Rules For The Road

One of the hardest things after coming from soaps--once one of the most steady TV gigs of all time--is that there seems to be an uncontrollable desire to look for something equally steady. The problem is, today's TV world is not a steady one. It is a largely freelance world, full of shows and networks that don't last forever. It is a place where it's much smarter to be current than to be comfortable. A place where sitting still is temporary and staying on your toes is necessary.

We soapers, however, weren't "brought up" that way. Like our soap town counterparts, we "grew up" among an extended family of sorts. We were loyal and dedicated, sometimes dysfunctional, but always committed to the process and the product we had learned and come to love. Our jobs were more than our jobs, and "going to work" was more like reconnecting with family.

So, how, now, do we make sure we have the skills we need to survive in today's TV world? While I am by no means an expert, I have learned a few things that bear repeating (including to myself, since I can never be reminded too often).

1. Any show can end, any network can fold (or downsize or restructure). Be prepared for when it does.

2. Listen to as many stories as possible from people who work in multiple places. Not only will you gain invaluable perspective about where you are, you will be developing contacts who can someday get you into those places.

3. Learning and working hard and "nose to the grindstone" are great, but make sure to pick up your nose often enough to see patterns and connections.

4. Keep your résumé (and your LinkedIn and your contact list) up to date. Freelance worlds (unlike some soap storylines) move quickly, and you should always, always be prepared.

5. Think of every experience as a learning experience--learning about the right way, the wrong way, a different way, and a faster way are all valuable.

6. Expect nothing, but appreciate everything.

7. Look out for yourself. You are not surrounded by a soap family who has known you since you were twenty. If you don't look out for yourself, who will, really?

8. Keep your eyes and ears, mind and heart open. It's a tough road sometimes, but even the tough roads can lead you to great places.

9. Embrace the journey.

10. Just make sure you wear the right shoes for it.