So you’re the boss around here? Hahaha.

Great video man. And I think you’re right on about getting our priorities in order as far as choosing family over design. I would totally move to Hawaii with my wife and dogs and sip mai-tais all day. Because I know no matter where I am I will always find a creative outlet.

Thanks for putting your heart out on your sleeve and talking about something that’s really important to you.

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I had this discussion with two friends a few weeks back. I made mention of myself 30 years in the future designing something and they both stopped me. They were a little surprised I wasn’t hatching some plot to become independently wealthy between now and then. Doesn’t everybody?

When I went freelance I used to cram as many hours of work as I could into a week. Billing 60 hours was a badge of honor. Now that seems insane. I put in overtime a lot of weeks but I do this so I can enjoy my life. I would love to get rich and retire early, but life is pretty good right now putting in my 30-40 hours and enjoying everything that is not career related. Doing that I could easily go another 30 years doing what I’m doing.

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@brad & @kyle……thanks for spending time to share. I’m also glad I’m not the only one. I didn’t want this whole blog to come off saying design is miserable, but if there is no balance, it will consume you. My biggest point, is that in the end…..you could have given your blood, sweat, & tears to design, sacrificed your relationships, & you will still be left nothing (at best, a couple of strong clients that have benefited financially from your hard work). Design is awesome, but not it is somewhat like an addiction in that you love to feed into it, but it can suck the life out of you if your not mindful.

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Joel,

You are not the only one man, To me family matters most and I make it point to give every bit of free time to my wife and daughter. I have had to put myself in check at one time or another. It is easy to be consumed by our work if we loose focus on the most important things,

Family & Relationships.

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Love the new blog design. Good work.

I started in out in a small firm called Palazzolo™Design. Some of the most brilliant branding I have seen. The best part about the shop was first the principle bought lunch every day at a small dinner. The other was the focus on our own lives. He would send everyone home at 5. Literally kick you out of the building.

Regardless of project or deadline, the stress level around the shop was low key. I think that really impacted the work. Having priorities in order and a balance of work and leisure will make you a better designer. Maybe not in the fame and glory sense, but at least with yourself, family, and clients.

Cheers.

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Joel Beukelman Reply:
June 26th, 2009 at 6:31 pm

This is truly amazing. I think that if business owners really grasped this idea, their clients and employees would function at such a higher potential.

Thanks for the insight and Im glad you like the design. Peace & Love!

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