Advice From a Freelancer

Tomorrow, I am having coffee with a recent college grad to talk about my career and what she wants to do (and, I'm sure, how she can do it).  I am always happy to offer advice, but I'll admit, it feels a little strange to be advising someone else on job-hunting when I'm in the middle of it myself (and not so successfully at the moment!)

So what can I say to someone wanting to start on a path like mine?

First, the path changes.  All the time.  I thought it was straight, and maybe it once was, or maybe that was an illusion all along and I was just really good at following the twists and turns.

Second, know how to do lots of things, especially those that are "marketable skills," a term that a producer used with me a very long time ago.  Things that have one-word names that people understand, not just things that require a 4-line description on your resume.

Third, know when to toot your own horn and when to be humble--they're both important. I tend to be better at the humble part and am often impressed by people who are able to toot easily.  But in the end, you really do need both these days.

Fourth, appreciate the people around you.  People are eager to help when they know what they are doing is appreciated, and believe me, you'll need help from directions you never imagined.

Fifth, and last for now, be open to new things.  Some of my best experiences, like stage managing during the last week of One Life to Live, have been steps beyond my comfort zone, and these steps have often given me marketable skills, horn-tooting content, and more light for navigating my path.  Oh, and opportunities to appreciate both the people who pushed me into them and the people who supported me as I learned.

Okay, I guess I do have some useful advice to give after all.  And after coffee, perhaps I'll come home and make sure MY resume shows I'm taking my own advice!