I feel like graphic design has died and I need some career guidance
I posted on here a few months ago looking for advice. Here’s the post if curious: https://www.reddit.com/r/GraphicDesigning/s/AaBhQZOh8Y
I graduated with a 2-year Graphic Design Diploma in Spring 2025, and managed to find a full-time position a month later. The role consists of pre-press file setup, invoicing, social media management, and basic reception work.
Over the past year I've learned a lot, which is great, but this position isn't for me. I've been applying to graphic design jobs for about 4 months now, but no luck. I've revised my resume and portfolio, and have even started applying for part-time because I'm at the point where I'll take anything, but still no luck. There aren't many design positions in my area, and when there are they want senior designers or marketing backgrounds.
I've messaged multiple people that I graduated with to ask for their insight and experience over the past year and almost all of them feel similarly and are struggling to find work. Some are working the same retail jobs they had while in school, and some have decided to switch careers entirely.
I'm starting to lose hope after hearing that no one else has had any luck, and just from doing research online it seems graphic design wasn't a good career choice for me as it's dying out…
I’m planning on looking into career counselling in my city to help me decide where to go from here. I don’t have many things I’m passionate about and I don’t want to choose the wrong path, again.
I’ve created an additional “regular” resume in case I need to apply for non-design jobs but other than that I’m just applying with no luck and am feeling unfulfilled and plateaued at my current position.
What should I do? Any general advice for someone who feels stuck in their current role/industry, but also feels stuck trying to make a change? Should I just start over?