California, a place they say glistens gold.

DSCF1425
(The view from our apartment right outside of Beverly Hills)

I think I finally have a plan. If you know me, you know I love to make lists and plan for anything and everything. Sometimes I get so caught up in the planning and the daydreaming that I end up not doing anything. Instead of getting out there and working towards something, I focus on what I should be doing or what needs to be done first.

Okay, back to the plan. I've spent a good chunk of time over the last few weeks reading about jobs and careers that interest me. I have a big stack of career books from the library sitting on my desk, and I've been going through them one by one.

For a while I was really focused on teaching. I wanted to participate in Teach for America or TeachNOLA and really make a difference in children's lives. I still want to make a difference, but I'm not sure if those routes are best for me. If I were to teach, I would do it as a career, not a pit stop on my way to something else. Some teachers stay in the profession after their time as a corps member, but most move on to other things. I have an interest in making changes in the educational system, as well as finding solutions which will allow the arts to be included in more areas of curriculum.

That all being said, I'm starting to gravitate to something very different. I spent a large portion of my life (7 years!) involved in the entertainment industry. Most of that time was in front of the camera, but some of it was behind the scenes too.

My favorite part of being on set was watching the crew. At auditions I always kept an eye on the casting director and their assistants to see what was going on. I worked in a talent agency for a year which allowed me to take a closer look at what goes on 'behind the scenes'.

I was able to see firsthand everything that happens in a busy agency day in and day out. It was crazy, and sometimes I felt like a chicken with it's head cut off. But you know what? I loved it.

I've been reading about all of the different types of behind the scenes jobs in the industry, and I think I want to explore them more first hand.

Okay, this is getting long-winded.

So what's the plan? In two sentences: Los Angeles. Start at the bottom, work your way up.

It's all about soaking in as much as you can. I don't care if I have to make copies for 6 hours a day. I've done it before, I'll do it again. I LIKE making copies. I like shredding things too. Am I crazy? Yes. But I like to think I've got a pretty good idea of what it's going to be like. It won't be pretty, and there will probably be yelling. That's how it works though, and if you're lucky enough you'll find someone that's willing to help you out.

And until then? I need to find the entertainment industry in Portland. It seems to be hiding, but I'm sure it exists somewhere in this city. They film Leverage here! I have a few more months of summer still, maybe it's not too late to get an internship. You never know unless you try.

At least this time I'm not competing for auditions or roles. Does that mean there's any less pressure? Probably not. I doubt it's any easier to get a job, either. But hey, I can always retire early and work towards becoming a teacher. I'd probably be able to put some of the things I learn to use in a classroom!

Thanks for sticking around while I try to sort out my brain.

7 comments:

ch said...

Visiting from SITS! It sounds like you're heading in the right direction. I'm soooo much older than you and I'm still defining myself, sort of. :)
Good luck on your journey!

Unknown said...

Good luck. Life is just beginning for you and as they say "the world is your oyster" explore and enjoy!

MzUnicaHija19 said...

Best of luck!!!
Im a list-er also, hehheehe and you are inspiring me to even name a few of my fave items. Haven't thought about it thoroughly what I should name i.e my iPhone and the likes but I'm thinking about it.

Your view is fantastic!!!

www.mrszeus.blogspot.com

MIITB said...

Good luck. You may change your mind a few more times, so make a few more lists.
Visiting from SITS

Night Owl Mama said...

Sounds like you have a lot of thoughts going on there. HOPE you settle your self in a career that makes your heart happy. My friend has been teaching for over 15 yrs and I see the passion in her face when she talks about her students.

Bella Crafts said...

I wish you the best in your decisions. Let your heart and creativity guide you down the road, or roads of your choice!

Natalie said...

Thank you all SO MUCH for your encouraging words! It means so much to me.

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