I Know What I Did Last Summer
- Rebecca Kraus
- Oct 31
- 4 min read
I got my first paying gig when I looked like this. 👆🏼
An excitable kid, I was hired to laugh on the audio for a children’s book. My reward? A whopping $10 and a trip to McDonald’s. Then came babysitting gigs and restaurant work as a teenager. I'll never forget making $80 in one day at the Sherman Oaks Sizzler!
I’ve been working hard ever since.
Now, I find myself as one of the thousands of design types who got swept up in the tech layoffs of 2025.
At this point, my career is more “seasoned” than a pot of gumbo. I’ve worked across a few decades, pivoted like a point guard, seen title shifts, technical lifts, and societal crises like 9/11, the dot com bust, and 2008’s financial meltdown.
This year, I've been looking for opportunities far and wide, customizing my resume and portfolio, and networking aplenty. I've also been consulting for small businesses and mentoring young talent.
These uncertain times are not for the faint of heart.
But you know what? I'm OK. Better than OK. I’ve never felt more clear-eyed about how I want to contribute: to a role or project that is purpose-driven and founded in clear values.
This year, I made the decision to focus less on deadlines, more on lifelines. Rather than just saying “I’m crazy busy,” I am busy living.
How am I finding peace and zen during this time?
Ten Zen Tips
1) Nature always nurtures
It’s not a ground breaking idea to take a walk, hug a tree, or wonder as you wander outside, but with my freshly cleansed calendar, I took full advantage of the summer light in the Pacific Northwest. Our local parks and trails are perfect for Shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing," the Japanese practice of therapeutic relaxation. Plus, my bike gave me ample opportunities to witness the ever changing waves and hues of the Puget Sound.
2) Moving magnifies mingling
With an Aussie shepherd and friends who like long trails, I was able to socialize while I exercised. My family had our best times hiking, swimming, and paddling too, which made for more dynamic conversations. Plus, my Apple Watch has never been more congratulatory!
3) Connections create community
I’ve been fostering friendships with new people, from potential colleagues and clients to my neighbors. Many of us share a love of growing and sharing food and we've found more meaning in our relationships. We keep an eye on each others’ homes, have pet playdates, and help out in times of need.
4) Frugality brings freedom
Everyone’s situation is different, but I’ve been saving my pennies forever. I socked away signing bonuses, maxed out my 401(K) matching, strategically sold stock, and invested for the long term. As I wrote in this LinkedIn post for new grads, I believe in living within your means while paying your future self. My future self now says, thank you very much.
5) Healthy is wealthy
Speaking of wealth, my dear dad, who passed away in 2013, would always say, “If you don’t have your health, nothing else matters.” And as we Gen Xers get older, we hear of heartbreaking losses or lives cut too short. Even though I’ve had multiple knee surgeries from downhill skiing accidents, I get up early every day to move as much as possible. Latest discovery: “water fitness” at my local pool!
6) Music matters
So I did splurge on a couple things this summer. I was able to nab tickets for my whole family to see Lady Gaga's The Mayhem Ball, Chicago at our local winery, and even that oldie but goodie, Barry Manilow. I've relished the time to dive back into older albums by Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, and Kate Bush. It feels nourishing and oh so retro.
7) Simplicity feels sublime
Balancing screen time with planting thyme (among other herbs), I forged a nature-based routine, making beauty, light, and growth my morning’s goals. I take great pleasure in the little things like birds fluttering and chirping. I also took care of digital errands, like unsubscribing from outdated emails, organizing photos, making shareable albums, and digitizing documents. Decluttering invites a lovely peace of mind.
8) Learning a lot is living it up
My dad also said, “if you’re bored, you’re boring.” This has let my unrelenting curiosity take the lead. I signed up for community events, workshops, panel discussions, and meetups. I mindfully paired my walks with podcasts that gave me “aha!” moments (Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Dan Buettner being my faves). Free mental space has been filled with learning.
9) Creativity trumps consumption
As much as I follow the news and the market, I'm less interested in hearing about "consumer confidence" and more intrigued by tariff-free creative pursuits. I’ve been singing new songs, writing, and supporting local art and theater. It's far more satisfying to make a card or cook your own meal than buy them. Bonus! I’m surrounded by the artistry of my husband, in-laws, and kids, all of whom are crafty visual artists and model makers.
10) Keep calm and carry on
I get that this is a particularly fickle job market and that AI is impacting the design discipline. I simply choose to not stress about things beyond my control or work on things that don't feel fulfilling. (To wit, I wrote this post about natural intelligence, inspired by my nephews.)
As much as I value work, play also serves a meaningful purpose. I'll focus less on shipping products with “minimum viability,” and lean into a life designed for maximum vitality.
This has allowed me to be surrounded with laughter, have my cake, and share it too.
