So here I am. 47, two kids, wife, house, etc. I make good money running a governmental local tv channel and video services department, but my heart isn’t in it anymore. I’m just either logging in to my laptop and mindlessly droning away or I’m in the office on my laptop mindlessly droning away. I manage so I’m not even shooting or editing anymore; I push papers and work in spreadsheets.
I know that I can continue to do this indefinitely and do it under the guise of “doing it for my kids and my future retirement” bullshit. My dad did it and I watched all those plans fall apart when my mom got Alzheimer’s in her early 60’s. I don’t want to be in that boat. I want to live my life before it falls apart for whatever reason.
So back to flame. I’ve been messing with node based comp since shake, then combustion, smoke, etc. I’ve always loved the problem-solving aspect of it, the “aha” moments when you figure something out and the fact that you are always learning new things. My problem is that I was usually just working on the 30-day trial or early warez versions so time limited. I didn’t really have anyone like Grant Kay in my life to show the way. I live in colorado so there aren’t a lot of mentors around here. I’ve got a FXPHD account and work on it pretty regularly.
However, I am strongly considering leaving my job. I have about 8 months of runway before I have to take whatever job I can get.
I guess I’m looking for advice on how to break in to the market as a 47 year old rookie. I fully expect there to be some ageism, but I can work through that. With the remote nature of things these days, does that make it easier? Do shops farm out low level jobs to remotes or is it just for the high end folks?
Do I just need to shoot/comp some shots and apply to any of the freelance positions on indeed or LinkedIn and pray I get a roto gig or something?
I’m just so miserable at my present situation and I’ve loved flame for so long that I figure I should jump on it before I get older and too stupid to do it.
Thanks for your advice,
paco