As women in print in the U.S. look forward to celebrating America’s independence this July 4th, it’s a great time for women throughout our global community to pause and consider what freedoms a career in print makes possible.

Such as, the freedom to…

  • Take a Risk. Pitching a dream client. Requesting a reach assignment – or promotion. Jumping into a new position that requires learning a new technology or process. Whether your career risk is a small stretch or a giant leap, exercising your freedom to take a risk means you’re willing to grow. And the printing industry is one that generally rewards curiosity, innovative thinking, and what my Grandma used to call “pluck.”
  • Build Financial Security… And Follow Your Wanderlust. Your idea of financial security is uniquely your own. As you set short- and long-term financial goals, know that working in the printing industry means your skills are transferable across companies, segments, and geographic locations. You will find a print or print-adjacent company in nearly every city, state, and country, which makes trailing a partner or striking out in a new location a bit easier. Talent and the willingness to flex matters – and no one is immune to economic downturns or layoffs – but committing to a career in print allows you to confidently pursue financial security and know that job mobility is possible.
  • Become an Expert. With a plethora of roles and functions, the print industry is one in which you have the freedom to hone skills and become a true thought leader in your space. Continuous education courses and technical certifications are there for the earning, and opportunities like speaking on panels, leading demos, or authoring original content are open to women in print seeking to position themselves as industry experts.
  • Be Your Own Boss. This is the “Take a Risk” freedom on steroids! Print has a rich legacy of women business owners. And the number of women earning the CEO or President title continues to rise, as does the number of women hanging their own shingles as entrepreneurs in the print industry ecosystem. Importantly, there are genuine, supportive efforts to move the print industry culture to one that values leadership regardless of gender.
  • Define Your Own Success.  Working in print provides the freedom for you to explore different pathways in the industry – and then to carve a niche that allows you to shine. And if you need some direction or inspiration to determine what success means to you, spend time meeting and learning from the many rock star women shaping today’s print industry. (Hint: You can find many of them featured in the Her Imprint podcast, a series proudly presented by Women in Print Alliance.)

And, yes, you also have the freedom to…

  • Walk Away When It’s Time. Working in a resilient industry like print means you have the freedom and power to walk away when a job or workplace no longer serve you. We’re not saying flip over your desk and slam the door on your way out. But we are saying that if you choose to make a move to preserve your sense of professional worth, personal safety, or work-life balance, you work an industry that is always seeking strong talent, team players, and innovative thinkers. You may not find another job overnight, but there’s a good chance you’ll alight somewhere else that renews your spark and rewards your efforts.

What does career freedom mean to you? How will you declare your professional independence?

There’s no right or wrong answer, but these are important questions to ponder. On a “bad day” at work, mentally reviewing the list of career freedoms and independence print allows you to enjoy can help rebalance your outlook.

And whether or not you’re working in the USA, treat yourself to something special this July 4th as a way to acknowledge your unique career freedom. It’s worth celebrating!