I appear to have lost my job…
It wasn’t expected and it certainly wasn’t welcome, but last week I was told they were letting me go. A sure sign that the world is no longer the same as it was right in my face. It’s easy to sit back and think it’s okay until it happens to you. I am okay though, but I do need to find a new source of income.
Getting a new job is the cliff edge that millions of people are facing and everyone in this situation are having to be either creative, lucky or know someone. I’m hoping I might know someone, maybe one of you have something I could do for you? I’m told I sell myself short, a tendency to do this comes from a life of self-doubt, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, (probably a lot to do with losing my Dad when I was 13, it’s an emotional trauma you can’t do much about). I’m telling you this because I’m a human just like everyone else, but I won’t pretend to be something I’m not, it won’t pay off in the long run. It’s better now though, I turned 40 last year and feel like I’m on top of the self-doubt stuff, it’s a case of just have a go, try it, you never know until you do. I’m yet to put this into action, as I was working for the past three years without a need to try anything. Perhaps I should, perhaps now I’ve lost my job… is lost the right word? Perhaps if I change my perspective on this it will feel a lot better. Let’s try again. Now I have found myself in a place of change and transition, yes that’s better, I can try it, I don’t know what I’m going to try yet, or what opportunities may come my way if any, but I’m looking forward to embracing and trying them. I’m actually realising I’m very okay with it, this is why I’m very lucky. The world has just become a great cosm of potential.
So what can I do? Well in order to counteract the possible sale of my vertical challenges, I shall list my skills and experience. Make no mistake this content is being written to gain the attention of potential clients and employers! This is me trying things out, see? A whole different perspective. It’s a game, isn’t it? If you don’t reach out into the world I’ve found you can’t really participate. So here’s a techy list of techy things and not so techy things I can do, with a Me statement at the end, an informal CV, but you may see something you need, something I can help you with, even if it’s an hour of having a chat to deal with some issues you are having, I’m quite good at that too.
The techy stuff
Websites
I’ve built a few WordPress websites in my time, no complaints so far, quite the opposite actually. I do e-commerce too. If you just want a website audit and some pointers on how to improve your website I can do that too. Need a website or need some web support? Contact me!
Here are some sites that I’ve built, some have changed after I handed over the proverbial keys, but that’s a good thing, I never let my clients go away without understanding how to run their own website.
Audio and video
Video and audio editing, I do this, I have a degree in music but a lot of it is made up of music tech, so audiovisual digital media is very familiar to me, as is problem-solving. I can even do a bit of filming too if you need it. Adobe is my go-to set of tools, it covers a lot! What can’t you do is my question to Adobe!? I also play with Blender which is a 3D graphic creators dream, it’s free and fun to use and I can make things with it that would give you some unique content.
Business systems efficiency
I’m very familiar with admin tasks, quick to learn new systems and also introduce systems into your business to make it more efficient. I’m good at finding the right solution for a business that may be a bit behind the times but wants to get ahead. System efficiency is essential when getting the cogs in any business large or small, to turn quickly and smoothly. It can increase your profits because you’re saving time. Need some advice? Contact me!
Less techy stuff
Guitar tuition
Being a big fan of music I play the guitar, I’ve been doing it for nearly 30 years, so I can teach you how to play the guitar too. We can have lessons over Zoom or Skype. This is a job I would love! I even had business cards made up before the lockdown. So if you’re looking for lessons, contact me.
Support
I wasn’t joking about talking to you about your issues, I have a couple of certificates in counselling, but more importantly, I can offer you a positive set of fresh ears on your current situation. I won’t pretend to be a super qualified psychiatrist, but I’ve had good feedback when people have needed someone to turn to, I’m a good listener. You don’t know me very well so that’s probably of benefit, as I don’t know you either, no emotional ties. We can just have a chat, see if we can look at how to get things feeling better for you.
Radio
This one is a long shot but felt I should add it. I volunteer as a radio presenter on 10Radio.org. If there are any disc jockey jobs going I would love to try this! I have experience and as you may have guessed a passion for music.
Writing
I can write about things. I’ve spent the last 3 years writing different descriptions for what is essentially the same set of products. I love to write creatively, it may not be applicable in all cases and just a good description is what’s required but I’m not a bad writer.
Film and TV
Film and TV industry is something I’ve been looking for an in with for some time, it’s not easy and even harder to do now we have a pandemic to deal with. I’ve spent a day on the set of Call the Midwife with the sound department and that’s where I’d like to be someday, however, I’m also realistic and know I’ll most likely need to start as a runner and I’m very happy to do that. If there is a trainee spot within the audio arena, whether it’s post-production, boom operator, battery changer, foley artist, etc etc I’d love that opportunity.
Music production
I make music too, I can create music for film, (it’s been described as filmic, but I have a lot to learn), or just as a simple piece for an advert. My music can be emotional, poppy, industrial, rock, anything you may require. I can also record and I know my way around a recording console and DAWs Ableton Live and Logic Pro X.
Some musical examples — https://soundcloud.com/tobyduckett
I’ll be updating it soon.
Me
I’m a hard worker, keen to learn and understand. Curiosity hasn’t killed me yet, but I’m resourceful too, I don’t learn what I don’t need to. If you’re looking for someone who has character, is pleasant to be around and enjoys working towards a goal, independently or as a part of a team, can communicate well and who will most likely make you laugh on occasion too, then you could do worse than hiring me.
If you are reading all this and got this far, thank you, I realise I do quite a lot, I’m into photography too. Nearly forgot to add that. If I can do anything to help you then you will be helping me out a lot! It’s a weird world, is an understatement and I wasn’t expecting to find my self at 40 jobless and living back at home. I’m one of the lucky ones able to live at home though and I’m very grateful for all I have. I do need to pay bills and move out again though, try and get into some semblance of a proper grown-up life, it’s been a funny life, not a great one, but now I’m reaching out, I’m participating. Something I was always previously afraid to do. I know I may get zero responses to this, but better to try than not. Let’s see if it does something.
