Chapter 1: Understanding the Importance of Continuous Work

Recently, I had a conversation with a friend from the film and television sector about the significance of maintaining continuous employment. This discussion was prompted by the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, which raised concerns about how to manage financially during prolonged work stoppages. The pressing question remains: how do you sustain yourself until work resumes?

If you find yourself without a job, what steps do you take? Have you planned a month-long trip in a caravan, or are you finally sitting down to draft that mini-series you’ve dreamed of? Perhaps you’re considering a new hobby that could evolve into a lucrative opportunity. I once heard the saying, "Romance without finance is a nuisance," which holds considerable truth. Adult life requires that financial flow continues, as bills don’t pause.

We both recognized that our upbringing instilled a mindset of not leaving a job until another opportunity is secured—except in situations where safety is at risk. The metaphor we agreed upon was that of a life raft without holes; it’s wise to stay in it until you can reach another that promises to take you where you need to go.

Both of our fathers were diligent, self-made individuals who focused more on future prospects than past setbacks. They conveyed in their own ways that having a backup plan doesn’t signify defeat; rather, it reveals an understanding that multiple pathways exist to achieve your goals.

Years ago, I learned that many colleagues on the West Coast engaged in crafting episodic projects that showcased their talents. They shared these creations on online platforms, serving as both a portfolio and a means to refine their skills. These small projects acted as audio-visual business cards, despite their rough edges.

A friend in Central Florida balanced his work with personal projects aimed at 24- and 48-hour film festivals. He excelled at crafting succinct, engaging 10-minute narratives, showcasing high production values and thrilling storylines. This persistence led to his first opportunity to direct, marking a pivotal moment in his career.

My initial experience as an action coordinator stemmed from collaborating on minor projects with two forward-thinking individuals. There were countless evenings I received calls asking if I could join a shoot early the next morning. If I was available, I was there, often playing roles like a director or a doctor—none of which were my usual characters.

For me, utilizing gaps in my schedule feels like a natural progression; I find it challenging to remain idle. For you, filling those gaps could begin with asking, "What if?" or "Why not?"

Engaging in activities during these gaps allows you to refine your existing skills or explore new ones. These gaps can occur between shifts, on days off, during holidays, or in times of furlough or layoffs. They might even arise during significant global events or union restrictions.

It is during these intervals that you should focus on enhancing your skills and acquiring new ones by leveraging those gaps.

What strategies are you employing to make the most of your gaps? How do those periods appear to you? Each gap represents a blank canvas, a space to create or envision what comes next in your journey. It’s an opportunity to cultivate a versatile skill set, where every ability enhances another. The time is yours, and so is the choice.

What do you imagine your next gap will entail? If you can visualize it, you have the power to make it happen.

In the video "How To Best Explain Gaps In Employment," experts provide insights into effectively addressing employment gaps during interviews and discussions.

The video titled "The Perfect Way to Explain Your Employment Gap" offers strategies and tips to confidently communicate your career breaks to potential employers.