I'm just checking up on y'all and am so sorry to hear that so many of you are struggling right now. Seems like its a combination of the constant struggle to keep prices high enough to survive, and the wicked downturn in the economy over the last year.
As most of you know, I sold my business two years ago. I stayed "retired" for over a year before looking for other work. I wasn't positive what I was going to do when I sold the business, but knew I needed a change. I faced many of the same struggles that seem to be universal in the signworld. Working long hours, putting too much emotional energy into creating "that perfect layout" for customers who may or may not have appreciated it, brought in lots of money, and paid out lots of money to keep my business running. After almost 10 years of the same, It was a hard decision to make that step.
There is something special about making a living doing something "creative" and most of us in this business are artists of different shapes and forms. It is a very hard thing to let go of, but a person can be creative in so many different ways.
Now, I am in no way suggesting anyone should bail, I just want to give you some encouragement and let you know there is a life after signs! In my case, I applied for a government job and was happy to be accepted and spent 11 weeks away at a training center. I now have a great paying job with a good pension and will soon be working three days a week (13hr shifts). I will have plenty of time to still be creative, and the pressure "to get the work out the door" is gone.
I really miss the sign meets and seeing all you guys, thank god for Letterville and the chance to keep up to date on you guys. I have also met many new friends during training and my new line of work, so life continues to be good
posted
good words Suelynn. There is life after any change of career.
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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-------------------- Harris Kohen K-Man Pinstriping and Graphix Trenton, NJ "Showing the world that even I can strategically place the pigment where its got to go." Posts: 1739 | From: Trenton, NJ, USA | Registered: Jun 2001
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I think of you a lot, Linnie, and I am happy to hear you are doing so well. Every time I want to quit the sign biz more work pours in. Take care. Love.....Jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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-------------------- Catharine C. Kennedy CCK Graphics 1511 Route 28 Chatham Center, NY 12184 cck1620@taconic.net "Look at me, Look at me, Look at me now! I't's fun to have fun, But you have to know how!" Posts: 2173 | From: downtown Chatham Center, NY | Registered: Feb 2004
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you so made the right decision girl!! if someone wanted to pay me $80k for my business i'd be gone in a flash! glad you are doing well...but i know that cause i talk and text ya! lol
chat soon!
-------------------- Karyn Bush Simply Not Ordinary, LLC Bartlett, NH 603-383-9955 www.snosigns.com info@snosigns.com Posts: 3516 | From: Bartlett, NH USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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posted
Thanks guys! So nice to hear from everyone!
Harris, I work for the Canadian Border Services (Customs) at the border. I work in a nice quiet little port near my home, so most days are pretty stress free!
Duncan, I don't have a gun YET! Ha ha but I will someday. I do have my aquisition license and had to take the restricted and non-restricted firearms courses. The arming inititive is going on now, but they have at least five years to complete it, so I prob won't be any time soon. (gotta keep out those crazies tryin to smuggle their guns into canada...right rickie??? ha ha ha)
Anyway, it is a big stretch from what I was doing before, and I my age all the training was a bit of a challenge, but I am very stubborn! ha ha So I am living proof that anything is possible!!
Jilly and all, I think of you too and glad you are doing well.
Luv, Suelynn
-------------------- "It is never too late to be what you might have been." -George Eliot
Suelynn Sedor Sedor Signs Carnduff, SK Canada Posts: 2863 | From: Carnduff, SK Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
So good to know that you are enjoying what you 're doing, and with no regrets. Same here. I'm still catching up with a few signs after officially closing on July 31, but another two or three weeks and I'm outta here. It's great to keep good memories, but as my pastor once told me, you can't walk forward while looking back. That has always stuck with me. Glad you're watching out for the guys with the guns, Linnie, makes me feel so safe...
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Yes Suelynn..yer right, there IS life after signs!!!
I have no idea which border crossing you might be at...But if we cross into Canada thru it...We'll be sure to give you a big wave.
Congrats on a successful career change and enjoy the benefits that go with a government job!!!!
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
posted
There is definitely life after signs it took major health problems to make me stop. I am now sitting in the annex of my caravan listening to the ocean with a beer and prawns could not be happier and healther no stress
-------------------- Ian Wilson Signmaker Retired 3 Panorama Drive Toowoomba Queensland Australia may all your troubles be little ones. The man that never make a mistake never makes anything. Posts: 656 | From: Toowoomba Queensland Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
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Suelynn, congrats on finding a good place for yourself! If you're happy, that's all that matters.
I too have yearnings towards doing something completely different with my life. There are so many things I've never done that may sound mundane to others.
I wish there was this magical place on earth where you could sign up and try many different trades in the coarse of an alotted time. That would be a great invention... hmmm...
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Congrats Suelynn on making the change over to something else.
I am doing the same (back to engineering for the past 1.5 yrs) however I have NOT stopping making signs. I love the sign biz so am continuing to do it on the side. I just designed some beautiful bronze plaques for the neighborhood park, great banner for the forest lookout association and a few other jobs are on the docket because I don't want to forget the fun creative side of life. I'm also now able to pick up the pin striping brushes and practice more as I really want to learn that craft in a good way :-)
-------------------- Brian Diver PDQ Signs Everett, Wa
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Hey!! Suelynn Sedor working for the government?!? And stay sit all day asking stupid questions?!? That won't be for long, bet are starting now I guess 1½ years is the maximum you stay there before switching to something more exciting! Meanwhile, good luck in your new job! Have fun!
-------------------- Pierre Tardif P. Tardif Inc. 1006 boul. PIE-XI sud Val-Belair QC. Canada G3K 1L2 418-847-4089 pierre@ptardif.com Posts: 800 | From: Quebec city | Registered: Aug 2002
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Good luck Suelynn. I'm glad you're pleased with your career choice. I truly hope you enjoy the job with your government; I'd NEVER work for THIS government, under any circumstances.
-------------------- Dale Feicke Grafix 714 East St. Mendenhall, MS 39114
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Posts: 2963 | From: Mendenhall, MS | Registered: Apr 1999
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In my case, I applied for a government job and was happy to be accepted and spent 11 weeks away at a training center. I now have a great paying job with a good pension and will soon be working three days a week (13hr shifts). I will have plenty of time to still be creative, and the pressure "to get the work out the door" is gone.
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Rolling On The Floor]](graemlins/rolf.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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