During weightlifting, muscles expand and contract as pressure is applied. Without this external pressure, muscles become slack and fail to develop.
Similarly, for creatives, “firmer muscles” are built during turning points, where comfort zones are replaced by sharp downturns and unexpected realities – these challenges force us to dig deeper than we usually would for innovative solutions.
In today’s Spotlight Series, we highlight a creative whose growth came from the most shocking event a 9-to-5 worker, dependent on a steady salary, could ever imagine: being fired. Here’s how this experience shaped his strength and success.
Did any part of this story resonate with you? Let us know in the comments section!
- Tell us about your background.
I got hired during the COVID period by a design agency and worked as a designer for almost two years. My experience before that was mostly in Photoshop, so transitioning into graphic design wasn’t difficult for me, even though it was a new area. - What was your experience like working there?
It was a great learning experience. I grew a lot, both personally and professionally. I was involved in new projects and continuously learned, even exploring motion design, which I hadn’t considered before. - It sounds like a good time—what led to you getting fired?
Honestly, things hit a rough patch, and the agency had to make cuts. I was one of the underperformers. Although I loved the work, I struggled to translate ideas into designs. I spent hours on projects with little to show for it, and my lack of skill became apparent. Eventually, I was moved from a permanent role to a pay-per-work basis, and after some time, I was let go. - How did this affect you? What changes did it bring?
It was one of the hardest periods of my life. I couldn’t even afford rent, and the money I made wasn’t much. When the pay-per-work arrangement didn’t bring in enough income, my livelihood took a significant hit. Although it felt like everything was falling apart, it turned out to be the best thing to have ever happened to me. - How was this the best thing that happened to you?
Being fired forced me to reevaluate my life and career. I realized that although I loved graphic design, I didn’t have the necessary skills to excel at it. I had been awarded “Most Creative of the Year” by the agency, but it was for something I hadn’t even valued. This recognition made me question my strengths. I realized that the skill I effortlessly excelled at was writing—not graphic design. I decided to pursue writing, and that was the turning point in my life. If I hadn’t been fired, I would have never made that shift. - Did things get better?
Absolutely. Once I switched paths and focused on my strengths, I found much greater success. I started getting paid for something that felt effortless, and within a few months, I was earning more than I ever did at the agency. - So getting fired led to this shift?
Yes, it did. Sometimes, we stay on the same path because it’s comfortable, even if it’s not fulfilling. A change has to push us out of that comfort zone, and for me, getting fired was that push. - Any other lessons learned during this period, aside from discovering your new skill?
Yes. I learned the importance of being valuable to employers. Employers don’t want dead weight, and creatives need to continuously show their worth. There was a gap in the office that I didn’t fill, and had I taken the initiative, I might have stayed on the payroll. Being proactive and identifying gaps is crucial in the creative world. It not only helps you stay relevant but also opens doors for greater opportunities. - What advice would you give to designers or creatives who face turning points or get fired?
No experience is wasted if you learn from it. We often label events as good or bad, but even negative events can be valuable if we learn from them. Creatives must always ask themselves how they can improve and grow from setbacks. If you learn the lessons from your challenges, they’ll make you stronger. Since then I’ve never been fired by an employer.
Avoid Losing your job
In the face of economic challenges, such as Nigeria’s inflation rate at 31%, the value of work has never been more apparent. For many creatives, these tough times could be the perfect opportunity for growth forcing them to learn new skills such as knowledge stacking or cold emailing for designers.
However, it would be worse to lose a paying job in this period. Here’s How Creatives Can Avoid Losing Jobs and Grow in Their Careers:
- Value Creation: Pay attention to gaps in your work environment and fill them. Designers who make themselves indispensable are far less likely to face layoffs. Filling gaps is often the stepping stone to stronger connections and career advancement.
- Embrace Downturns: Economic downturns hold the potential for growth. Creatives should see these times as opportunities to reevaluate, adapt, and develop skills that will benefit them in the long run.
Enjoyed this piece and want to read more? Check out additional lessons below.
I’ve stopped eating pizza with my girlfriend.