It's now been over a year since I finished university which is crazy - where has time gone?! It's been an eventful 12 months with some amazing moments and some that have brought me back to earth pretty damn quick.
No one quite prepares you for life after university. The overwhelming questions asked by family, friends and colleagues- what are you going to do now? do you think you'll stay at home? are you applying for jobs? have you had any interviews yet? Everyone means well and wants the best but it doesn't help when you have no idea what the answers are (:
When I started job hunting I was focussed on immediately getting into the wildlife filmmaking industry, a job as a runner, trainee or similar, whatever got my foot in the door. However, I found that this was going to be no easy feat. I've spoken to some amazing filmmakers and they have all been very supportive but rightfully realistic. Through these conversations I learnt of the wildlife filmmaking industries rapid decline. As far as I gathered the main reason for this has been because commissions sky rocketed during covid-19 but as the world has come back to normality the demand hasn't been as high and consequently jobs have gone into redundancy. I spent months determined to stick with it but after sending in numerous CVs and Cover Letters with no reply, I felt I needed a break. I've accepted that reaching my dream job is just going to be a slightly slower path than I originally envisigned. For now i'm taking the advice to build my portfolio and get some field experience.
In November 2023, I returned to my jobs I'd had on my gap year and in my university holidays. This was 3 part time jobs, a waitress, a freelance equestrian photographer and a shop employee. It was a nice feeling to be back physically working and having a focus. I kept saying it was temporary and that I'd be moving on soon. But it's now October and funnily enough I'm still working these jobs. I'm just greatful to be earning money to be honest.
All in all these jobs have kept me really busy and I've been grateful for the support from great employers. Throughout this past year I've been lucky enough to stay at home and looking at the current housing market I'm not sure I'll be moving too quickly if I can help it. I live on a farm so there's always something to do and help with.
I'm still looking and applying for jobs, worrying slightly more coming towards a new year. However, I have some potential plans which may work out better if I stick with earning for the time being. I enjoy my work but I haven't got much booked in for this winter especially with photography slowing down. I have some ideas for a couple of side hustles but I'm not one for an easy project so who knows what will happen. All of my ideas mean spending money to make money which is terrifying when you don't have much to lose... It's all a learning curve and i'm just crossing my fingers (and toes) that it'll come together.
My first idea is already in motion with my cards, coasters and prints. If you love wildlife and landscapes as much as I do, check out my latest collection of cards, coasters, and prints—perfect for Christmas gifts! You can find them on my website, and any support means a lot.
I crave adventure all the time. I must make a new travel plan at least once a month, but only one has actually materialised this year which was an incredible trip around Iceland's Ring Road. I'm drawn to wildlife filmmaking first and foremost because of the incredible animals but also because of the chance to travel and see the world. Moreover, I am passionate about capturing wildlife and environments and think it is one of the most important tolls we posses in support the natural world by raising awareness. I've accepted that reaching my dream job is going to be a slightly slower path than I originally envisioned. For now i'm taking the advice to build my portfolio and get some field experience when I can. Everyone has a different journey!
Anyway for a first blog post this is just an honest little ramble. It's a scary world, suddenly feeling like an adult and worrying about life and reality! I'm excited for what's to come, I just need to manifest and hope the right opportunity arises. Bring on jobs, travelling and wildlife for 2025 please (with camera firmly in hand!).
Comments