r/chicagojobs

Hi guys, I moved to Chicago a few months ago and I’ve been commuting to work in an hour wrong and quite frankly it’s not covering the bills. I’ve had the hardest time getting a job within the city. I have a communications degree. I’ve been applying and applying and have had no luck on top of that. I was wondering if serving could be an option and if it would be possible to pay bills off of being a server here.

Working under Frank Hanes at Big Shoulders was genuinely the most toxic and dysfunctional experience I’ve ever had in production. Constant yelling and belittling, extreme micromanagement, total disorganization, impossible expectations, laughably bad communication, Frank talking shit about his employees behind their backs...the whole place operates on fear and paranoia.

Big Shoulders has been around Chicago forever, so I gotta ask: why wasn’t I warned sooner? This is something more people in the community should be aware of.

Anyone else have a Frank Hanes / Big Shoulders story?

Any advice before I end up homeless? I only have a useless associates degree.

Creative professional with a background in immersive guest experiences, theater, and visual design. Skilled at engaging audiences, facilitating interactive environments, and translating creative concepts into memorable experiences. Combines performance training, design thinking, and hands-on experience in experiential venues to create engaging, story-driven environments that connect with diverse audiences.

	Experience Design		Experiential Branding		Audience Engagement Strategy
	• Adobe Creative Suite	••	Visitor Flow & Crowd Dynamics		Video Production & Editing
	• Spatial Experience Design		Interactive Installation Design		Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
	Creative Concept Development		Narrative & Environmental		Guest Journey Mapping
	• Visual Communication		Storytelling

SKILLS

EDUCATION

St. Ambrose University - Davenport, IA | BA Graphic Design; BA Theatre | Dec 2016

EXPERIENCE

Experience Specialist, Color Factory

May 2023 - Present

• Guide guests through immersive art installations, facilitating engaging and memorable visitor experiences within interactive gallery environments.
• Present artist concepts and exhibit narratives to diverse audiences, translating creative intent into accessible, story-driven interactions.
• Maintain smooth visitor flow across installations while fostering an energetic and welcoming atmosphere.
• Collaborate with operations and creative teams to ensure installations function as intended and support a cohesive guest journey.

September 2019 - March 2020

• Performed in live theatrical productions designed to engage young audiences through character-driven storytelling.
• Collaborated with cast and production teams to deliver consistent performances and interactive audience experiences.

Immersive Character Performer, Skellington Manor Haunted Attraction

September 2018 - October 2018

• Developed and performed a nonverbal character to interact with guests within an immersive haunted attraction environment.
• Used physical performance and environmental interaction to enhance atmosphere and support the attraction's narrative experience.

Program Supervisor, Hand-in-Hand

December 2020 - September 2021

• Designed and facilitated structured recreational experiences for youth participants, emphasizing creativity, engagement, and social interaction.
• Adapted activities to meet diverse participant needs while maintaining a safe and supportive group environment.

July 2016 - August 2016

• Assisted in developing branded vehicle wrap graphics and large-format visual designs for client campaigns.
• Collaborated with senior designers to translate brand identities into visual applications for public-facing environments.

Graphics & Cinematography Assistant, Hillcrest Event Center

May 2015 - August 2015

• Produced promotional graphics and captured video/photo content for live events and marketing materials.
• Operated video equipment and supported event production teams during on-site shoots.

Cast Member, Walt Disney World College Program

Aug 2015 - Jan 2016; Jan 2017 - Nov 2017

• Completed coursework in Disney's Creativity & Innovation and Disney Heritage programs, carning 14 academic credits through collaborative projects exploring experiential design and brand culture.
• Delivered guest-facing service at Liberty Inn QSR and the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, providing

Additional Experience: Lead Barista, Aramark (Capital One Café) and Caretaker, Balance Autism.

I’ve been applying for jobs. Nothing specialized literally receptionist. The position is for an office in my town. But they also want me to travel 20 miles away to cover other locations when employees callout sick. I don’t want to drive an extra two hours a day for a part-time job and gas is five dollars a gallon right now. That’s all that’s the post.