Hi all,
I am a recent sound-post graduate from Australia and I'm in need of some career advice. Since graduating in December, I have worked on a few external projects (one minimally paid and two unpaid) and have been interviewed for a paid sound assistant role on a popular reality show (still obsessively waiting on the outcome).
As hard as it is, I'm trying to emotionally detach myself from this potential role to avoid disappointment. However, since it's one of those rare sound jobs that IS actually advertised, it's not exactly easy finding other ones to apply for in the meantime.
I have come to the realisation that I may have to continue doing inconsistent lo/unpaid work to hopefully progress, but I'm feeling pressured by my parents to work more hours at my part-time checkout operator job (which makes my blood boil) and I believe this would also impact my availability to do unpaid work during the week. They don't want me to work for free for the rest of my life.
So I have this dilemma of finding a happier part-time job in the meantime and risk missing out or losing focus on sound-related opportunities, or continue being miserable at my current job and hopefully land an unpaid internship sometime in the near future (which may or may not lead to a paid job).
Also what would be the best way to approach my local sound-post facilities about work experience, through calling or emailing them politely?
Sorry for sounding negative and naive, but this is definitely the career I want despite being constantly reminded it is a grim industry to work in and I honestly can't see myself doing anything else.
Advice would be much appreciated at this time.