4 Months Summary

Dear 2015,

4 months into the new year and it has flew by super duper quick. I'll be honest, it's a little too fast for my liking- almost as if each week has been rolled into one day. I'm losing track of time. I also know it's because I'm in a routine which it's almost Groundhog Day for me.

In 4 months, I think I have learnt more so much about Work/ Professional Relationship and about me; the main one being: don't burn all bridges, and the second is do things for yourself.

As a Trainee for Film and TV, I was constantly advised to "Be nice/ friendly to everyone on set, you never know who is going to be the one who recommends you". Reflecting on it, the theory applies everywhere - every industry. When I worked in a Jewellers, it was great fun but then it actually turned into a chore and I knew it was either time to leave or progress. I chose to leave because I wanted to develop myself within the Film and TV Industry. Rather than a simple handshake and best of luck, it felt a little like I resigned because I was stubborn... I'm not going to do overtime because it's optional but now you can't enforce that because I'm leaving. Not the best reason to break a relationship.

Needless to say, after working in all sorts of places, I have resorted to going back for advice with regards to path within Jewellery Industry. Don't get me wrong, I do hope to achieve a career within Film and TV but without having the right support and certainty that I have other skills, I don't have the confidence to pursue a career of being a Freelance. I know I do have a lot of skills but it's fundamental, nothing has progressed to become advanced or specialised and that's what I want. I have been advised that the more specialised you are, the more sought after. I believe this statement is somewhat true in the respect that it's because you have a direction, it's clear what you do and what you are after unless it's a career change - become a focused brand?

Would you ever think to go to Costco the Wholesaler to buy a diamond ring or luxury watch? Not particularly unless you know it was available. This is the same as yourself and your CV.

Focus is what I need and I'm getting there.

End of an Era

Dear Ex-Colleagues,

It has been a very fascinating 4 months working with you guys.

To be quite honest, I feel cheated into the job, I was told the the organisation does production and was currently in talks with a top fashion icon. It was my fault for being naive even though I did do my research to find nothing about these productions. After being at the company, I did have a breakdown only because you were telling me really conflicting information e.g. the company did productions.

Lesson 101: don't believe everything you hear. Some people will say anything for their gain.

I let it go that I wasn't doing what I wanted to do. Nevertheless being in a company which was establishing itself is always a good learning experience. Plus you never know who walks through that door. And so, I ended up doing admin work which soon turned into being your IT girl. The aversion to technology completely shocked me, moving one cable from one laptop to another is apparently difficult.

Lesson 102: just get on with the job. The more you the complain or stubbornly not do it, the more you get yourself annoyed.

After a while I realised I was doing really menial tasks things which takes about 20 minutes to explain and only 2 minutes to do yourself such as copying and pasting. It became pointless so I decided to contribute by doing things which will help in the future. I taught myself bookkeeping - not going to be using it at all.

Lesson 103: at the end of the day I still gained something. My aunt said to me that don't worry about getting taken advantage of or unfairly treated - given all the tasks whilst the other assistant is skiving - because at the end of the day I gain something.

The biggest thing I have learnt is the people to people relationships, knowing how to stay away from drama, not quite letting work take over (I didn't have a work life balance as I would just go home after work, commuting does take over but it was my time of gathering thoughts.), there are others but it's all about self-development. I think I know what I want.

Overall, it has been enjoyable especially the fact that my supervisor shows her appreciation and confides in me. I also asks for advice and what she shares is really valuable. Thank you!!

x