Today I came across a blog post entitled “How Not To Hire Someone Via Craiglist” and, while the post is talking about an ad on Craiglist, I feel like I’ve been reading this ad every day:

This job posting is fundamentally flawed. It casts far too big a net, so it will intimidate or exasperate the little fish (ie, people starting their careers), and the big fish (ie, people who truly qualified) either aren’t reading Craigslist or will smell a rat: “Compensation: Commensurate with experience.”

In particular, take a look at the requirements and expectations in the ad; while I am highly skilled in just about all the software mentioned and have some programming skills, I’m a graphic designer. This means that, while being adept at using the tools of the trade (in this case, software) to accomplish my goals is important, typing code at breakneck speed is not the defining characteristic of a talented designer. And, as far as I know, despite the plethora of WYSIWYG software out there, there isn’t one package that compensates for lack of imagination, poor production skills or originality.

What it boils down to is simply this: I have a range of marketable skills and many years of experience; my only stipulation is that I work off-site.

Apparently, though, that is not the way things work for reasons that continue to elude me since no one is able to give me a definitive reason, only tell me that’s how it is. But from what I can decipher the consensus seems to be that everyone needs to be “supervised”.

So, in addition to an exhaustive and growing list of software and programming skills I’m apparently required to know, I also need “direction” — implying that I will be unable to undertake a given task autonomously. Having been an art director before I started working on my own 10 years ago, I can understand why it might be necessary to mentor junior designers; but, given my years of experience, I would have assumed that someone might have seen the intrinsic value for them in working with me, regardless of where I’m sitting.

Compensation
While I admit that there is a lot of competition out there, $25-$35 per hour is not a reasonable rate for the skillset that’s required, nor for the kind of work (i.e. designing corporate websites, brochures, logos, annual reports, etc.) a designer will be doing for many, many hours a day. I’ve spoken to several experienced designers and, strangely, they echo the sentiments I’ve expressed here before I even relate my experiences to them. And, quite simply, it is not enough to live on in Sydney. Full stop.

Naturally, I don’t presume to speak for every working designer in Australia; but I do wonder how anyone expects a creative person to maintain a level of enthusiasm or dedication when conditions dictate that there is no room for any sort of error; that designers are also programmers or “operators” (and must work across computer platforms, in some cases); and that being a “team player” apparently means that you’ll be answering to a hierarchy of bosses and/or account executives before being able to accomplish anything.

Rounding out all of this is compensation that barely covers living expenses.

I offer no apologies if this post sounds blunt. Rather, I think that imitation should be seen as the sincerest form of flattery: I’m just telling it like it is… like it or not.

Ironically, as I was typing this entry I received a call: someone responded to my ad and wanted to know if I was looking for full-time work. While it’s nice to know that my ad generated enough interest for this person to find my site and look at my diverse portfolio, a common reaction is to see if I’m available for a position at their company. Frankly, I’m a little dumbfounded as to why no one carefully reads the “About” page: I clearly define that I am willing and available for working independently.

Indeed, hasn’t the fast-changing technologies of just the past few years made it possible for anyone to work together — regardless of where they are. Outsourcing is a fine solution for banks, utility companies, software developers, etc.; why does this not apply to other fields where it makes sense on so many levels?

Is the shared expectation that the independent contractor is ultimately doomed to fail? That freelancing or being a reliable off-site resource for virtually anyone is just a dead end, and that working full-time for someone else is the inevitable conclusion to an attempt at doing what you love to do and earn a living at it, too?