05/03/2021
I made a goal this year to read 52 books (or one/week). I just finished book #30 by Canadian author Kelly Small . It was thought-provoking, to say the least. Here are my thoughts...
We live in a society where more is more and I think we could all benefit from a quick pause to think about why we create the work we do and what impact it has on society. It's not easy to stand by your values when there's a job or opportunity on the line. It's not easy to say no when everyone is saying yes. This book made me think about the times where I've had to stand in my integrity and how gut-wrenching it can feel.
I was recently passed over for an opportunity when I refused to provide spec work (four different projects that would end up being over 30 hours of work in advance of an interview)
It honestly killed me a little to send the email. I respect the organization, the executive team, and their mission, however, I respect myself more. Completing the work would have made me complicit in a practice that hurts people. It's inequitable and not a best practice in the industry. My values were not in alignment and chances are, I'd be stepping into a role where my time and contribution would not be valued.
Coming from a business driven by sponsorships before my current role, we had to take a hard look at who and what we'd allow, and to be completely honest, the decisions I made then are not the same decisions I would make today, and I think that's a good thing.
I've grown a lot in the past 10 years, and I've been curious and open enough to admit that my actions and privilege have contributed negatively to marginalized people. I've changed my language (more times than I can count because words matter SO much more than you think).
I've learned how important my role is as a creative and that I have the power to help write a better story, to build a more equitable society, and be kinder to the earth.
(Swipe to see my response to the request for spec work...)