4 answers
Rahima
Student
Lawrenceville, Georgia
1
Question
Updated
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How do I stop my passion from bleeding into my work and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I’m a film and design major, and I genuinely love what I do, but sometimes I feel like I love it too much. It ends up becoming my whole life instead of just part of it.
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4 answers
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
94
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
There are many great ideas here, but think about these points too: Follow what you love, but be aware of burnout. It's important to have other interests that give you a break and make you a more well-rounded person. This can actually make your work better.
If you want to create documentaries, learn about many different topics. If you're interested in dramatic stories, study what makes people tick and the details of different characters. Enjoy art, music, science, nature, or anything that brings you joy. This will help you become an even better filmmaker.
Good luck!
If you want to create documentaries, learn about many different topics. If you're interested in dramatic stories, study what makes people tick and the details of different characters. Enjoy art, music, science, nature, or anything that brings you joy. This will help you become an even better filmmaker.
Good luck!
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Rahima !
Guess what ? The way you are feeling is exactly how you should be feeling about work in film and design. It shows that you are meant to be in those fields of work. Your level of emotion will change over the years as you obtain more life experience, but take advantage of the zest you feel for it now and whenever and let it keep you driven.
As time proceeds, you will see that your dedication needs will vary. You'll have busy times and not so busy times. Film is a very intense major with a lot of required work outside of classroom lectures. Design is actually something you can learn and practice in classroom or online. Make yourself a schedule and try not to overbook yourself. You can do this !
You will have some semesters that flow easier than others. Try to take some of your required General Education courses in the summer if your college has Summer Sessions. That will help free up your Fall and Spring semesters. Try taking a lighter course load and see how that goes for a semester. I can tell you that as a Theatre Major for Acting, I was on campus all day, and everything revolved around theatre and acting. What you can do is after any of the big projects you do, take some days/weekends for yourself and your friends. Attend some events in your community or performances on campus. Spend some time alone reading or doing anything you like. Each semester is going to be different and that will help you adapt.
Most of all, don't worry about the future. You will discover your personal work/life balance after graduation. You'll be prepared.
Very important will be to not neglect good nutrition, exercise and sleep, even if you have to take cat naps sometimes. Keep an appointment calendar for all your work, activities and deadlines so you will not overbook yourself. If you feel ill, don't push yourself. Take a day off when you really need it. I know what it's like having been a theatre major. Sometimes, you need that day off.
Being a college student is both a financial and time sacrifice. It is well worth it, though because you will have gained a lot of experience, contacts and a collection of your film and design work to show prospective employers or clients. Your life is not going to always be that way, so know that it's temporary and you will resume a certain work/life balance after graduation. No one knows what the future brings so it's not worth worrying about.
I don't know how I did it. I did have a lot of friends during college and always managed to attend parties and events. But if I was in or working on a show, that took priority which is only natural. Sometimes it can feel like a break hanging out with a friend who is not in your same Major. You can manage this. Also be conscious of what courses you mix together and not taking too many courses in a semester.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! Don't give up and never change your sense of honesty and dedication !
Guess what ? The way you are feeling is exactly how you should be feeling about work in film and design. It shows that you are meant to be in those fields of work. Your level of emotion will change over the years as you obtain more life experience, but take advantage of the zest you feel for it now and whenever and let it keep you driven.
As time proceeds, you will see that your dedication needs will vary. You'll have busy times and not so busy times. Film is a very intense major with a lot of required work outside of classroom lectures. Design is actually something you can learn and practice in classroom or online. Make yourself a schedule and try not to overbook yourself. You can do this !
You will have some semesters that flow easier than others. Try to take some of your required General Education courses in the summer if your college has Summer Sessions. That will help free up your Fall and Spring semesters. Try taking a lighter course load and see how that goes for a semester. I can tell you that as a Theatre Major for Acting, I was on campus all day, and everything revolved around theatre and acting. What you can do is after any of the big projects you do, take some days/weekends for yourself and your friends. Attend some events in your community or performances on campus. Spend some time alone reading or doing anything you like. Each semester is going to be different and that will help you adapt.
Most of all, don't worry about the future. You will discover your personal work/life balance after graduation. You'll be prepared.
Very important will be to not neglect good nutrition, exercise and sleep, even if you have to take cat naps sometimes. Keep an appointment calendar for all your work, activities and deadlines so you will not overbook yourself. If you feel ill, don't push yourself. Take a day off when you really need it. I know what it's like having been a theatre major. Sometimes, you need that day off.
Being a college student is both a financial and time sacrifice. It is well worth it, though because you will have gained a lot of experience, contacts and a collection of your film and design work to show prospective employers or clients. Your life is not going to always be that way, so know that it's temporary and you will resume a certain work/life balance after graduation. No one knows what the future brings so it's not worth worrying about.
I don't know how I did it. I did have a lot of friends during college and always managed to attend parties and events. But if I was in or working on a show, that took priority which is only natural. Sometimes it can feel like a break hanging out with a friend who is not in your same Major. You can manage this. Also be conscious of what courses you mix together and not taking too many courses in a semester.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! Don't give up and never change your sense of honesty and dedication !
Ricardo Islas
producer
33
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Ricardo’s Answer
Answering this question is tough because, while we might share a passion for creativity, your personal life is unique. Only you can understand how demanding it is or will become.
Working in film and writing isn't just a job; it's a way of life that stays with you all the time.
The closest I've come to balancing my personal life is during breaks between projects. But I quickly get bored and feel the urge to dive back into the exciting chaos.
If you find the right partner, you won't need to worry as much about balancing your passion with personal life.
Working in film and writing isn't just a job; it's a way of life that stays with you all the time.
The closest I've come to balancing my personal life is during breaks between projects. But I quickly get bored and feel the urge to dive back into the exciting chaos.
If you find the right partner, you won't need to worry as much about balancing your passion with personal life.
Haley Cade
Operations Manager
2
Answers
Louisville, Kentucky
Updated
Haley’s Answer
It can be challenging to find the right work/life balance, especially when pursuing a career that is very meaningful to you and your sense of purpose.
When I feel like my boundaries are starting to blur and I am struggling to honor my own commitment to myself to manage this balance, I take a step back and assess the situation: Am I trying to get ahead of a deadline? Am I investing in my craft for the sake of the process or an attempt to increase efficiency/production? Am I excited to be working with others that are also passionate about the discipline, or am I seeking recognition through my involvement?
By asking some of these questions, it can help me diagnose the "why". For example, if I am feeling creatively empowered and applying that back into work without prompt, it could signal that I need to invest more time in my own creative endeavors and am just taking the first opportunity I see! If I am looking for more affirmation, I might need to spend energy in restorative activities the rebuild my confidence.
I sometimes struggle to engage in rest, but I have found that it is as critical an activity as active work, as it allows me to be more present and productive in my personal and professional practice. I recommend building this into your routines as well, as the body will force you to rest if you don't make this a priority.
I would also encourage you to expand your circle and find community with different interests that allow you to share why you love what you do, but also gives you insight into their interest as well. Not only does that offer you access to new experiences that could yield enhanced professional work, but it also provides you different perspectives on your situation and could help you learn more about yourself and how you want to spend your time. What a great opportunity for you to invest in yourself as you navigate work/life balance!
When I feel like my boundaries are starting to blur and I am struggling to honor my own commitment to myself to manage this balance, I take a step back and assess the situation: Am I trying to get ahead of a deadline? Am I investing in my craft for the sake of the process or an attempt to increase efficiency/production? Am I excited to be working with others that are also passionate about the discipline, or am I seeking recognition through my involvement?
By asking some of these questions, it can help me diagnose the "why". For example, if I am feeling creatively empowered and applying that back into work without prompt, it could signal that I need to invest more time in my own creative endeavors and am just taking the first opportunity I see! If I am looking for more affirmation, I might need to spend energy in restorative activities the rebuild my confidence.
I sometimes struggle to engage in rest, but I have found that it is as critical an activity as active work, as it allows me to be more present and productive in my personal and professional practice. I recommend building this into your routines as well, as the body will force you to rest if you don't make this a priority.
I would also encourage you to expand your circle and find community with different interests that allow you to share why you love what you do, but also gives you insight into their interest as well. Not only does that offer you access to new experiences that could yield enhanced professional work, but it also provides you different perspectives on your situation and could help you learn more about yourself and how you want to spend your time. What a great opportunity for you to invest in yourself as you navigate work/life balance!