I'm reading a book titled, "How I Broke Into Hollywood" which is a collection of interviews with Producers, Writers, Set Designers, etc. and how they first broke into show business. There's a lot of "Don't give up," and "Take any job to get your foot in the door," quotes but a couple individuals had an interesting take on pursuing your dream.
They talked about not taking a job that you half-way like while waiting for your dream job to materialize. The thought process was that if you get used to a job you don't hate, you could end up becoming content and giving up.
One of the people profiled was offered a job that paid three times what she was currently making but she turned it down so she wouldn't be tempted to give up her dream of becoming a costume designer.
I experienced something similar in high school. At the beginning of my sophomore year (there were no freshman back then - 9 grade was Junior High) I got sick and ended up in the hospital. Since I couldn't play football that fall I went out a got a job. I liked having a few bucks in my pocket so I blew off sports completely and missed out on a state baseball championship.
There is a tendency to fall back into a state of just being comfortable, especially when your ultimate goal is challenging. You need to sacrifice short term pleasures for long term commitment (like giving up a nightly package of Pop Tarts to help lose a few extra pounds - but I'm giving advice here...not following it!)
Job wise, I understand this advice is easier followed if you are 20 years old and not 40. I hope that I keep reminding my sons about this philosophy when they get out of school. We all know people with degrees working at a job that has nothing to do with their diploma. Along the way the encounters trials and chose "Plan B."
Remember what Tom Hanks said, "It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't, everyone would be doing it." If you have a dream worth pursuing, don't give yourself an out with a backup plan.
Happy Selling!
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