The last 4 months have been a blur. I completed my Masters at the end of November and went straight into a contract role doing marketing and communications at an organisation very dear to my heart – St John Ambulance. It’s been a heck of a ride. From being on a set filming an educational motorcycle first aid video to producing a family first aid booklet with one of the top circulating weekly magazines in Australia, it’s been pretty full on. As much as I relished the opportunities presented to me, I realised my writing had fallen by the wayside. But all good things come to an end and so I wrapped up my contract just recently.
It’s been a two-pronged approach over the last few days. On the one hand, I’m moving onto the next phase of every postgraduate student upon completion of their course – finding a real job and getting back into ‘that’ life. On the other, I’m hoping this is the opportune time to pick up the ole writing again. So much so, I’ve been toying with the idea of entering Script Frenzy. For those not in the know, it’s the torture (but so much fun) of writing 100 pages of script in the month of April. It took me close to a year to write my screenplay and I still don’t think it’s at the final draft stage. So, 100 pages which is usually a full length feature screenplay is akin to running a marathon every day for a month.
But back to job hunting. I’ve become acutely aware that the approach to looking for work has changed. It’s no longer looking for jobs online and sending out your CV and cover letter. These days it’s about who you know and what you say. In my professional career, I’ve secured a job via word of mouth twice. Once through a classmate when I was doing my Chartered Institute of Marketing Professional Diploma and the other through an ex colleague. I’m hoping the same will hold true this time. Although I’ve had a few blunders which I won’t get into now as it still stings a little.
I will end on this however. Sitting at supper in Chinatown with a mate at 3am (as you do), he said something I’ve been unable to let go. He said if you love something, just persevere and do it. Even if you’re knocked back, get up and keep going and look forward. Eventually, if you want it bad enough, it’ll come to you. The universe will conspire to grant your wish.
So, here’s dusting off the job rejections and blows to my self-esteem and getting up and chugging ahead.
I think I liked the old fashioned way of getting jobs better. It’s bad that you *need* to know the right person to get the right job… and then you might miss out on the perfect job for you just because you don’t have the right relationships…
That’s true Paula, but we live in a world now where relationships have become key. The movie ‘The Social Network’ is a prime example of how much we want to connect to people in some way. Anonymity has become a priceless commodity.
I avoid seeing that movie on purpose. Maybe I should give it a try…
Haha, Paula – I avoided that movie too! It’s a shame that it’s often a case of word-of-mouth these days, especially when you’re just starting out. Hopefully after a while talent and perseverance will shine through!
Let me know if it’s any good if you see it
From a screenwriting perspective, the movie is pretty good. Especially the opening scene which reveals the protagonist’s character and his relationship with others.
Ed – talent and perseverance will always shine through. Getting the right recommendation from a credible referee does help move things along I find