u/Independent-Ad419

Here is my situation. I would dearly and desperately love some feedback.

Folks,

I’ve been living in Vancouver for the last 10 years. For the past 22 years, I’ve worked as a visual effects artist, graphic designer, and CG artist, including the last six years in lead roles on multiple high-profile projects. Lived and worked across countries and cultures such as Japan, China, India and US.

In June 2025, I lost my job, and with that, everything came crashing down.

The media and VFX industry has been severely impacted globally, especially with the rise of AI and the shrinking of many companies. Several of the studios and companies I used to work with have either shut down or moved major parts of their operations to countries such as Australia, the UK, and India.

After being unemployed for almost 10 months, I eventually found work as a cleaner in an aerospace company, cleaning helicopter parts. I have been working there since March. Most of my days are now spent earning close to minimum wage, while I previously earned close to $70 an hour as a Lead.

This shift has had a major impact on my mental health, my household stability, and my ability to keep my family afloat while managing bills, mortgage payments, and daily expenses. Most of my savings are now gone.

With 22 years of experience in visual design, CG, project coordination, team leadership, and production management, along with a Bachelor of Technology degree in Information Technology, I’m now trying to figure out where I can realistically pivot next.

I’m currently gaining experience in a highly secure and federally compliant aerospace environment, working with helicopter components and beginning to learn areas such as disassembly of MGBs, or main gearboxes. But honestly, I’m still unsure what the right next step is.

At this stage, I would truly appreciate any advice, suggestions, referrals, or guidance from anyone who has been through a major career transition or knows of opportunities where my background could be useful.

Any help, direction, or connection would mean a lot.

Folks,

I’ve been living in Vancouver for the last 10 years. For the past 22 years, I’ve worked as a visual effects artist, graphic designer, and CG artist, including the last six years in lead roles on multiple high-profile projects. Lived and worked across countries and cultures such as Japan, China, India and US.

In June 2025, I lost my job, and with that, everything came crashing down.

The media and VFX industry has been severely impacted globally, especially with the rise of AI and the shrinking of many companies. Several of the studios and companies I used to work with have either shut down or moved major parts of their operations to countries such as Australia, the UK, and India.

After being unemployed for almost 10 months, I eventually found work as a cleaner in an aerospace company, cleaning helicopter parts. I have been working there since March. Most of my days are now spent earning close to minimum wage, while I previously earned close to $70 an hour as a Lead.

This shift has had a major impact on my mental health, my household stability, and my ability to keep my family afloat while managing bills, mortgage payments, and daily expenses. Most of my savings are now gone.

With 22 years of experience in visual design, CG, project coordination, team leadership, and production management, along with a Bachelor of Technology degree in Information Technology, I’m now trying to figure out where I can realistically pivot next.

I’m currently gaining experience in a highly secure and federally compliant aerospace environment, working with helicopter components and beginning to learn areas such as disassembly of MGBs, or main gearboxes. But honestly, I’m still unsure what the right next step is.

At this stage, I would truly appreciate any advice, suggestions, referrals, or guidance from anyone who has been through a major career transition or knows of opportunities where my background could be useful.

Any help, direction, or connection would mean a lot.