Do you re-call me previous blog entry: “Pushing and Shoving”? Well, just to summarize, I touched upon the reality for most recent graduates who have been having a hard time finding a job due to their lack of experience. I still stand by what I said, but now, after talking to some friends who were previously employed and now are back at zero – I’ve realized they are having the same difficulties in getting new jobs as well. The reason? Too much experience.
Ironic huh? In other words, due to the on-going recession (the Government isn’t fooling anyone, we’re still hurting) the majority of companies have gone to extreme measures and have had to cut their budgets – meaning less money for employees. So by hiring people who are barely starting, they can get away with paying them next to nothing. That’s right; minimum wage is no longer the norm for just McDonald’s workers. Having a Bachelor’s degree doesn’t seem to make that much of a difference in monetary terms – at least not in the Entertainment Industry. Sucks, I know.
So, what incentives are these media people offering young eager people who already have experience and want to take the next step in their careers? Or for those unfortunate others who had to be laid off? Beats me. The potential to learn and grow within a company, or the promise that if you work hard for a year or two will eventually pay off when taking the next step seems like a dream of yester-year. Working your butt off nowadays means that you will continue to pay your dues until some form of miracle happens and you finally get the job you always wanted – and even then you will have to keep digging deep to keep it and you will have to work just as hard to continue to love it. Sounds like taking the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of a job right? Wrong.
The incentive to work in such a difficult environment is no longer external. You gain experience everyday, you meet new people everyday, network anywhere you can (if you meet the Director of Creative Affairs of a major studio in the bathroom you need to find a way to introduce yourself – easier if you’re a girl, just compliment her shoes); being able to grow in the right direction is now up to YOU. And the drive that keeps you going in a seemingly unfair trade is your passion for the Industry, your belief in writing, directing, producing, acting, representing the crème de la crème, etc… In today’s world, you need to be in charge of your motivation. Our incentives are internal; we push ourselves and put up with so much bull in order to get to the next step. Once we reach it, we realize that you have to continue to push, reach, fight, and yes, cry your way to the top.
Anyone who enters the realms of Hollywood knows it’s not an easy task. Rejection is not just for actors or models, “thick skin” is required but it’s not as important as having a strong belief in yourself. We are here for a purpose, and unfortunately it will take us a bit of time to find out what that purpose is. It doesn’t matter really, everything changes, we will have our ups and downs, but as long as we maintain focus on our dreams and passions, I’m sure we’ll be able to survive this struggle. Rejection is not really all that personal – overqualified, under-qualified, chemistry, competence; these are mere factors that shouldn’t play such a gigantic role in our work life. If you have a passion for the industry and are able to communicate it efficiently to the right person, you are very likely to land that dream job and keep pushing – because this is what you chose, this is where you want to be, and all the sweat and tears will be worth it. Only the strong survive, and only you can build up that necessary strength. Don’t be discouraged if you had to start from scratch and no one is making you a great offer, it’s not really their true choice – so many factors align in these decisions that it’s unfair for both parties sometimes. And if you have little experience and are having a tough time finding an entry level job, the same goes for you, all you need to do is show how much you are willing to invest in your work and how much it will pay off for both. Passion is key for most things in life, but right now, it’s an integrate part of putting yourself on the map and positioning yourself in the right direction. Whenever you feel discouraged, remind yourself of why you are here, why you want to be a Producer, Director, etc… and you’ll be able to continue moving. And if you can’t think of why, then I suggest you re-evaluate your situation - maybe this wasn’t the right place for you after all. There’s no shame, as long as you are able to find your passion and drive, you are one step closer to being where you’ve always wished to be, but most importantly, to be where you deserve to be.
Ironic huh? In other words, due to the on-going recession (the Government isn’t fooling anyone, we’re still hurting) the majority of companies have gone to extreme measures and have had to cut their budgets – meaning less money for employees. So by hiring people who are barely starting, they can get away with paying them next to nothing. That’s right; minimum wage is no longer the norm for just McDonald’s workers. Having a Bachelor’s degree doesn’t seem to make that much of a difference in monetary terms – at least not in the Entertainment Industry. Sucks, I know.
So, what incentives are these media people offering young eager people who already have experience and want to take the next step in their careers? Or for those unfortunate others who had to be laid off? Beats me. The potential to learn and grow within a company, or the promise that if you work hard for a year or two will eventually pay off when taking the next step seems like a dream of yester-year. Working your butt off nowadays means that you will continue to pay your dues until some form of miracle happens and you finally get the job you always wanted – and even then you will have to keep digging deep to keep it and you will have to work just as hard to continue to love it. Sounds like taking the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of a job right? Wrong.
The incentive to work in such a difficult environment is no longer external. You gain experience everyday, you meet new people everyday, network anywhere you can (if you meet the Director of Creative Affairs of a major studio in the bathroom you need to find a way to introduce yourself – easier if you’re a girl, just compliment her shoes); being able to grow in the right direction is now up to YOU. And the drive that keeps you going in a seemingly unfair trade is your passion for the Industry, your belief in writing, directing, producing, acting, representing the crème de la crème, etc… In today’s world, you need to be in charge of your motivation. Our incentives are internal; we push ourselves and put up with so much bull in order to get to the next step. Once we reach it, we realize that you have to continue to push, reach, fight, and yes, cry your way to the top.
Anyone who enters the realms of Hollywood knows it’s not an easy task. Rejection is not just for actors or models, “thick skin” is required but it’s not as important as having a strong belief in yourself. We are here for a purpose, and unfortunately it will take us a bit of time to find out what that purpose is. It doesn’t matter really, everything changes, we will have our ups and downs, but as long as we maintain focus on our dreams and passions, I’m sure we’ll be able to survive this struggle. Rejection is not really all that personal – overqualified, under-qualified, chemistry, competence; these are mere factors that shouldn’t play such a gigantic role in our work life. If you have a passion for the industry and are able to communicate it efficiently to the right person, you are very likely to land that dream job and keep pushing – because this is what you chose, this is where you want to be, and all the sweat and tears will be worth it. Only the strong survive, and only you can build up that necessary strength. Don’t be discouraged if you had to start from scratch and no one is making you a great offer, it’s not really their true choice – so many factors align in these decisions that it’s unfair for both parties sometimes. And if you have little experience and are having a tough time finding an entry level job, the same goes for you, all you need to do is show how much you are willing to invest in your work and how much it will pay off for both. Passion is key for most things in life, but right now, it’s an integrate part of putting yourself on the map and positioning yourself in the right direction. Whenever you feel discouraged, remind yourself of why you are here, why you want to be a Producer, Director, etc… and you’ll be able to continue moving. And if you can’t think of why, then I suggest you re-evaluate your situation - maybe this wasn’t the right place for you after all. There’s no shame, as long as you are able to find your passion and drive, you are one step closer to being where you’ve always wished to be, but most importantly, to be where you deserve to be.
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