Taking the Plung

[talg1122]

My whole life I have dreamed of working in Telelvision production on a hit show. I am finally living the dream but don't know if it is really what I want any more. The hours are crazy, it is very unstable, I cant stand the people ahhh!! I am so confused. Latley I have been thinking about changing careers and pursing something in advertising or marketing. But I dont know anything about those. I would love to go to school and take a few classes but with my schedule there is no way I can do it. If I decide to quite my job and pursue another career I want to be absolutly sure it is something I want. I am so confused. I am so unhappy and want to make a change but how do I know it will be the right one. Part of me is just like do it, take the plung but it is a big step. All I want to do it be happy!

[Tbone]

Try making connections with people already in that field. You can get a lot of good information from those already in the field and they can give you some advice, not to mention to see if it even sounds like something you would want to pursue.

I would however suggest taking some classes, I may do that myself. I too want to get into Marketing or Advertising and am finding that no one wants to give you exp unless you have some.

I think working with a hit TV show sounds so cool, but it just goes to show that it seems the grass is always greener on the other side. Is your education in TV production or along those lines?

[talg1122]

My background is only in TV. I studied it in college and have wanted to do it forever and all of a sudden I dont. I hated school but feel like I need more. There is this advertising program at UCLA Extension which anyone can be a part of but it is so expensive. I know that if I really want to do advertising I need to take classes to learn something and with UCLA on my resume I cant go wrong. But again, I wouldnt be able to work and of course money is always the issue. I do have one friend who works in marketing at some big company. Calling her is a good idea. Have you been talking to people in the field? Have they helped at all? What were you doing before you decided to make the career change?

[natbumpo]

Do you think it is the kind of thing where if you pay your dues, it will eventually be what you want? It may take a few years, but if you think thr pay off is there, I would advise you to stick it out.

[talg1122]

natbumpo, in my position I am in now there is not much furthur up I can go. That is part of the confusion I guess. Is do I still want to stay in TV but in a different area where there are more opportunities or get out all together. And I dont want to make the wrong decision you know?

[Tbone]

Originally posted by talg1122
Have you been talking to people in the field? Have they helped at all? What were you doing before you decided to make the career change?

Oh yes! I've been talking to anyone that I can. My sister-in-law is in advertising and she's given me the name of many people, only problem is once they see my resume, they sort of blow me off. I got my Masters degree in Counseling...did that for a year and a half and hated it...then I went into Higher Education working at a private, for-profit university and hate that even more! So I'm right there with ya :p

The last person I talked to (one of my sister-in-laws connections) basically said that I should think about taking some classes. I am very frustrated b/c here I am with a freakin Masters degree...how much more education does a person need to get anyone to take them seriously around here!

I've just really been trying to sell myself well though. I wrote a kick ass cover letter that basically says how great I am and why so I send that along with my resume. Not that it's done any good, but I think someone will bite one of these days.

When I was in grad school, I took out more Financial Aid then I actually needed for school to help supplement my income b/c I couldn't work doing school full-time. That's an option. Of course, the bad part is you have to pay it back.

[talg1122]

Atleast you have some contacts. I always thought that entertainment was the only industry that knowing someone matters but I was totally wrong. It applies to everyone. I was thikning about the same thing. I have all this experience on my resume doing something else, why would anyone hire me with that experience. I think coverletters are important but sometimes I feel people dont even read them and does it even really matter. What you say about yourself. It is so hard to tell, everyone employer is different. But of course everyone wants some one with experience. It is a catch 22. You cant get a job cause you dont have experience but how are you supposed to get experience without a job. It sucks!

[Tbone]

Contacts are important in ANY industry...it's definitely, not what you know, it's "who" you know. I thought the same way you did, but esp when you are looking for a career change..you really need to try and connect with people. I would definitely call your friend at the Marketing firm and just start getting names and calling people. I am working with a career counselor (through another connection) and she says it's always good just to call people you are connected with and ask for information...not to just come right out and ask for a job but give them your background and try to tie in your experience and skills to the job you are looking for. For example, you are thorough, detail-oriented, etc...how that can tie into adv or marketing, etc.