The news industry is frantically searching for solutions and new directions. Poynter Online is searching for answers of a different sort: career success stories. We will be bringing you how-they-did-it snapshots from people who have faced today's employment challenges and found some measure of success. Joe Grimm
TIFFANY HURT
Previous jobs: Designer at
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution; designer at Poynter's
St. Petersburg Times; copy editor, assistant news editor and designer at
The (Fort Myers, Fla.) News-Press; and copy editor at
USA Today.
Why I left: My position was eliminated when the
AJC downsized. Since I already had a plan, it was a blessing in disguise for me.
New job: Creative director at
Immanuel Designs, LLC, a graphic design business
.
How long between jobs: Two weeks.
How I found the new job: I received some requests to do consulting work, which led me to use my 15 years of experience to achieve a longtime dream: to start my own business.
Other career activities: Web design and interactive media student at the Art Institute of Atlanta, and graphic artist for Children Without a Voice USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting child abuse.
My adviceHave a positive attitude. Thank your employer for the opportunity and then focus on your future. Wondering "why me?" won't change your situation. Move forward and maintain a positive outlook.
Have a backup plan. You can't wait for something to happen; you must make it happen. I was already working on a degree in Web design and interactive media when I left the paper. Having a plan to kick into high gear was vital.
Network and research: Use
LinkedIn. Get recommendations and post an online portfolio to your profile. Seek advice from those who are successful in the area you are interested in. Keep up with the trends in your current or future field.
Be courageous. Every business needs the skills you have. Consider other industries, including academia and nonprofit organizations, and don't be afraid to pursue your long-term goals. I've always wanted my own business, but I never had the guts to quit my job to make it happen. Once I was forced to figure it out, it was one of the best things I've ever done.
Learn new skills. Whether you are a writer, editor or designer, you'll need to use your skills digitally. Consider going back to school. If you don't want to pursue a degree, consider a certificate program or take a few classes.
What keeps me going: Faith, persistence and hard work. A career transition is not a setback. It's a setup for what's next. My layoff is just part of my overall story, which must continue. I've finished one chapter and have started a new one.
If you know of a career success story that might be helpful to other Poynter Online readers, please e-mail Joe Grimm at joe.grimm@gmail.com.
Coming Tuesday: Visit Poynter.org at 1 p.m. Tuesday for an online chat with Joe Grimm. He'll talk about some of the hits and misses in the year since he decided to take a buyout. On Wednesday, "Ask the Recruiter" will be about overcoming barriers to learning digital skills on the job.
