What the Writers’ Strike Can Teach Us
I never thought I’d be a TV junkie, but alas, I have a lineup of shows I just can’t miss four out of the seven days of the week. And just when the holiday madness is over every year, I look forward to snuggling up on the couch with a new season of 24 and LOST.
But not in ‘08. The writers’ strike went and messed that up. And I couldn’t be happier about it! As a fellow writer, I know what it’s like sometimes for people to take what I do for granted. “Anyone can write,” people say. My grandmother brags that my sister is a professor, but when she gets to me, she says I have a beautiful son (which I’m proud to say I do!). But I also have a career as a writer, grandma — and people even pay me for it! Go figure… So I can imagine what it must be like for a TV writer to hear remarks like: “TV stinks… I could write something better than these guys.” Sure, you can.
Beyond relating to the plight of the writer, though, there is much to learn about careers and career education from the writers’ strike:
- Writing is a necessary skill; good writing is a talent. Ever go to a restaurant and see numerous typos on the menu? For me, anyway, it reflects poorly on the business as a whole. That’s because in nearly every industry, the ability to communicate well is coveted by employers and consumers. How you present an idea at a meeting, write up a business plan, even your e-mail address (hotmama08@inappropriate.com anyone?) is a reflection of the job you’ll do. That’s why people pay writers, editors, and designers to help them get their message out the right way.
- You don’t have to settle for paltry pay just because you’re lucky enough to love what you do. That goes for writers, artists, and other “starving” professionals, too. If you keep your skills updated, have a warm personality, and turn in flawless work, you should be able to find an employer or client who appreciates the work you do. It may take a little creativity and continuing education, though, to stay fresh and not get stuck in a dead-end job. Which brings us to the next point…
- We don’t need to watch that much TV. As the strike continues, we’re faced with a future that includes re-runs, bad D-list celebrity reality shows, and five nights of “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” See that as the perfect excuse to incorporate some TV-free nights into your week (unless of course, you actually like dumb quiz shows) and take some courses or market your talents by building a Web site, for instance.
- There is strength in numbers. Marching into your boss’ office and demanding better pay or you’ll walk off the job probably won’t end up too well for you. But when a large group like the writer’s union bands together, their collective voice is heard. While you may not be in a union, you can still benefit from being part of a group. Join professional associations and attend their networking events to learn about job openings, career training opportunities, and more.
I hope the writers wind up getting their fair share, and not just because I’m dying to know how the LOST crew made it off the island, or what impending doom Jack Bauer will take on next. They deserve compensation for entertaining us TV junkies night after night. Don’t believe me? Just see how you feel after being subjected to “Temptation Island: The Next Generation.”
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Let’s be honest — “thankfulness” is probably not the first word that springs to mind when you consider your career. Maybe what rises up feels more like responsibility, necessity, or even drudgery.