(Part 1 /2) I’ve always shown up on Contra as the professional version of myself, but lately I’ve...(Part 1 /2) I’ve always shown up on Contra as the professional version of myself, but lately I’ve...
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Liz's avatar
Liz Girdwood
pro
• Jan 20
(Part 1 /2) I’ve always shown up on Contra as the professional version of myself, but lately I’ve been thinking about how little space we leave for the human side of our stories.
My 2024–2025 journey as an independent designer hasn’t gone the way I imagined. When I moved to Ireland in 2023 and went freelance, things were finally gaining momentum. I secured strong retainer clients, worked with international teams, and felt deeply confident in the path I was building.
Then my mom passed away unexpectedly.
Grief doesn’t pause deadlines or invoices, and when you work for yourself, there’s no safety net. During that time, I lost clients. I slowly found my footing again through project work, only for my health to force me to slow down once more. #IndependentDesigner #FreelanceJourney #UXDesign #BrandDesign #HumanBehindTheWork
Celia's avatar
Celia I BEFAR Productions
max
• Jan 20
Thanks for sharing your story, Liz! Sending you a virtual hug as the grief moves through you and you move through life <3
Liz's avatar
Liz Girdwood
pro
• Jan 21
Thank you Celia<3
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