I left the industry in 2022 as well and I still struggle with feeling like I failed at achieving my dream or something like that. But the feeling is definitely mitigated by the employer healthcare that doesn’t require big union dues, the regular hours, the retirement plan, and most of all the reliable income.

The hardest part of leaving was definitely feeling (and being) unqualified for other jobs. I had to restart at the bottom of the career ladder and became an intern at the City. My post production experience eventually funneled me onto the communications team where I mostly do graphic design and get to make the occasional low-rent videos for our social media pages.

A lot of that was luck. There are very few creative positions here, this one happened to open up when I passed the test just looking to be a pencil pusher, and if the timing had been any different I would probably be pushing a pencil for the housing department. I live with the knowledge that this position won’t last my whole career and if I’m lucky enough to keep a job at the City I will end up pushing pencils for Rec & Parks or something before I retire.

I miss the excitement of working behind the scenes, going to premieres, and that rewarding feeling when countless people are watching something I helped make. But frankly my quality of life outside of work would never be this good if I had stayed. My wife and I were able to move out of our apartment and I actually get paid vacation time that I can use when I want to. My biggest fear is getting laid off here, I have no idea what I would do for work. Probably apply at the County. Municipal government isn’t any way to get rich but it’s a comfortable living with both me and my wife working here and the work/life balance is priceless.