I suck at making decisions

[Ashley]

So I'm putting it out there. Warning: self-indulgent first-world problems thread.

 

So on Wednesday I had an interview with Cartoon Network for an IT support role. They then asked me to do a two day trial because they were worried I may just be trying to get an in and then will try and do animation stuff.

 

If they'd offered me the job outright I would have taken it without thought, but now I have had (too much) time for thought and feeling unsure.

 

Reasons to go: the right industry, potential to meet the right people, MONEY

 

Reasons not to go: I feel that there is no chance to move within there until October 2014 (they've pretty much vetoed it) so while it may be the right industry, it will not be the right kind of job (its one I can do, but not one I want to do). Similarly, I feel like any kind of actual career progression (i.e. creative stuff) won't happen until October 2014, over three years after I graduated. Any personal work will once again be pushed until evenings and weekends (whereas currently I'm doing 2 days a week), which is possible to do I know, but its not easy.

 

I'm not going to do a pros and cons list before anyone suggests, because I always end up balancing them out.

 

I feel like either way is a stupid decision, I just need to decide which is stupider.

 

Feel free to roll your eyes at my pathetic ways

[Blade]

I would take the job.

 

Oct 2014 isnt that far away! Especially in terms of career progression.

 

Also by working in this role you will add another string to your bow. You will also become known within the company that is in the right history.

 

After turning down a job recently due to financial reasons that I am now regretting due to potential incoming redundancies (would be made redundant within twice within 6 months if this happens. I found the first time absolutely gutting) I would advise to take any opportunity that you can get.

 

It cant hurt accepting the job. Whats more you can always hand yout notice in if you find something that you actually want to do.

[Ashley]

To make it clear: I do currently have a job that pays my way but is only 2 days a week.

 

It cant hurt accepting the job. Whats more you can always hand yout notice in if you find something that you actually want to do.

 

I think this would be worse than not taking it in the first place. I feel that it would result in a bigger black mark against my name.

[Magnus]

You suck at so many things, though. I'm surprised you can keep track.

[Kaepora_Gaebora]

Hmm well legend has it even Simon Cowell started off as a runner (lowest position in entertainment I believe) for production companies to get experience/noticed/make contacts, and he managed to forge his way to the top. I guess it depends if you can actually see that, come a year and a bit, you will get the chance to do what you want to. Am sure if you bother them the right amount and show your worth over the year they would snap you up! Also...does look good on the CV

[MoogleViper]

I thought about making a thread like this, but in the end...

[Cube]

Out of interest, how much Cartoon Network animation is done in the UK?

 

Anyway, as you've been given a two-day trial I say take it. It works both ways.

Edited August 3, 2013 by Cube

[Ashley]

Out of interest, how much Cartoon Network animation is done in the UK?

 

Anyway, as you've been given a two-day trial I say take it. It works both ways.

 

That I know of, only this (Gumball).

 

I've already done the trial and the job wasn't particularly thrilling.

[Esequiel]

Hardest thing in the world is making the right choices. Everyone can say blah blah do what makes you happy etc etc But honestly do what you feel is right. 99% of people already know the answer to the questions they ask. Im in a similar position to you, i have a second interview for a big uk distributor for the industry i currently work in. At the minute its only standard office work and maybe some driving but i know that within a year i could be area manager or be running my own branch.

 

Id say go for it, an in is an in if that makes sense. Got to get your foot through the door before you can get your feet under the table

[Agent Gibbs]

I suppose then then i have some questions.

 

Firstly how likely are you to get a job with progression within the industry before october 2014?

 

secondly will you enjoy this job?

 

if its not likely you'll get the job you want before October 2014 then you need to take the job, hell unless its fairly certain i'd be tempted to take the job! there is no point turning down a job in the industry if you think it might be close to October before you get a job you want.

 

but if you won't find the job thrilling is it worth the wait?

 

i'm not much help am i?

[Twozzok]

So they wanted you to do the two day trial to make sure you're not using it as a platform to side jump into animation. Yet that's what you're planning on doing (if you take it)???

[EEVILMURRAY]

Grow a pair and go for the trial.

[nightwolf]

I'd say, go for it, but only for a while.

 

I say this because October 2014 is a long time and by then you may have become very stuck and very dismissive (I'm there right now for instance).

 

It depends on this:

 

1. How long are you prepared to wait to get an animation job

2. Could you put up with not doing animation as a job but gaining incredible contacts whilst you're there?

3. How much do you need that money and can you ask for more?

 

There's nothing stopping you from going for it, gaining some money and then leaving if you feel trapped/unhappy.

[Ashley]

Hardest thing in the world is making the right choices. Everyone can say blah blah do what makes you happy etc etc But honestly do what you feel is right. 99% of people already know the answer to the questions they ask. Im in a similar position to you, i have a second interview for a big uk distributor for the industry i currently work in. At the minute its only standard office work and maybe some driving but i know that within a year i could be area manager or be running my own branch.

 

Id say go for it, an in is an in if that makes sense. Got to get your foot through the door before you can get your feet under the table

 

I think I do already know the answer, but I'm not sure if I'm being stupid. Maybe it's my time to be stupid, I usually make sensible decisions

 

I suppose then then i have some questions.

 

Firstly how likely are you to get a job with progression within the industry before october 2014?

 

secondly will you enjoy this job?

 

if its not likely you'll get the job you want before October 2014 then you need to take the job, hell unless its fairly certain i'd be tempted to take the job! there is no point turning down a job in the industry if you think it might be close to October before you get a job you want.

 

but if you won't find the job thrilling is it worth the wait?

 

i'm not much help am i?

 

Hmm that's the thing. I have no way of knowing that I'll make any progression before then, but I sure as hell hope I will.

 

I don't think I'd hate it...but I don't think it will be fulfilling.

 

So they wanted you to do the two day trial to make sure you're not using it as a platform to side jump into animation. Yet that's what you're planning on doing (if you take it)???

 

If I were to take the job I wouldn't try and sidestep until after the contract.

 

Grow a pair and go for the trial.

 

Grow a pair and read.

 

I've already done the trial and the job wasn't particularly thrilling.

 

I'd say, go for it, but only for a while.

 

I say this because October 2014 is a long time and by then you may have become very stuck and very dismissive (I'm there right now for instance).

 

It depends on this:

 

1. How long are you prepared to wait to get an animation job

2. Could you put up with not doing animation as a job but gaining incredible contacts whilst you're there?

3. How much do you need that money and can you ask for more?

 

There's nothing stopping you from going for it, gaining some money and then leaving if you feel trapped/unhappy.

 

I feel that if I take it, I need to stick around until October 2014 or piss people off. I'd leave them in the lurch if I wanted to leave before then.

[Guy]

If you were super unhappy in a previous IT job you're unlikely to be any happier in this one. Stick with what you're doing now if you can survive. Happiness is paramount, especially with anything creative.

 

Life is too short. Why settle if you truly have the freedom and drive to keep doing what you want to do?

Edited August 4, 2013 by Guy

[Emma]

I completely agree with @Guy, I think you need to stick at doing what you're doing for a little longer and something better will appear.

[Fierce_LiNk]

Hmm, from the sounds of your opening post @Ashley, it seems like progression is quite unlikely in that place. You mentioned that they gave you a two day trial because "they're worried that you might try to get in and do some animation stuff." That...doesn't sound promising at all to me. Are they dead set against you doing any animation in the future, or are they just saying that until your contract is over?

 

Are you enjoying the way things are with your current job and freelance? Are you more than getting by with it and allowing yourself to enjoy life? I'd be tempted to stay put and wait for a better opportunity. In theory, you could spend the whole year at that place and still end up doing your own freelance at the end of it.

[Ashley]

Hmm, from the sounds of your opening post @Ashley, it seems like progression is quite unlikely in that place. You mentioned that they gave you a two day trial because "they're worried that you might try to get in and do some animation stuff." That...doesn't sound promising at all to me. Are they dead set against you doing any animation in the future, or are they just saying that until your contract is over?

 

Are you enjoying the way things are with your current job and freelance? Are you more than getting by with it and allowing yourself to enjoy life? I'd be tempted to stay put and wait for a better opportunity. In theory, you could spend the whole year at that place and still end up doing your own freelance at the end of it.

 

Until the contract is over. They want someone to focus on the IT role, which is perfectly reasonable obviously.

 

I've only been doing the PT/freelance thing for a few weeks and I've been doing a fair bit of socialising (it's summer! ) but I have been able to make some progress with personal learning.

 

And Guy/Emma that is kind of what I'm thinking at the moment. At least my current job I can do easily and leave behind at the end of the day. The current guy at CN was talking about checking his email at weekends and being available to call if he's away.

[Guy]

And Guy/Emma that is kind of what I'm thinking at the moment. At least my current job I can do easily and leave behind at the end of the day. The current guy at CN was talking about checking his email at weekends and being available to call if he's away.

 

That really doesn't sound like you'll be as free to focus on animation outside of work as you'd like.

 

I'd say the best way to be satisfied with not taking this job is to set yourself the goal of working full-time in animation by October 2014. You can easily get there by then as long as you keep working hard.

[The Bard]

Sounds like a snooze fest. Also, do Cartoon Network do a lot of original shows? I got the impression that they tend to source from outside, so consider whether it's a place where you'd even want to move horizontally if presented with the opportunity. Of course, being there in the first place would put you in a good position to get your ideas looked at if you're going to be working on something in your free time.

 

It's fourteen months though. I can't imagine doing something that you kind of hate for that long.

[Ellmeister]

You don't seem sure of it, and you've only just started your freelance style so I would stick with that as it was something you've been working towards for a long time. If you go back to IT it'll be a step back, even if it is for CN.

 

From the sounds of your posts and reactions to others' opinions you clearly aren't very up for the job!

[Fierce_LiNk]

Until the contract is over. They want someone to focus on the IT role, which is perfectly reasonable obviously.

 

I've only been doing the PT/freelance thing for a few weeks and I've been doing a fair bit of socialising (it's summer! ) but I have been able to make some progress with personal learning.

 

And Guy/Emma that is kind of what I'm thinking at the moment. At least my current job I can do easily and leave behind at the end of the day. The current guy at CN was talking about checking his email at weekends and being available to call if he's away.

 

What does your gut tell you on this way? To leave it? I don't think it's the right move to take this one on. Keep going with the freelance stuff and do more of this personal learning stuff. It sounds great.

 

It's a long time to be in that contract and I get the feeling that you'd feel bad cutting them off before then. Think about yourself first on this one.

[Ashley]

I emailed them yesterday saying I didn't wish to take it. Offered to provide interim support as the current guy is leaving next week and they said they'd think about it. Hopefully I've not burnt any bridges, but oh well.

 

Thanks for listening guys!

[Guy]

I think you made the right call, nice job dude! Onwards with animation!

[Ellmeister]

HUZZAH.....