Hi Everyone

 

I've recently been told that my current position at work will be made redundant so I need to look for a new job. It's a sales/admin position that I've been in for 9 (!) years which I wanted to get out of anyway, but didn't know what I wanted to do. It was only until last year that I thought about web design and did a beginner's web design course at a local college and got a City & Guilds distinction (which to be honest, really wasn't very difficult).

 

I've just started the advanced web design course and know that it's going to help me improve my skills. I'd love to look for a position which is web design related, but just don't know whether I have enough skill or experience to get my foot into this industry.

 

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Many thanks

Kerstey

Hi Kerstey,

 

It's really unfortunate to hear about your redundancy. We're living in a really tough time and it's a pity that so many people are losing their jobs. Just try and look on the bright side of things, it may give you a few days to sort your head out and get into an industry that you're really interested in!!! Why wouldn't you be? The web design industry is so interesting, with many different obstacles to tackle and so on and so forth.

 

During this (and I know it sounds cliché) economic climate, it'll be difficult for you to get a job. Particularly because you don't have much experience in this sector, so my only advice to you is to just keep on practising and if possible design some free websites for local charitable organisations or youth sports teams because you're gaining multiple things from this:

 

• Experience: This sector is becoming more and more saturated with people who don't know what they're doing. With experience you learn new techniques, improve your skills and give yourself some relevant experience for your CV.
  
• Reputation: By designing websites for these places, you're getting your name out there! Even though the sites are free, people will visit them and in some cases ask who has designed it, thus spreading your name word of mouth. This is particularly important if you do a job for a local sports team, as many parents/owners will be involved in other companies, therefore making it more likely that you'll get further work!!!
  
• Opportunities: By doing this, you're getting the opportunity to see what it's like to work for yourself. Even though being a freelancer isn't for everyone, it might be for you! Seeing as you're in sales/administration, I can't see why you'd find it difficult to get your own work and manage your own company!!! So it'll open up that option for you too!
  

I really hope that helps, and I pray that everything gets better for you, I can't imagine how tough it is!

 

Luke

Hi Kerstey,

 

It's really unfortunate to hear about your redundancy. We're living in a really tough time and it's a pity that so many people are losing their jobs. Just try and look on the bright side of things, it may give you a few days to sort your head out and get into an industry that you're really interested in!!! Why wouldn't you be? The web design industry is so interesting, with many different obstacles to tackle and so on and so forth.

 

During this (and I know it sounds cliché) economic climate, it'll be difficult for you to get a job. Particularly because you don't have much experience in this sector, so my only advice to you is to just keep on practising and if possible design some free websites for local charitable organisations or youth sports teams because you're gaining multiple things from this:

 

• Experience: This sector is becoming more and more saturated with people who don't know what they're doing. With experience you learn new techniques, improve your skills and give yourself some relevant experience for your CV.
  
• Reputation: By designing websites for these places, you're getting your name out there! Even though the sites are free, people will visit them and in some cases ask who has designed it, thus spreading your name word of mouth. This is particularly important if you do a job for a local sports team, as many parents/owners will be involved in other companies, therefore making it more likely that you'll get further work!!!
  
• Opportunities: By doing this, you're getting the opportunity to see what it's like to work for yourself. Even though being a freelancer isn't for everyone, it might be for you! Seeing as you're in sales/administration, I can't see why you'd find it difficult to get your own work and manage your own company!!! So it'll open up that option for you too!
  

I really hope that helps, and I pray that everything gets better for you, I can't imagine how tough it is!

 

Luke

 

Thanks Luke. That's given me something to think about.

 

I don't suppose you know of any where on the net that would give me advice about setting up as a freelancer. Things like earnings and where I stand with paying tax etc. I have no idea of the legal side of things!

 

Kerstey

Hi Kerstey, send an email to info@traxor-designs.com with what you need to know and I'll give you a hand. You could also become a member of the UK Business Forums, that's a good place to be!!

I found businesslink really helpful.

 

www.businesslink.gov.uk

Hi Kerstey,

 

Firstly, sorry to hear about the redundancy. It can be tough, but sometimes also a great opportunity.

 

If you're looking for more information on freelancing, I find these relevant websites very useful:

http://www.freelancermagazine.com/

http://freelanceswitch.com/

 

I'd also recommend you develop a web-design specific CV, and get an online Portfolio. You as a web designer will be judged first on your Portfolio, and then everything else afterwards. I can't stress how important a great-looking Portfolio is.

 

I'd also suggest you have a good think about what specifically you want to get into in the web design industry. You don't usually find "web designers" in a broad sense, but more like people who specialise in certain areas, like design, programming, ecommerce, marketing, animation, etc, or a combination of a few. You do find people who work in all areas (like myself) but usually they don't specialise in a particular area.

 

Also deciding to be either a Freelancer or Employed web designer can make a huge difference. As a first-timer, I'd recommend Employment. It's a secure (relatively speaking) job, you gain a lot of experience in web design, and you develop your skills. Being a Freelancer, you're either bringing in new business or you're going hungry.

 

Anyway, hope this all helps. Let us know how you get on, or if you have any more questions!

 

Darren

Hi Kerstey,

 

Sorry to hear about your redundancy, but look at it as a blessing in disguise, you should get a nice payment package would could potentially allow you to try going freelance as a designer.

 

If I had a few months of wages to tide me over, then it would be the route I would take.

 

If you are super keen on working in web design, then approach all local firms with a letter or a phone call, explain your experience to them and go from there. Maybe get a couple of intern placements or something while the redundancy money keeps you afloat.

 

Best of luck with whatever you chose to do

Wow, thanks everyone for your reploies.

 

You've all been really helpful. I'll look at the replies properly tomorrow when I haven't had too much limoncello, unlike now!!

 

Thanks again guys

Kerstey

Hi Kerstey,

 

Sorry to hear about the redundancy. If you need a hand with anything, drop me an email at: karl@reaperwebdesign.co.uk or a PM here and ill do what i can to help.

 

Depending on your situation, i wouldnt recommend freelancing (particularly if you have a mortgage) to begin with - i have a 2nd job that covers my mortgage regardless, so i can afford to go a month with no work (dont want to though).

 

You said you were in a sales/admin role - plenty of people looking for salespeople (depending on your experience) so that may help.

 

For setting up a company, HMRC are very helpful - as long as you register within 3 months of starting to do paid work, you are fine. I dont know where it would stand if you were claiming benefits etc, but i registered when i got my first job, but it then fell through, leaving me paying national insurance contributions and my books empty for the first 5 weeks that i was self employed.

 

Again, if you need anything, get in touch.

 

Reaper

Hey

 

You could work they system? Register self employed, then claim all you can form the gov as your not earning much? you might get tax credits, pay no council tax, housing benifit etc etc.