25 June 2013
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Virtual Work World
As I have shared over the past few months, my 12+ year job working remotely for a company in the US came to an end in mid-February. Since then, I have been searching for a new full-time position here in Bangkok without luck. Along the way, I have managed to pick up many freelance jobs, some of which are one-off projects and others of which are ongoing. While I don’t feel entirely comfortable with this uncertain income stream, I am enjoying the variety of work, workplaces, and clients.
For example, one client is the CEO of a start-up social media marketing company. I have the opportunity to provide feedback and coaching around his performance, his business model, and how he is structuring the organization as it rapidly grows. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to do some interesting things such as write the script he used to shoot a video infomercial and accompany him to the studio here in Bangkok where it was shot.
As you can see, it was shot in a green-screen environment and the “studio” was added digitally (visible in the monitor on the left). The interviewer and the CEO are sitting on two chairs in front of a green sheet of fabric but on the screen, it appears they are sitting at a desk in a fancy TV studio.
Considering I graduated as a Communication major with a TV Production emphasis, this was one of the few times that I have directly used the skills in the workplace that I studied in university!
So far, knock on wood, each project seems to lead to additional projects and new contacts. I would still like to secure a full-time position at a firm and I continue to apply at different companies. But for the time being, the freelance approach seems to be working out well enough. In the back of my mind, I feel I have to trust that this path will lead me to where I need to be. Sometimes, though, it is hard to have the patience to trust that things work out alright over time.
Comments (10)
I am seeking a job too. Learning along the way is an important part of the process – at least in my mind. Everything you learn you take with you. Besides it looks good on your resume,
Networking is definitely useful in such situation, as it can open up new paths. Best of luck to you, sir!
Sounds like you’re leading a very interesting life right now. New adventures although a bit uncertain, certainly gives exciting flavors! Not a dull moment!
The good thing is you’re building a decent portfolio of work and contacts. I think things will work out for you. I have a good feeling about this.
I am certainly learning/relearning new job skills but the pay does suck. I hope you don’t burn up your nest egg while learning your new profession.
Wish you success in your job hunt!
good luck
Freelance sounds fun well except for the uncertainty. I am sure you will find something permanent soon. Good luck.
that’s awesome, chris. it’s always nice to get experience in various work setting. especially in the media industry. hang in there. soon something right will come along.
That’s pretty cool that you got to write a script