After nearly two years of silence on this blog, I'm back to share my journey - one that's been filled with both challenges and triumphs. For over a decade, I was tethered to corporate life, where creative freedom felt like a distant dream. Now, as an independent designer with my own clientele, I've discovered a different kind of challenge. While securing clients requires twice the effort, the rewards are genuinely worth it, both financially and personally.
The best part? I'm no longer feeding the machine that often benefits only those at the top - the executives who manage through intimidation rather than inspiration. Looking back at my ten-plus years in corporate life, I realize how it failed to provide the financial security I needed for basic milestones like homeownership. This isn't about begrudging executives their success; it's about recognizing that in corporate environments, your worth is often determined by others who may not truly understand or value your contributions.
Your self-worth should be self-determined, reflected in the quality and passion of your work. How many times have you watched your most creative ideas get twisted and diluted to match someone else's vision, simply because they outranked you? You're forced to compromise, to reshape your creativity to fit their mold, all while hoping for the bare minimum of recognition for your original concept.
Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of my corporate experience was the scarcity of genuine mentorship. I yearned for an Obi-Wan Kenobi figure - someone to guide and nurture my growth, especially in my junior years. Instead, I encountered what I call 'work-wankers' - those who seemed more interested in asserting authority than fostering talent.
However, there were a few rare gems - mentors who truly made a difference. To those few who showed me what good leadership looks like, who taught me the true values of professionalism and creativity: I remain grateful. You know who you are, and your impact continues to shape my approach to work and life. These lessons I carry with me as I navigate my independent career path, appreciating more than ever the freedom to create on my own terms."
The revised version maintains your original message while improving flow, structure, and clarity. It's more professional while still keeping your personal voice and honest perspective.
