twice the hourly wage as my day gig, so it was a nice steady supplemental thing.
Three years later, and I mean TOO late(r), I really needed to get moving out of my current job situation. The women's magazine was in the position to hire me full time-ish. It was not a good idea, but I did it, if for anything but to gain momentum. I said it was a temporary swing from one tree to the next.
I quit the stable but boring entry-level job. I production managed the magazine to splendor and got paid. Two months later, the magazine shut down. The reason why had nothing to do with me, but the result did.
The publisher of the magazine and I had always been extra-carricularly involved in this whole local food movement/organization. We decided to dedicate focused efforts towards developing our local organization. She continued to pay me because she was, in a way, obligated (since I JUST quit my real job to work on her now defunct magazine). There was a transition phase. I worked from home a lot. We made progress. I felt fine about it, sometimes even excited.
Then she started wigging out about not keeping track of me while still paying me, that's my version of the story anyway. I think what I had been hesitant of, but had gone along with, finally caught up to her...which is that I was paid staff of our two-woman non-profit organization. I imagine in those terms, I was rediculously overpaid, as well.
So then I was made to trek to her home twice a week to do exactly what I was more effective at doing at home. I know this doesn't sound all that bad, but I never bargained to work out of someone else's home, specially not this one. It is chaotic and a waste of gas, and I squat at the toilet like a public restroom to make an example of the level of disarray.
To make matters worse, I need more cash so that I may attend my bro's Filipino wedding in February. So I applied for jobs I dreaded being offered. More fake graphic design. To my surprise, I was both not offered any of them nor was I upset about it. Bad economy, and I get picky all of a sudden. So then I got this waitressing job at Macy's. The food is horrendous but the purpose is threefold. 1.) They close at like 8 every night so I never have to work late. 2.) Waitressing is the only thing I can do that will come close to the money I can make fake designing. 3.) I don't know anything about waitressing, and this place seemed just small and accessible enough to get in the game. 4.) Macy's is trying hard to capitalize on the food spectatorship of late trend. Signage touts them as "a food business." I told the interviewer who I was and where I was coming from, and she introduced me to the regionals who develop the chef events and Culinary Council. This may, ironically, lead me someplace.