I want a career with more stability and more money

Careershifter question

By Film_Guy

What's your personal and career background?
I was a star student from a young age, winning a King's Scholarship to Eton College when I was 12, then being accepted to Oxford University to study Mathematics. I was active in many fields outside of academia, editing 3 school magazines, captaining a rugby team, acting in an award-winning touring theatre company, playing some gigs as a singer-songwriter, writing poetry (some of which was published) and coaching rowing crews.

However, I suffered a very severe depression which forced me out of education with one year of my degree left. Everything pretty much fell apart, and I eventually found myself freelancing within the Film and TV industry, and have within a relatively short time built a pretty good reputation.

What's your current work situation?
I work as a 1st Assistant Director and occasional Line Producer/Production Manager on Film, TV and commercials. Essentially, I'm a project manager, responsible for the schedule, logistics and execution of the film shoot, and managing the shoot as the key person on the floor before a crew of up to 60, on budgets of up to £3M. I can earn as much as £450 per day on commercials, and £1500 per week on features and drama. However, I am often unemployed.

I know that I am very good at my job, I am constantly told as much by my co-workers. However, I am an atrocious freelancer (I can't stand chasing work, and I am no good at networking), add to which I am looking for stability and a good, regular income, of which Film and TV offers none.

Where ideally would you like to be in twelve month's time?
I would like to be working in a field which utilises my love and ability for problem-solving, and possibly my management and logistical skills as well. I would be happy earning under £30,000 in the first year, with simultaneous training if necessary for a qualification, but importantly, I would like to have prospects of earning £70K+ within 4-5 years

Where are you currently most stuck?
Currently, my greatest problem is the lack of structure to my life. I cannot make any plans, as I simply cannot predict what my schedule or finances shall be like at any given point in the future.

I would like to be able to go to night school to learn a new language (I already speak Spanish, French and Portuguese), I would like to be able to maintain a regular exercise routine, and I would like to be able to make social plans beyond the spontaneous. None of these I can currently pursue as a Film and TV freelancer.

ShiftDoctor answer

By Sonia Lakshman

As you have said yourself it sounds like the biggest rub you're facing is the lack of stability and structure - both financially and in terms of a rhythm to your days.  For any person who likes structure, and a level of planning and predictability, not to have any can feel tremendously uncomfortable, irksome and unsettling.  In other words you're operating out of fit.

The good news is that it gives you a tremendous navigator in terms of what you're looking for. Structure and stability, usually means full-time paid employment. And yes, there are some professions /industries that just don't lend themselves to that, film included. However my first question would be have you fully explored full time permanent roles in film and tv? If yes, ignore me. If no, it may be the first obvious start point. I know the film and tv industry is going through changing times, so if there's really nothing going, well then at least you can firmly close the door on it.

Second, you say money and enough of it, is another major want. Again this is a tremendous navigator as it immediately discounts a whole host of professions. A simple way to look at this is that to earn a lot of money you have to be in an industry/role that makes a lot of money. That's usually areas like law, finance, investment banking, IT, pharmaceuticals, oil, emerging technologies, management consultancy, FMCG etc. That's not to say that the higher echelons of almost all other sectors don't pay well, it might just be a much longer and slower ride. High-level sales & marketing particularly in specialist high value areas can be very lucrative, again because you're directly contributing to the bottom line.

My suggestion would be to look at industries that appeal and research the roles that exist within them (or vice-versa); then matching them to your love of problem solving (consider the types of problems that really get your synapses firing) and your management, mathematical, logistical and linguistic ability and where those would be most needed.  If you find yourself still spoilt for choice in terms of appealing options look next at ease of migration and do-ability, which will depend on both the relevance of your experience, abilities and market forces. Some areas like finance for example are more negatively affected than others by the current economy, with a glut of experienced people out of work- so move where there is a foreseeable need. You're obviously broadly capable and a high achiever, so ability is not going to be a likely barrier to performance. What you'll need to do is convince a new employer of your brilliance and/or to invest in you and your training. Establish your ‘hooks' both in terms of what you want and what you can offer- and use them to filter your choices.

You can also narrow the playing field by considering the areas that feel like a good personality fit, both in terms of interest and environment. You mentioned you suffered from severe depression some time ago (and though this might not be relevant to it's cause) considering the working conditions that may be most conducive for you is always a good thing to do.  Over-long working hours, very high pressure, ceaseless targets, cut throat competitiveness etc can be tremendously corrosive. Conversely you may thrive on a really fast pace, having continuous problems to solve, a rapidly evolving arena and a lot to juggle to keep you engaged - think about what industries or professions require this. It sounds like you have and want a life outside work and this too can be a major navigator as some professions (like law for example) are notoriously all consuming.

As an aside, I'm intrigued as to the profession you would have chosen had your degree not been interrupted. Did you have one in mind?  If so do you still want it now?


© Copyright August 2008 Sonia Lakshman, One Smart Step

At One Smart Step we help you work out what you want to do and then find practical ways to get there. You can contact Sonia on 0208 255 3136 or email enquiries@onesmartstep.co.uk to arrange a complimentary exploratory discussion.  Details at www.onesmarststep.co.uk

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