DISQUS

alex awesome · 1 year ago

i'm not going to get annoyed at you, because this post made me laugh - and it's true, within the narrow scope that you're talking about.

beyond that scope, though, a lot of hard working people who neither deserve nor can afford hard times are going to get them. And, even those slackers in cushy jobs will likely have a cushion to land on if it all comes crashing down (savings, unemployment - PA has some of the highest unemployment checks in the country). Lean times for them means no longer getting manicures every week, eating in a few nights, and basically living more like the rest of us (except me - i still get manicures every week because I'm a jerk).

I love the coworking concept, and I think you're absolutely right - in this time of economic uncertainty, the gears will still keep turning. but there's going to be a shift and while we're adjusting to that shift, it's prudent to participate in less-conventional methods and coworking is a prime example of that. All that said, there are people who have been suffering for a long time, and are going to suffer even more. I'm talking about people who might not be the brilliant, shining, creative gems of wonder that make up a lot of the people I talk to and spend time with. That doesn't mean those less-shiny people deserve to suffer. It means that we've been ignoring them for a long, long time, and a lot of their desperation, anger and sense of betrayal is justified. It also explains why we have such a radical divide in this country, and that's reflected politically at the moment. We need blue collar jobs back in this country, and that will solve a LOT of the problems we're talking about. We've turned our backs on our fellow Americans for too long, and I *know* that's not who you were talking about in this post, but it's the shameful secret we've been hiding from for too many years now, and it begs to be discussed, if more as an offshoot of your discussion than a response to it.

/end rant.

Alex Hillman · 1 year ago

@alex awesome: You're quite right. The people we hear whining about it have no right whining at all when you think about the people that have been hurting all this time, and are now going to hurt even more.

Great perspective. We could all benefit from a bit more like that.
Thanks for adding it.

srcasm · 1 year ago

What I find fascinating about all of this is that so many people are smart enough to comprehend this already but most of us are busy being scared. We're pulling our money out of the market (bad time to do it I might add), searching frantically for jobs and trying to save every penny. All of these things are important to keep on top of but they are not the end of the world.

Our country has made it through tough times in the past and if it takes less manicures (as @alex awesome mentioned) and less nights at the favorite watering hole then so-be-it but don't turn your life upside down. Focus on what you need to do to be better at what you do and at the end of the day, try to do what you love.

Allan · 1 year ago

Your co-working concept is very interesting. Perhaps this economic downturn ushers in the next wave of free agents. Every company, startup or not, will look to outsource everything but the most core functions. Newly liberated free agents will have the chance to shine and do good work for multiple clients, but only if their work doesn't suck. Having said that, I think most people's work sucks. The 80-20 Rule means that buyers will have to be very selective.

On a side note, this economic turmoil is not just affecting the United States. It's actually hurting other countries even more. Have you been seeing good competition come out of foreign countries? I keep thinking that design is such a cultural thing that offshore creatives can't really compete but I think I might be wrong.

Jody · 1 year ago

I know tons of people (and agencies, *ehem*) who fucking SUCK, but are still able to do very well for themselves. Its unfortunate for those who actually know what their doing, true. But I don't think you can necessarily equate a lack of talent and abilities with being "screwed". There's more to the game.

Matt · 1 year ago

Preach on big sista'

The gloomers and the doomers are exactly as you write -- life will end if they lose their current employment. Why? Because they feel as though they serve no other purpose in this world other than their existing job. At the end of the day, if you lost all of your clients -- big question -- would you be able to make ends meet and move forward in a couple of months? Why yes, yes we all could; however, it's the driven that see that future.

You must be focused, independent and creative to draw in the new clients and restructure (even if minimally speaking) in order to rework your business to suit the changing market. Bear or not.

To add to that, if you HAVE been "riding on the coattails" as you mentioned, then this is a brilliant opportunity to rise up and brighten those creative juices once more. "Once more to the threshold...once more...."

I have no idea who spoketh that.