I once worked with a producer who had been hired right out of college. After about six months on the job he announced he was tired. "When is spring break?" All the veterans who heard that rolled their eyes.
Newsflash: There is no spring break in real life. No three month summer vacation either.
You know how you couldn't wait to get out of school and get out into the real world? School doesn't look so bad now, does it?
Welcome to the party, pal.
I was talking to a news veteran yesterday and the topic of young people came up. It's got to be incredibly frustrating for you guys who are following a dream only to jump into the business at the worst possible time.
If you're feeling disgusted or betrayed, much of what you're feeling is the fault of my generation. We're a bunch of helicopter parents (well, I'm not... no kids) who've told you how wonderful you are, that you're the center of the universe. You got ribbons for participating even if you came in last. Nobody ever loses! And everyone in the world is terrific; you have nothing to worry about. At the end of the day we're all gonna sing Kumbaya.
Newsflash: The world can be a cold, cruel place. People are competing for a job, and one person wins. One! That's it! Managers aren't always honest with you, and half the time you can't even tell. Co-workers will smile at you and stab you in the back. People lose jobs on a whim of a beancounter.
The sooner you toughen up, the sooner you stop blindly trusting everyone, the sooner you'll be able to cut it in the real world. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but that's the way this business is. A lot of the people you'll meet in the industry are terrific and will become lifelong friends. But you need to keep a wary eye out for those who don't wish you the best.
Put the rose colored glasses away. Life isn't a Disney movie and bluebirds won't show up to do your laundry.
Be honest, be friendly, but be careful.
2 comments:
C'mon, how bout titling this "attention young morons."
I don't think it's a generational thing, I think it's a matter of fact that some people are morons, and some people aren't. Morons think everything is simple, happy, and easy. Regular people realize life is hard. I think it's a matter of life experience, but not a generational thing.
Being trusting doesn't mean you're a moron... it just means you need more street smarts and life experience.
My generation had it harder then the current young one, and my dad's had it harder than mine.
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