following your dream
My last real post was a long time ago. So here's an update on where my life is right now. To make a long story short...I'm a lot happier than I've been in the past 6, 7, or 8 years. And that is saying a lot. If you want a break-down...then here you go (it's long so skip it if you want):
-My choice to go part-time and go back to school was the best decision that I ever made. I will always hate engineering, although it's sad that I'm decent at it. My bosses are always pushing me to be better, and while it's appreciated...I really want to do this "tv thing." I definitely appreciate the effort, but engineering has always been bittersweet, so it's time to put an end to the bittersweetness...and well...just make it all sweet. It's so sad how many changes our office has gone through (by changes I mean management), but I suppose that it is making it a stronger one.
-School has been pretty cool despite my classes being disrupted because I moved in the middle of the semester. But I'm going to catch up. And I figure that I should probably take these classes really slow since it's the industry that I want to be in. And in all fairness, I'm also working on my engineering skills. Why not work on certain characteristics to make me better at my current job. So next semester, I take a basic photography class, an advanced AutoCAD class, and a database class. All skills that I think would be useful.
-My relationship with my parents, particularly my mom has been somewhat stable. Sure there are these fits, here and there, but it's nothing like what it was years ago. Also with my therapy sessions, thoughts about my mom or the conversations playing out in my head are reduced to about 20-25% of the time, but I'm kinda scared since I have a long school break coming up, and that's usually when it's the worse since I'm not that busy. But, I think that when school comes up again I'll be okay. I've started realizing that my mom will never ever be happy for me. No matter what I do. Yes, it's sad, but I've tried to change it for all these years, and still no change. I can do whatever, and my mom will still not be happy for me. So now it's time to just focus on what makes me happy. And what I want...isn't all that terrible.
-Back to school, I've decided to go for some kind of graduate degree in the arts/entertainment/broadcasting field. Just not sure how, when or what. Yes I know that's a lot of variables, but it's what I WANT this time around. Right now, I'm learning towards an MBA with an arts/entertainment or broadcasting focus. I have no desire to be in-front of the camera so this seems like a very viable and realistic option for me. Of-course, this degree would happen after I get my certificate from the community college, and after some work experience in the field.
-I'm also trying to combine engineering and film/tv/broadcasting or looking for someone who works in the industry as an engineer or is one part-time or between gigs. It's tough, but I'm sure there's a way to do it. I just have to keep looking.
-In choosing what I want to do, initially I decided to not get my professional engineering license, but I'm half-way there so I might as well. It may come in handy one day. So I'll be bringing up my experience, and hopefully pass it in 2010 or 2011.
-I got to work on my first ever student film. No grade, I just did it for the experience and the fun of it. It was with some students at Cal State Fullerton, and it was amazing. Working on stuff like that really made me remember how much I love working behind the camera doing whatever. My official title was "production assistant," but I was able to be involved with almost everything from the auditions and pre-production planning, to shooting, and then some work with post. I've met some really amazing people doing it, and would love to keep working with them. The thought process of engineer came in handy, and was really useful at times. I was also able to shoot a behind the scenes reel, and it was edited into something really awesome. I'm really happy, and glad that I did it. It was one of those VERY positive educational experiences. I'm going to miss that bunch.
-Saving and investing are still more important than ever, and now is the absolute best time to get in it. I've always been a saver, and am have been investing for a few years, but there is just still so much to learn. Now, the stock market is on-sale...so buy buy buy. And don't worry too much about your 401k, just keep contributing, and leave your money where it is. After reaching some of my savings goals, I plan on buying some new video stuff including final cut studio, some lights, a spare battery, 1 more camera (maybe 2), and large terabite hard drive.
So that's my life so far. I do like the mix of activity especially between work and school. I guess, that I can end this by saying...my dreams are coming soon...and the title of my LJ may change. For probably the first time in my life, I feel that I'M IN CONTROL, and that I'm doing what I want for me, and no one else. For the first time, I feel really hopeful about what the future will bring.
Thanks for reading and sticking it out this long. I know it's a lot, but I haven't posted in a long time.
Follow your dreams...
-arjay
-My choice to go part-time and go back to school was the best decision that I ever made. I will always hate engineering, although it's sad that I'm decent at it. My bosses are always pushing me to be better, and while it's appreciated...I really want to do this "tv thing." I definitely appreciate the effort, but engineering has always been bittersweet, so it's time to put an end to the bittersweetness...and well...just make it all sweet. It's so sad how many changes our office has gone through (by changes I mean management), but I suppose that it is making it a stronger one.
-School has been pretty cool despite my classes being disrupted because I moved in the middle of the semester. But I'm going to catch up. And I figure that I should probably take these classes really slow since it's the industry that I want to be in. And in all fairness, I'm also working on my engineering skills. Why not work on certain characteristics to make me better at my current job. So next semester, I take a basic photography class, an advanced AutoCAD class, and a database class. All skills that I think would be useful.
-My relationship with my parents, particularly my mom has been somewhat stable. Sure there are these fits, here and there, but it's nothing like what it was years ago. Also with my therapy sessions, thoughts about my mom or the conversations playing out in my head are reduced to about 20-25% of the time, but I'm kinda scared since I have a long school break coming up, and that's usually when it's the worse since I'm not that busy. But, I think that when school comes up again I'll be okay. I've started realizing that my mom will never ever be happy for me. No matter what I do. Yes, it's sad, but I've tried to change it for all these years, and still no change. I can do whatever, and my mom will still not be happy for me. So now it's time to just focus on what makes me happy. And what I want...isn't all that terrible.
-Back to school, I've decided to go for some kind of graduate degree in the arts/entertainment/broadcasting field. Just not sure how, when or what. Yes I know that's a lot of variables, but it's what I WANT this time around. Right now, I'm learning towards an MBA with an arts/entertainment or broadcasting focus. I have no desire to be in-front of the camera so this seems like a very viable and realistic option for me. Of-course, this degree would happen after I get my certificate from the community college, and after some work experience in the field.
-I'm also trying to combine engineering and film/tv/broadcasting or looking for someone who works in the industry as an engineer or is one part-time or between gigs. It's tough, but I'm sure there's a way to do it. I just have to keep looking.
-In choosing what I want to do, initially I decided to not get my professional engineering license, but I'm half-way there so I might as well. It may come in handy one day. So I'll be bringing up my experience, and hopefully pass it in 2010 or 2011.
-I got to work on my first ever student film. No grade, I just did it for the experience and the fun of it. It was with some students at Cal State Fullerton, and it was amazing. Working on stuff like that really made me remember how much I love working behind the camera doing whatever. My official title was "production assistant," but I was able to be involved with almost everything from the auditions and pre-production planning, to shooting, and then some work with post. I've met some really amazing people doing it, and would love to keep working with them. The thought process of engineer came in handy, and was really useful at times. I was also able to shoot a behind the scenes reel, and it was edited into something really awesome. I'm really happy, and glad that I did it. It was one of those VERY positive educational experiences. I'm going to miss that bunch.
-Saving and investing are still more important than ever, and now is the absolute best time to get in it. I've always been a saver, and am have been investing for a few years, but there is just still so much to learn. Now, the stock market is on-sale...so buy buy buy. And don't worry too much about your 401k, just keep contributing, and leave your money where it is. After reaching some of my savings goals, I plan on buying some new video stuff including final cut studio, some lights, a spare battery, 1 more camera (maybe 2), and large terabite hard drive.
So that's my life so far. I do like the mix of activity especially between work and school. I guess, that I can end this by saying...my dreams are coming soon...and the title of my LJ may change. For probably the first time in my life, I feel that I'M IN CONTROL, and that I'm doing what I want for me, and no one else. For the first time, I feel really hopeful about what the future will bring.
Thanks for reading and sticking it out this long. I know it's a lot, but I haven't posted in a long time.
Follow your dreams...
-arjay