Moving and Self-Support: 5 Tips from Designer Masha Dolgushi

Contents:

• Overcoming Difficulties After Moving to Turkey
• Current Projects in Russia: Rebranding and Collaborations
• How to Effectively Look for a Job
• The Path to Return: Personal Reflections
• Recommendations for Those Planning to Go Abroad
• Opinions of Designers Who Remained in Russia

Overcoming Difficulties After Moving to Turkey

When I moved to Turkey, I faced serious financial difficulties, as I did not have even the minimum reserve of funds to live comfortably for at least a month. This became a real test, requiring careful planning and adaptation to new living conditions.

Every day we face new challenges, and sometimes their number seems endless. Often, there are situations when difficulties appear unexpectedly, confirming the well-known proverb that "misfortunes never come alone." These trials can be both small and serious, requiring flexibility and resilience from us. It is important to learn to cope with these problems in order not only to overcome them, but also to learn useful lessons from them.

For the first time, I faced many challenges at once, affecting all aspects of my life. For example, one day my laptop hard drive crashed, and I didn't have the funds to repair it or buy a new one. At times like these, you ask yourself, "Why now?" Previously, I often focused on one problem, exaggerating its significance and complexity. However, now, when faced with a series of tasks, I try to stay calm and tackle them one by one, which helps me cope better. From a professional standpoint, I can't yet afford a Google Drive subscription, where I store a lot of my work files. However, I have already sorted out my Adobe Creative subscriptions and various stock services. It's important to optimize your software costs to effectively manage your workflow and maintain access to the resources you need.

Current Projects in Russia: Rebranding and Collaborations

This February, I was actively involved in the rebranding of a well-known grocery store chain, collaborating with one of Russia's leading marketing agencies. This project was an important challenge for me and an opportunity to demonstrate my professional skills in marketing and design. Rebranding involves not only updating the visual style but also revising the company's philosophy, which gives it particular significance. Working on this project allowed me to better understand the needs of the target audience and develop a strategy to strengthen the brand's image in the market.

In February, I was offered a job at an entertainment TV channel, and since March, I have been planning to start a new chapter in my career. The channel's security service is currently conducting a check of my social media, which is a common practice for new employees.

I continue to actively collaborate with a book publisher, creating illustrations and book covers. These projects help develop my creative skills and provide additional income. I believe that all endeavors lead me to success and financial stability. Such experience allows me not only to deepen my knowledge of the field of design but also to expand my opportunities in the market.

How to Effectively Search for a Job

Looking for a job is a difficult and often protracted process. I expected to be able to find a suitable vacancy faster, but the reality turned out to be different. Time passes, and responses continue to contain phrases like: "Thank you for your interest, but we have selected another candidate this time." However, thanks to my freelancing experience, I've maintained important contacts that help me secure small projects internationally. These connections provide support during difficult times and open up new opportunities for professional growth. Creating an up-to-date portfolio is an essential step to a successful job search. Regularly updating your portfolio, ideally immediately after completing each project, allows you to remain competitive in the job market. An updated portfolio showcases your latest achievements and skills, attracting the attention of potential employers and clients. Don't put this task off; updating your portfolio in a timely manner will help you stand out from other professionals and increase your chances of successful employment. I didn't pay enough attention to my portfolio, which was a serious mistake. I only began the entire process of creating and updating it after arriving in Turkey, and it took a long time. I recommend creating a full LinkedIn profile in advance to avoid wasting time filling it out from scratch. A well-designed portfolio and an active presence on professional platforms can significantly increase your chances of career success.

When searching for a job, I focus on European and American companies that offer work visas. Each of these organizations has its own careers website where current vacancies are posted. A key aspect of a successful search is sending multiple applications to different companies. Don't limit yourself to one application and wait for a response. It's important to regularly update your experience and education, as well as write high-quality cover letters. This approach significantly increases your chances of successfully finding employment with an international company.

Applying for job postings can seem tedious, but it yields significant results. It's an opportunity to learn a lot about the labor market and employers' expectations. For example, many international companies require you to indicate your expected annual salary, including tax deductions, which can reach 40% in some countries. This is an important aspect to consider when writing your resume and preparing for interviews. Understanding these requirements will help you more accurately assess your expectations and prepare for salary negotiations.

Companies often require a cover letter, which not only describes your experience and professional skills but also shares your personal qualities, values, and passions. It's important that your views align with the employer's corporate values. Personally, I believe it's important to include my political stance, as it reflects my beliefs and approach to life. A cover letter can be a key element in the job search process, as it allows the employer to better understand your personality and motivation.

The Road to Return: Personal Reflections

My move to Russia happened suddenly, without proper preparation. It was like jumping into a cold well: I was overcome with fear and uncertainty. At the time, such a decision seemed completely crazy. However, now, looking back, I realize that this step was an important part of my journey. Moving to Russia opened up new horizons and opportunities for me that I never even dreamed of.

Currently, I am happy with the choice I made. I feel free and full of energy, which allows me to dream and make plans for the future - something I so lacked in Russia. Although I do not yet have a permanent place of work and housing, I give myself time to think and plan my steps. This time gives me the opportunity to understand my desires and goals, which in turn helps me move forward and find new opportunities.

In recent months, many people, like me, have returned to Russia after a quick departure. I made the decision to completely sever ties with the past and realized that in the current circumstances, returning is impossible. Despite this, I would like to develop in design in Russia, as I saw many prospects for professional growth.

Design in Russia is experiencing a period of active development, like a young teenager, and I strive to be a part of this evolution. Understanding the importance of my participation in this process makes saying goodbye to this opportunity especially difficult. I feel connected to the changes taking place in design, and I am confident that the future of this field is being shaped right now.

Currently, I do not see favorable conditions for modern, bold, and free design in Russia. This was the reason for my decision to temporarily leave. I realize that significant changes in the design field and cultural environment are necessary for me to return to the country.

Recommendations for those planning to move abroad

If you are planning to move from Russia, act decisively and do not be afraid of difficulties. The path may be difficult, but life abroad opens up opportunities to acquire unique skills that are difficult to master at home. It is important to maintain self-confidence. There are times when your strength may run out, but remember that you have a resource within you that will help you cope with difficulties. Do not blame yourself for failures - in such moments, it is especially important to support yourself. If you have not managed to achieve success here, perhaps success awaits you in another country. Moving can be the beginning of a new, successful stage in your life.

Opinions of designers who remained in Russia

Despite the existing difficulties, many designers continue their work and successfully adapt to the new conditions. Their opinions reflect key aspects of the current situation in the industry. They note the importance of flexibility and creativity in a rapidly changing market. The use of new technologies and methods has become necessary to remain competitive. Designers are looking for new opportunities to collaborate and expand their skills, which allows them not only to survive but also to thrive in an uncertain environment. Sharing experiences and ideas within the professional community helps find solutions and inspiration, which is an important factor in their career development.

• Daria Kuptsova: "The design market will inevitably change, and we must be prepared for this."
• Evgeny Lepyokhin: "Today, speed is more important than quality - we need to respond quickly to changes."
• Vladimir Lifanov: "The events of recent months are not temporary difficulties, but a new reality."
• Alina Rodionova and Olga Pozharova: "We are focusing on areas where we can develop a unique vision."
• Sergey Prokofiev: "There are difficulties, but we will cope. Design remains essential"
• Evgeny Efanov: "I can't imagine a situation in which the economy completely collapses"