We are a little over halfway through 2018 and I can clearly see some improvements in my life.
If we go back one year I was working at a post-production facility in Los Angeles as a production assistant. It was not a glamorous job by any stretch of the imagination. In many ways I wasn't happy with the work that I was involved with and the trajectory of my life and where it was headed. A typical work day for me would start at 6pm and end around 3:30 in the morning. There were many circumstances where I would be leaving work as the sun was coming up. I also found myself not inspired by the work that I was involved with.
It is interesting to look back on where I was at in my life and compare things today. I am truly amazed at how much has changed. It has been one hell of a journey and I am grateful for where I am at; however, it didn't come without a ton sacrifices along the way.
To be honest, there were definitely moments where I thought about quitting. In many ways it appeared like I was living the dream. I was living in Hollywood and surrounded by people working on some of the biggest pieces of entertainment in the world. Meanwhile, I was getting them coffee, making minimum wage and just trying pay my dues. I remember being frustrated with my progress and wondering why I had not moved up in my career.
Today I am working for one of my personal heroes on a variety of projects. In many ways I am living the dream. I would be lying if I didn't say I was grateful for what I have.
My career has not been a linear path nor has it been easy. It has been filled with a lot of ups and downs along the way. It has also been filled with moments where I have thought about saying "fuck it" and doing something that is safe in corporate America.
However, if I can take anything way from things it is grit, determination and consistency can make all the difference in the end. If you work hard and you are passionate about what you do it will show in the end. No, it will not be easy. You will at some point be tested and wonder if you really want it bad enough. (BTW, it is okay if you don't.) But in the end dedication and conviction will beat talent.
I hope you found this motivating. Now get back to work.
-RJL