How to Confidently Survive a Recession as a Resilient Creative
We live and work in uncertain times.
Half the experts say we’re going into a “Recession." Half say we’re already there. Either way, there is an uneasy weight on us all.
It’s no secret that the Pandemic has affected the way we do everything. As we try to find our way back to “normal,” we stumble and lose our way. Inflation is up. Spirits are down.
Companies are starting to tighten their grips on remote work, hiring, and work/life. They’re both eager to get back to the way things were and brace for the times ahead.
What does that mean for us? It means we have to be ready for anything.
When I entered the workforce in the Summer of 2008, things were looking up. And I had a bright future ahead of me as a designer and a future Architect.
It was the Summer of The Dark Knight. It was the Summer of promise. It was the Summer before everything changed.
In late 2008 though, the Great Recession said, "Hey, I'm here!" For the next several years, the world did its best to recover. It was one of the worst financial crises ever, and the worst of my life to date.
There was an uneasy tension in the air.
Friends from college were losing their jobs across the board. Work started to dry up and no one knew how long we’d have to weather the storm.
But there was only one thing I knew I could control—me. I spent the free time I had learning new skills, developing my portfolio, and improving my value.
I became resilient.
I don’t know if we’re in a Recession or not.
I’ll leave that to financial wizards.
But what I do know is that I need to keep living my life and so do you.
The best remedy I’ve found to help is to build ourselves up in whatever ways we can.
5 Steps to Becoming Recession Proof
Step #1 — Become Irreplaceable
A business needs specific skills to operate well. That means that there is effectively a core “skeleton crew” of staff at every office that is the last line of defense. That’s where you want to be. Find a skill or position that makes it more difficult for someone to dismiss you.
Step #2 — Become Knowledgeable
In a creative field like architecture, there is always more to learn. That said, there is also a baseline of experience and knowledge that one needs to have to function autonomously within the profession. Get that knowledge. Best case, you’ll be better at your job. Worst case, you’ll be able to do things on your own.
Step #3 — Become Unique
Find a specialized skill that few people around you have, but many people need. For me, it was developing 3D computer renderings and sustainable design (LEED more specifically). When you tally up your qualities that few others possess in the office, it emphasizes how irreplaceable you really are.
Step #4 — Become Chatty
A network is essential for three reasons: human connection, business opportunities, and job opportunities. By putting yourself out there on a regular basis, you meet people who may become friends, partners, or even your next boss. Join a non-profit or a local organization that does something you’re interested in.
Step #5 — Become Resilient
Something I wish I knew when I was dealing with the Great Recession was the work of the Stoics. I’ve been reading a lot about stoicism lately thanks to the work of writer Ryan Holiday. Stoicism is about taking control of what is within your control and letting go of what you can’t. As philosopher Epictetus said, “Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.” By understanding what you can control (like the steps above), you become naturally more resilient.
Will these steps 100% prevent you from losing a job or dealing with a catastrophic event? No.
But I can say that these steps will make you a better, more well-rounded person.
And in the end, isn’t that what we’re looking to do anyway?
Recent Finds
Anne-Laure Le Cunff (via Ness Labs) — Creative aliveness: turning life into a creative adventure (Blog) — A beautiful post by Anne-Laure about the origins of creativity and the prospect of how to turn everyday life into a creative adventure. I appreciated in particular the idea that creativity isn’t just about an artist painting a masterpiece or a novelist writing an epic book. Creativity can be found in how we approach nearly anything. We can become creatively alive by becoming equally aware of the opportunity.
Matthew Walker (via the Rich Roll Podcast) — Sleep Is The Swiss Army Knife Of Health (Short) | Sleep can often be overlooked as a nuisance that blocks us from productivity. Instead, sleep is the one thing that can improve the quality of our lives effectively each day. As Matthew Walker suggests, sleep can help reset our bodies and improve our health each day.
Angela Duckworth — Grit (Reel) | In a study she breaks down in this brief video, Angela Duckworth reveals what the one clear indicator of success is in life. I’ll give you a hint: it’s not beauty, intelligence, or health.
Quote of the Week
“Creativity is imagination in action.”
— Anne-Laure Le Cunff
That's all for now.
Stay creative, my friends—and have a great week!
