*Continued from Amanda's One Week Job Summary - Part 2 of 3*
Amanda's Summary of Realizations
1. At the end of it all, I came to realize my love of small business. With the exception of the Science Centre, every job I chose to shadow was either a personal or family venture. I can legitimately see myself as my own boss - creating and being responsible for my own day-to-day.
2. I want to do something creative. Whether it's video production, photography, or latte art - I need to create. I am passionate about this, no contest.
3. I want a job that means something. I want to make a positive impact on others through my job. This could simply be bringing someone a perfectly poured cup of coffee, taking their wedding photos, or planning a favorite event.
4. I want to work as part of a TEAM.
5. It's OK to not know! Try different jobs. Get out of your comfort zone. Just be sure to enjoy whatever it is you're doing, otherwise you're wasting your time.
6. I like writing. Hopefully you enjoyed some of what I had to say!
So...what now?
This is the million dollar question! Everyone's been asking me what the plan is now that I'm finished the program, as I'm sure they did like crazy when Sean Aiken finished his 52 weeks! To be honest - I'm excited. There are opportunities out there, and I know that I'm in charge of navigating them.
But then again, it's kind of scary out here. I've narrowed things down a bit in my head, but I'm still technically jobless! As much as I can preach the 'love your job' mantra, humans have created the world to be a consumer haven - and I still have to play by those rules. I still need money, and I still need to find a job to earn that money. Some friends have asked if I've become even MORE confused now that I've done this program! I wouldn't necessarily say that I'm confused - but perhaps more picky.
Since getting back to Toronto, I've been studiously scanning job search websites and have sent my resume out to a few video production companies. As I mentioned previously, I shot a couple weddings this summer and have become more confident in my photography skills. As fall approaches I'm trying to market myself more vigorously to get some gigs doing portraits for local businesses and families. In the meantime I'll probably get a part-time job in a local coffee shop to pay some bills and keep from going broke - but I'm quite happy to do so. Besides, it'll be good experience for when I start my own cafe...
It would be pretty perfect to combine a few of the jobs as well: How about a Yoga Studio with a Coffee Shop that doubles as an Art Gallery? We'll hold events inside the gallery space, and keep a freezer full of fresh meat in the back to use as hors d'oeuvres (sound morbid to anyone else?!). There'll even be a helicopter landing-pad on the roof to shuttle patrons to the Studio/Shop to come lecture on the benefits of science... Sound good? Alright.
In the End.
I understand that this program wasn't a quick fix, but more of a long-term investment in myself. I refuse to rush into something just because I think I should, and neither should anyone else. I'm going to take this time to both rethink some long-term goals, and to try some new things. I'm grateful for the time I had to explore with One Week Job, but am nowhere near finished. I'll be creating, exploring, and learning for a long, long time...
Here's to this adventure, and many more to come!
Thank you so much for being a part of it with me.
Love Love Love
Amanda