I haven’t talked much about my transition from full time graphic designer to full time ticket saleswoman. It’s been a little hard coping with the change. I spend most of my day making phone calls and keeping up with databases in Excel. I find myself lacking motivation some days when it comes time to make those phone calls. It’s not the fear of being rejected, but for most day it’s just the fear someone will answer. As much as I don’t like my voice on a recording devise (but who really likes to hear them self on an answering machine?), I would rather just leave a message. Unfortunately, if no one answers, no one returns the phone call (which is typically the case), then I don’t receive a commission. I can’t make more money unless I sell group tickets or season tickets.
That comes to another difficult transition. I make a lot less money doing this. I figured that I am currently making (before taxes) 40% less than what I was making as a graphic designer. That just hits the Husband and I harder at home. It is also another reason I’m starting to push the freelance career. I will work twice as much (meaning days making phone calls and nights on the computer designing) just to feel more secure in our finances. It doesn’t help that our house note went up $50 (that may not sound like much but for us it’s a bit of a stain in terms of our budget.). I may not like making less money, but I can’t help but thank God that I have a job. For weeks I was on the verge of a deep depression from not having a job. So I am grateful for a job and a steady paycheck. I just don’t like making less money and I think that most people would agree that that in itself can be an adjustment.
There have been some great positives in my move from design to the sports world. I work with a great group of people. I may not have picked this job for the money (I could have taken another job that would have paid more but I would have had less freedom and creativity), but I picked it for the environment. As a sport fan and the wife of an even bigger sports fan, this job suites me and our lifestyle. I don’t have to worry to much about games interfering with Saints and Tech Football. I have a lot of fun at the games and hanging out with the guys after the games. I just wish I had been here for the whole season. It takes me a little longer to become acquainted with people. I’m generally shy in nature until I know someone for a little while. Also, topics to discuss trip me up as well. What does one talk about with football players. Most of which are quite intelligent. I need to read more.
Sorry for the digression. One day I will write an entire post of just my digressions. I used to have so much fun writing what came to minds as I thought it. Sorry, still digressing.
I really do enjoy my new job. I have been enjoying it more since our general manager returned. He’s been using my artistic talents as much as he can. It means less phone calls on the whole, but more time doing what I truly do love. I didn’t realize how much I would miss not designing until I wasn’t doing it everyday. And a big plus, I use my PowerBook as my work computer. Now if I could just afford to buy more RAM for it and have it installed, things might move a little faster. I spend a good bit of time waiting for the beach ball to go away.
I hope that I will be able to post some of my flyers and other design work up on my portfolio.
I also want to point you in the direction of the blog by our Kicker Art Carmody. It’s a witty blog about his game days and thoughts about arena football. There is only one post so far but I’m looking forward to many more. I wish I was as witty in my blogs as him. I guess I need to work on it.
