“SO… After all this time, I think it’s time for a new blog post." That is what I said before starting to write this post. My last post was on December 31, 2023, which was a kind of reflection of 2023 and a wishlist of what I would have liked to happen during that time.
Now I didn’t want this blog to be about an update or talking about negative or even the job market, which is a mess at the moment of writing this.
As I write this, I am in a noisy workshop's office. The clamour of truck engines, rattle guns, and grinders fills the air. Even if you close the door, it’s a sound you can't escape. The best way I can describe it is like getting F**ked in the ear. While I'm not familiar with the sensation, headaches are a common occurrence in the workshop. I am holding onto the fact that this is my last day for the week, so it feels like a weekend or a Friday. I am on top of my work. I am writing this blog. All I am doing at the moment is waiting for the phone to ring and say in my best customer service voice, “QUINLAN REPAIRS, BRENDAN SPEAKING.”.
People often ask me what I do. Well, I am working casually for the moment while I job hunt, and sometimes working casually makes it hard to job hunt. To answer your question, I work as an admin, but I consider my role more of an all-rounder. I answer phones, take messages, create invoices and send them off, monitor bill payments, and add and remove them from the system when needed. Organise orders, fold payslips, truck log books, mail letters, chase people up, and use Excel documents to drive all over Western Sydney to pick up a part. This can be as far as Narrellan, Pemulwuy, Silverwater, Blacktown, Chippendale, and other places too! Oh, and don’t forget the Smoko orders. I am pretty sure that is it. All I can say is that I am busy, and during those brief periods when I have nothing to do, I typically apply for jobs. I guess it’s a perk of working for my father’s family business.
In this role, have I achieved anything or learned anything? I have this on my CV, so maybe I'll include what I wrote: “Leveraged design thinking to streamline administration at Quinlan Repairs by developing reusable document templates and automating inventory and logbook tracking. Achieved a 30% reduction in administrative workload, enabling the team to focus on core operations.” What does that even mean?
"Leveraged design thinking": I used a creative, problem-solving approach, typically found in design, to improve how things worked on the admin side.
"Streamline administration": I made the admin processes more efficient and easier to manage.
"Developing reusable document templates": I created templates that could be reused, saving time by reducing repetitive tasks.
"Automating inventory and logbook tracking": I set up systems, probably with Excel or similar tools, to automate inventory and logbook tracking, making it faster and less prone to errors.
"Achieved a 30% reduction in administrative workload": I reduced the amount of admin work by about 30%, allowing the team to focus more on the core tasks.
I’m explaining how I used creative problem-solving and automation to help the company save time and work more efficiently.
This is not an exaggeration. Unbelievably, many employees in this company lack familiarity with programmes such as Excel or even a simple Word document.
While I can’t exactly easily do all my work on a computer, a lot of the work is done either in analogue or the old-fashioned pen and paper (which is fine by me) or in a program called Am-Win, which is a business management software system. The way it is used is more of an accounting software. I have done a lot to try and suggest things like a rebrand or a website. They aren’t interested. My father is very much like my grandfather, a technophobe. Funny story: Back in the day, when My Pop used to run the Old Quarry for Heggies and later Quinlan Transport, he was against the idea of having a fax machine or photocopier in the office. So He usually sent my mum to go and photocopy at PF Formations. At least my dad had access to computers, printers, scanners, and photocopy machines, which is a significant improvement. He just can’t use them.
I am probably not painting the best picture of my father; he is a man of his time. Not stupid but calls a spade a spade.
So what have I done to keep my design skills up? Well, at first I started small. Most of my ideas I’d suggest would be knocked back and “too hard." So I started with the implementation of a new order sheet for Smoko (morning tea). It took a few different implementations. I made different versions and prototyped them in order. I wanted to make sure they are easy to understand, for both the café down the road taking the orders and for people taking the orders. It’s a simple template that can be reprinted and scanned in. The old one was just a 3-column grid for the name, order, and payment method. I based it on this idea, and instead of making it, someone needed to write out EFT, cast, and amount. I made it so it’s a simple circle of Cash/EFT and an amount space for cash. It’s to make this process streamlined and save some time.
Yes, it’s a basic thing I fixed and not at all an idea that wouldn’t have been thought of. I simply wanted to spend the same time doing this daily duty.
From this point on, it went to using Excel to help keep track of the amount of logbook pages from drivers, loads and unloads, and all that jazz. As long as the manager understands and I do, that is all that matters really. This is the first time this workshop has used Excel, and My Father still refuses to touch it.
I also designed little slips for taking messages when the manager or the boss isn’t in the office. It is usually someone wanting to book. It also helps me remember to ask for details needed for reference. I couldn’t tell you everything, but it’s trial and error and still getting implemented.
What have I learned? I learned the word “demurrage,” which is what happens if a truck gets held up while loading, unloading, or transferring and usually means they get paid for some of the wait time.
Another thing sounds basic, but it was big for me. I learned that truck logbooks are added up in quarters, so 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1. This, I can say, has already been useful, as I think this is quite efficient for working out time. I utilised this tool during my five-by-five gig to accurately track the hours I spent on freelance design work in April. I have always been terrible at math but excellent at geometry and measuring. I discovered that I might have a form of dyslexia, specifically in the area of numbers. It simply confirms that I am NeuroSpicy (Neurodiverse).
Other than that, it has been a test of patience and using soft skills. There hasn’t been a lot of room for creativity in the traditional sense. It’s been quite draining. If I don't develop industrial deafness before I turn 30, I will consider myself fortunate to have survived. haha
In the meantime, have I done anything to keep my skills up?
Actually, yes, I did some freelancing for FivebyFive back in April, and that was a gig involving DreamHack, a big, well-known computer processor brand, and their booth! In the meantime, I have also done a bit of design and web design consulting. I didn't do much consulting, but I was able to diagnose an issue with a WordPress website and get them on the path to fixing it in half an hour. So pretty impressive stuff.
I’ve also been drawing and painting; I haven’t posted much of those, as they are more like studies and doodles to improve my anatomy and even urban illustration. Been reading some great drawing books to help me with that. I also discovered how good some of those “For Dummies books” are. I had been studying "Coding for Dummies" and "C++ for Dummies." I have Design Thinking for Dummies as a bit of a refresher to things. All I need now is an Unreal Engine for Dummies and a Maya AutoDesk or ZBrush for Dummies, and I’ll be golden.
I’ve been navigating the chaos of the job market while working casually at my dad’s family business. It’s a noisy, hands-on environment where I handle everything from admin tasks and managing invoices to running errands across Western Sydney. Though it's far from a creative role, I’ve used my design skills to introduce small improvements, like streamlining the Smoko order process and creating Excel templates for tracking.
This job has taught me patience, problem-solving, and even some new things like truck logbook systems. While it’s not the creative outlet I’d hoped for, I’ve kept my skills sharp with freelance gigs, web design consulting, and personal art projects.
The takeaway? Even in roles that aren’t your dream job, there are always ways to improve processes, learn new things, and keep honing your skills. This chapter may not be glamorous, but it's still valuable in my broader journey, and I’m making the most of it while pursuing new opportunities. I am not where I want to be; I am not entirely pleased where I am, but as a friend I used to work with said to me this week, “As long as you're motivated and keep going, you’ll get there!”
My situation is not unique, and there is hope ahead.
Anyway, there's something to look forward to now.
I'll be down in Melbourne for PAX 2024 and look forward to playing some games and networking with some people, both new and familiar. I am hoping to meet and greet with Abubakar Salim, see the Bethesda Panel with Rich Lambert, attend some panels from the Weta Workshop, and see a panel from the Ubisoft developers behind Assassin's Creed Shadows.
I've planned to print off and bound some copies of my portfolios to hand out to interested parties. I have about 8 to give out, so I need to know it's worth it!
I hope I can see you down at Pax!
Overall what are my hopes ahead?
Overall, I’m eager to find a role in games, films, or advertising, but what truly matters to me is discovering a position that brings me genuine happiness and fulfilment.
Embrace Change: While the current job market may feel overwhelming, I believe that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth. I’m hopeful that new paths will emerge, leading to exciting and fulfilling opportunities.
Continuous Learning: I’m committed to ongoing learning and self-improvement; whether through online courses, networking events, or personal projects, I believe that every bit of knowledge gained will bring me closer to my goals.
Networking Opportunities: With events like PAX 2024 on the horizon, I’m eager to connect with fellow creators, professionals, and industry leaders. I hope to build meaningful relationships that could open doors in my career.
Cultivating Resilience: The journey may not always be smooth, but I’m hopeful that each experience will contribute to my resilience. I’m determined to keep pushing forward and adapting to whatever comes my way.
Finding My Passion: I’m optimistic that my path will lead me to roles that align with my passions and skills. I’ll keep pursuing creative opportunities and remain open to exploring new avenues.
Community Support: I hope to foster a supportive community among fellow job seekers and creatives. By sharing our journeys, we can uplift each other and navigate this challenging landscape together.
Personal Fulfilment: Ultimately, I hope to find a role that not only utilises my skills but also brings me joy and fulfilment. I believe that staying motivated and focused on my goals will guide me towards that destination.
For now, I may be in my Saturn return, but things will improve.
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