Life often throws unexpected situations along our paths, especially as we sort out our careers in our twenties. The journey is rarely ever linear, but whether in my field or any other, that journey is no less valuable.
As some of you may have noticed, I’ve been on a bit of a hiatus. When I graduated from college last year, not having lighting, design, and animation as my primary work focus for nearly a year certainly wasn’t what I had in mind. My first full-time opportunity has been in a field far from what I originally studied. Adjusting to professional working life in and adulthood in general after college has taken up a lot of my time. But the reality is that in any professional journey, the path is often not linear or simple. Throughout my time as a student, I learned that many of the most talented professionals in various industries, including a few of whom I’ve had the privilege of personally speaking with, had challenging, gradual starts to their careers. Often, it involved initially working in jobs that seemed to have little to do with their dreams as they worked to find a starting opportunity. However, each position taught them valuable work and life lessons and provided unique channels for growth. Years ago, a teacher of mine instilled in me the perspective that there is great worth in any of the work one does, no matter how esteemed or diminished it is by society or by our own perspectives. And I still believe that to be true to this day. Our attitude towards learning and being attentive to the vital lessons in those experiences is what makes the life-long difference.
I have certainly learned this from my experiences as I work towards my career goals in animation and media. Although several of the opportunities I’ve had have been unrelated to the field I hope to work in, I have learned priceless, meaningful skills in both the corporate and freelance workplace. I am confident that I will continue to benefit from these skills, professionally and personally, by carrying them into future roles as I progress in my career. Ultimately, the knowledge I have gained has been of great value to me even though it arose through unexpected circumstances. It has created a solid base of experience for me upon which I can now build.
I hope that anyone reading this who is in a similar phase of their professional journey is able to gain some encouragement from this, regardless of where they may find themselves along their paths. There may be many unexpected steps, but we can have faith that they will each play a valuable part in leading to a beautiful destination in the journey of life.
Emerging from student life into full adulthood has been a an intensive part of my journey in these past several months, but I’m back and motivated to continue to work towards my animation and media goals, and further my portfolio and experience. The foundation has been laid. It’s time to move forward.
Jalen Pierce 