Amanda’s One Week Job Summary – Part 3 of 3

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*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!

Caffee and Computer. Two very close friends…

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

  • http://Website Barb

    Well written, well done. Thanks for stirring up some excitement for change in the rest of us. Finding your passion is definitely key to that little thing call “Joy”.

    Thanks to Sean and Ian for sharing this journey – I’m sure we haven’t heard the last of the “OWJ”. Congrats!

  • http://Website Darlene

    What an adventure! And thank you for sharing your experiences with us. It has definately generated excitement and conversation within certain circles I am aware of and I’m sure many more I’m not aware of. I really am sorry to see this part of the experience come to an end but I do look forward to what you have next on your plate Amanda. Keep writing about whatever it is because you definately have a talent for that too.

  • http://www.oneweekjob.com Sean Aiken

    Great insight, Amanda!

    I love the idea of combining all of the jobs – reminds me of how I’d like to somehow figure out a way to have all of my friends live in the same city!

    It was so much fun to follow along with your journey! :)

    -Sean

  • http://www.pdcreative.com Pete Davis

    Amanda – interesting journey you have. As a graphic designer, I can very much sympathize with your plight of having to work with others, directing your photography. All I can tell you is that there is commercial work out there that doesn’t require you sell your sell. Of course, as with just about everything, there’s a catch. And the catch is this:

    You’ve got to hustle and work to find it. And most of all, you must be true to who you are. Clients, creative directors and many others all have their own agendas. Many aren’t bad, just different. Point is that there are a lot of voices trying to chip away at the essence of your ideas. Collaboration is a great thing, but it’s also a fine line. If you believe in something, stand up for it. I’ve worked with far, far too many people who hedge themselves and don’t say what they really think. I’d much rather be direct and risk getting fired.

    Directness and truth makes a lot of people nervous, which is why you’ve got to work to fine the gems. But it sure beats pushing paper every day.

    - Pete

  • http://amandalproductions.com Amanda Lowe

    Thanks everyone! I really appreciate your feedback!

    Pete – thanks for your advice – I love how you state that being direct is better than playing pretend. Smart idea! I think that’s probably how I found myself in this OWJ position in the first place :)

    All the best!

    - Amanda