And the Job Hunting Begins!

As 3rd semester Television draws to an end, I feel excited but sad to be leaving college and going on my field placement. Because I've been through college a couple times, I already know what to expect. It's a bit of an adjustment not being able to go back to the comfortable place you've spent so much time at for the past two years and you feel a little left out, but you soon get into a new routine and it's really not that bad... as long as you find a job right away. It also feels good to put what you learned to the test and start a new career. And it definitely feels good to be making money instead of just spending it!

Some thoughts and worries do enter my mind as I prepare to go on my field placement:

Worry #1: Will I succeed in finding a job as a camera operator?
From what I've heard it's hard to find a job as a camera operator, because apparently once you become one you never want to quit - It's just that great a job. That's why I'm prepared to move to another city or another province if I have to. There has to be a camera operator job out there for me somewhere!

Worry #2: Will I be a good camera operator?
I have the tendency to compare myself to my classmates, and it often bothers me that I am not the best at anything. This worry bothered me so much in my first year that I almost withdrew from the program. I think there are a lot of students who have this same worry, and I find it often helps to talk to classmates, or even to Student Counselling at school. This worry is a harmful way of thinking that just holds you back. Just because you may not be the best doesn't mean that you're not any good, or that you don't deserve to have the career that you want. For me, I think that as long as I keep this worry under control, it will ensure that I at least keep TRYING to do my best.

Worry #3: Will I change my mind after a few years and go back to school again?
This is a legitimate concern because I've already had a career as an Animal Health Technologist and also as an Administrative Assistant, but I don't think that any of my learning has been a waste of time. I've acquired skills that I still use in everyday life, and I have a variety of interesting experiences that I will never forget. I don't think I will ever get tired of being a camera operator though - I really enjoy it so far. If I do decide to try something else in the future, there is nothing wrong with that either! Learning something new never hurts.

If you are a student and you share similar worries to mine, be comforted in the fact that a lot of students feel this way sometimes. So don't worry so much; you're going to be just fine!