It's been a lil over a year now that I left my factory job (Where there were no windows and I made books) and I became a freelance filmmaker and photographer. To shine a light on how I even started that journey let me start from the top.
Last year I was planning on going back to school for a training program as a EMT. I figured it was a line of work that I'd still enjoy and would give me more income to take care of myself and film more as well. Only thing was I needed to be cleared for a physical. Shouldn't be too hard right? Right?...RIGHT?!
Well it was. For those that aren't aware, I have previous issue with concussions (two from football), and some nerve problems and heart issues have run in my family and I was required to bring in more than just a physical to be cleared for the program.
So, I wasn't able to get it done in time, and I had left my factory job to attend that program. What now? Do I go find another job that will kill me on the inside...or see what I can do with the skills I believe I have and make my own money. I had saved up enough money to tide me over for a couple months.
The beginning was rough, "networking" and finding work was beyond difficult and honestly very stressful. But it definitely humbled me in the sense of when you have next to no money you begin to appreciate the little things and it actually helps you become more creative. What can I do that requires little money. $6 tuesday's at the movies will soon become your best friend haha.
I started first going for editing gigs and it was very hard trying to get my feet. Along the way I picked up photography and really started doing that. At first it was a way to keep my hands on a camera when not shooting a project. It then became a way to express creatively and really fine tune framing and colors. The better I got it started to turn into freelance work.
In April I was in a car accident and my car was totaled. That REALLY slowed things down and made things very difficult. By this time most the money I had saved was gone and I had to truly count my pennies. But from pain and trying times came creative release.
End of the summer things changed, good and bad but a lot of life lessons. My schedule really started to become very busy and I became very burned out and constantly exhausted. I had to learn how to create my own schedule and learn how to manage my own energy distribution. I took that lesson and applied to the rest of my life. Is whatever you're doing worth your energy? Someone complains to you about something you know damn well isn't worth getting upset over are you gonna waste your time on it? You are a car with precious fuel for the day and you have to figure what's worth this fuel. You avoid and defuse a lot of situations that bring nothing but negativity.
With freelance comes moments of intensity and nothing what so ever. I'll have a day where I'm working non stop and others where there is nothing to worry about. I started to find more consistent work in freelance and outside of it. I started doing security as a bouncer at a bar and club. The schedule still allowed me to film and enough money in my account that I wasn't constantly stressing. Finding the right job and finding the right clients really helped me challenge my own ideas on working while staying in a happy place.
I am adamant on staying happy and I'm self aware on the type of worker I am and if I'm working for someone else ways to stay engaged. If I do not enjoy the work environment or the people I work with soon I'll be a shitty employee. And some job opportunities I refused because I knew I'd end up being a shitty employee. I won't be happy and become suicidal and as a manager you have a shitty employee. It's a lose lose situation. Luckily the bouncing gig allows me to work with some pretty dope people and I've had no issue with anyone I work alongside with and its enough hours to keep money in my pocket if freelance work slows down but not so much that I am away from filming or photography.
So, what's next? I'm still filming for the web series (an update on that coming soon) and have a few more projects for everyone to enjoy. 2015 built the skeleton for my work and business. 2016 hopefully will add the muscle and flesh. So many things to bring to your attention! I'll expand a couple of ideas from this article into separate articles.
Any questions or comments please ask them in the comment section! Send Emails to theundefeatedlosers@gmail.com for questions, comments, and any topics you'd like to hear the Good Vobbs podcast tackle.
Stay Blessed. Stay Happy. Keep grinding.
-Hussain Al-Khalil