entertainment industry coach Question 460: How many years do I have to work as a loader before I can move up?

That depends on how many years film is around for you to load... oh, bad joke. Sorry. Seriously for you and for everyone who wonders about how long you have to work in a classification before you move, there's no standard answer. There's no rule book. It's time to move up when:

1. people are asking you to

2. you know enough people who are willing to hire you in the new classification

3. you are confident with your skills and ready (and have 1 or 2)

You can also look at demand. Do you want to be a big fish in a small pond and make a living working because the competition is slim? Or do you want to move up into a very competitive position? The other question is what is your ultimate goal? If you are trying to move up the ladder to be "politically correct" that model has been smashed. You're welcome to spend ten years in each classification working your way up the ranks the way the old schoolers did, but if ultimately you want to operate or DP, you have kids in high school making movies who will be light years ahead of you.

Just some stuff for you to ponder.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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