Laid Off

I feel like that title applies for so many things lately, but specifically, my husband Bryan was laid off a few weeks ago. He was the Creative Director at a start-up here in Denver, and these things happen.

We are letting the dust settle, trying to get organized, figure out next steps.

The funny thing is, we would be great together at Giese Media, which is what *I* have been doing since selling my half of my former company and recovering from that crazy ear thing. We can’t quite have him with me yet, though – because we need that little thing called more clients.

When people ask me what I am up to, I hesitate. Because listing off “graphic design, web development, social media and photography” is a bit cumbersome. But if I say “creative director at my own firm” – most people don’t really get what that means either.

And we have two of them in this household.

Generally, I tell people we do the same thing, but Bryan is stronger on the tech side and I am stronger on the art side.

Yeah, that doesn’t help anyone get it either.

Bryan sometimes refers to himself as “the catch-all art guy,” which honestly drives me nuts because, well, there is self-deprecation and then there is not telling people what you really do. Which in his case, is a whole lot of other stuff.

So here we are. The most financially vulnerable we have been in many years… but at the same time, at a place where the world is out there for the taking… technology is awesome, design is awesome…

Now. We just need to work, right?

Lakeside_03

This article has 26 comments

  1. jodifur

    My husband was laid off last summer. He is the primary breadwinner, by a lot, and I was a mess, in the end, he found a job he loves, and he is much happier.

    Hang in there!

  2. Aimee Giese

    Yes, we are looking at this as an opportunity!

  3. Aimee Giese

    (and thanks! xo)

  4. anothersnark

    blargh. Hoping the perfect thing, or the perfect set of clients comes along. Love your attitude, though!

  5. paluchador

    oof. Sorry to hear that. I’ll let you know if I hear of any openings. I think everything here right now is dev side.

  6. Christine

    I’ve already been sending everyone and anyone who needs work your way because you are FABULOUS to work with!

    Sending you my very best wishes, because you two are AWESOME and I see great things ahead!

  7. Aimee Giese

    You all are so awesome. xoxox

  8. zipper

    Best of luck to Bryan!

  9. Dana

    Oh girl, I’m sorry to hear about that. I’ve been laid off before and it just sucks. But, you two would be a dynamic duo so maybe this is all happening they way it should. I’m sending you as many positive vibes as I can!!! :))

  10. Sizzle

    That’s a blow but you guys are so talented and such a good team, I know you’ll figure this one out and come out ahead. Rooting for you all!

  11. Aimee Giese

    thanks so much, friends.

  12. Magpie

    lots of luck to you both.

  13. Naomi Shapiro

    I think this might be a sign… you need to “get the band back together,” so to speak. Full throttle!

  14. Miss Britt

    I love that you’re managing to be positive, but yes – scary stuff!

  15. Rachel

    I know good, no GREAT and amazing things are in your future(s)

    xoxo

  16. Suzanne

    I’m hoping this is a brief spell for Bryan.

    I think that you both embrace social media, and these days, that gets you exposure to clients that you never thought you’d have. By sharing this, who knows what contacts he’ll get?

  17. Jim Turner

    Hey that picture is at Lakeside! What we need to do is put all of us Freelance folks into one firm and take over the world!

  18. Hendy

    That’s a bummer, but will likely be a blessing in disguise. Let’s catch up soon, might have some extra work for you. 🙂

  19. Rachel

    Very scary – but you’ll get through it!

    (Says the girl whose career was effed up at the wrong time, but that part has righted itself even in the darn economy.)

  20. Kat

    Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way!!

  21. Jenny Motley

    I think it’s so cool that you guys have careers that mesh. I would love to work with my husband. Best to you both through the transition, and whatever it brings!

  22. zenrain

    Oh wow…let’s talk soon, ok?? Hoping this is only the beginning of something really great for you all…

  23. Sunny Hunt

    Ugh. I feel for you. I was also laid off from a start-up a few weeks ago and have been hot on the “what now?” trail.

    Sometimes what is an unfortunate turn of events winds up being the best opportunity. The hard part is ferreting out what that opportunity looks like.

    *Hugs* and *ass-slaps* for for both of you. This will turn out the way it was meant to!

  24. Melissa Spurlock

    So very sorry, Aimee – I hope you both stumble upon that wonderful new door that has opened for you, soon… Big Hugs and many margaritas!

  25. Aimee Giese

    Thank you again for all your support. love you guys.

  26. Coupon Codes

    When you’re self-employed, even though it’s not always easy, it kind of gives you a different outlook on things. Being laid off is just a minor setback. You’ll find a way to work things out.

Comments are now closed.
Send this to a friend