Reader, I don't know what I'm doing.

Looking for a job, I mean.

Because after X amount of years away from designing, I’m looking to re-enter the industry. But the things I'm looking for are different this time around, which is why I'm a little lost.

What I can tell you is that currently, my dream job is the good enough job.

I think what differentiates people who first enter their career vs the ones who’ve been at it for awhile is that you aren’t willing to make the same sacrifices you once were. My season of life has changed and so have my priorities. Enter: the Good Enough Job.

The Good Enough Job

What is it?

Put simply, it's a job that checks the minimum boxes of what you want.

Seems easy enough to come up with, right? But you'll find yourself adding a criteria here, squeezing in another two there, and before you know it, you just listed out your "dream job."

Your "Good Enough job" is your "Dream job" stripped down to what you need versus what you want.

Even if you are not in a season where you just want the bare minimum, I think it's beneficial for everyone to know what that looks like. It's helpful for your own sanity and when it comes to evaluating your current job as well as future job offers.

Here's how to find out what your good enough job looks like:

1. Start with a blank slate (not an existing list you might have).
2. Then write out 3 things that are most important to you (i.e. paying rent, church on Sundays, etc.).
3. Name the need as it relates to a job.

As an example, here's how I came about mine:

1) This Grace Kim Portland business satisfies the most fulfilling part of being a designer for me, and that's mentoring other creatives to experience growth and fulfillment in their careers. But I'm still missing the other 40% of the equation I loved (actually designing)-- As a creative person, exercising my creativity is a deep need that longs to be met. = I need to use my creativity.

2) In order to justify stepping away from my baby, I need to be compensated well. In order to be compensated well I need to not be entry level --> Finding a job where I have experience will result in the most pay. = I need a job that uses my experience.

3) Since Haven's schedule will continue to evolve through the next 12-18 months and are at times unpredictable, I am unable (read: not unwilling) to commit to set hours where my attendance may be expected, etc. = I need flexibility to work on my own time.

Summed up, my Good Enough job is one where I get to use my creativity and experience with the flexibility to work on my own time.

Now it's your turn. What is your Good Enough job? Hit reply and let me know what you came up with!

In the meantime, I'll be scrolling the job search sites for ones that fit mine.

Wish me luck!

PS. If you know of anyone looking to hire a freelance (apparel/3D/presentation/whatever-else-you-think-fits) designer, I would love to be connected!

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