Every entry in this blog has started like this
Case in point In the ten minutes I've spent on this entry already, I have deliberated on the subject matter and length of this entry. Truth be told I would love to write a long, detailed account of my time at University, but alas, I am far too lazy to do that now and a little distracted what with being in work and all. Oh my new job? Well, after years of being knee deep in retail-induced apathy and spending the better part of my post-grad year in work experience placements for radio, TV and even editorial writing, I got my break. I'll cover in more detail the difficulty that I believe most students get to when they leave, but with all sincerity I can say it was one of the most difficult periods of my life. No amount of ironic speeches from your lecturers or first-hand accounts can prepare you for that inevitable culture shock one faces when they are torn from the comforts of uni life.
I like to think I was as prepared as anyone could be for someone moving 200 miles away from somewhere that had been my home for 3 years; arranging a new living arrangement with my relatives upon return, a transfer from one Starbucks to another (Or hell to another depending on how you choose to look at it) and bracing myself for the possibility that I might not end up doing what I wanted career wise. Without going into too much detail, I don't think I could have prepared myself for the hours of doubt and occasional self-pity. However, I kept my options open and got stuck into many different areas of the media and although the conditions weren't always great (Working for a magazine in an old building with no heating) and some of the road-blocks were unavoidable (My lack of qualifications for journalism and creative writing),I was able to take some positive learning experiences away from each one. And then, in May of last year I finally caught a break and got a job in one of Bristol's most respected Post-Production houses. Films@59.
Time was running out by this point, I had been living with my aunt and uncle 9 months at this point and was still in a job I hated, still not in a position to move out and seriously considering residing myself to at least 6 months more of retail and work placements. On something of a whim decided to stop by Films with a CV and a covering letter, this time insisting to talk to someone in person. My little bit of persistance paid off and after resigning from Starbucks for a trial contract, I was hired. I haven't looked back. Although this entry may seem to be nothing more than textual masturbation, this is one of the few times I have been able to sit back and say that I am truly proud of what I was able to achieve. I really believe that I worked hard for this job and although I am not yet in what I call a 'dream job', I am on route to getting there and not many people get to say that. Did hard-work alone get me to where I am today? no. Did luck play a big part in it, absolutely. But I am a firm believer that you make your own luck and to be truly successful you need a combination of both these things and perhaps most importantly, perseverance. I'll never forget working in Starbucks and having my boss say to me almost gleefully 'There's nothing out there but retail', part of me always resented him for that, but in hindsight I think it lit a fire in me not to be complacent and inspired me to follow through on my ambitions. Remember if you want something, work hard at it and never give up! (Except when pursuing women, do yourself a favour and nip it in the bud)
Well, that all got a bit X-Factor Audition didn't it.... I would like to point out that I mean no disrespect anybody who works in retail,
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