I got offered a job!

Hey all,

I've just been offered a great job - After Effects Compositor working on a BBC TV show for children at a small studio in Cardiff! I can't believe it - especially as they've offered me great money too! It's a short-term contract (around 9 months) at first, but could turn into a permanent job afterwards. It all came out of the blue really, and I honestly wasn't expecting them to offer it to me, based on the money I'd need to keep my mortgage afloat here, and find somewhere to stay in Cardiff, but they really like my reel and want me to work on this show!

I love Cardiff- it's where I went to uni, and the job itself is down by the bay area, which if you've ever seen Torchwood, you may have seen in exterior shots. I'm worried about being apart from my wife all week - only seeing her on weekends, at least for the first few months. Problem is, I guess, that I've started doing this rather late on in life (I'm 34 now) and I've never lived anywhere but where I live now (except for three years in Cardiff when I was 18), so my wife and I have settled here, near to both our families.

It's a fantastic opportunity, and could turn into a great career, but I sense pressure from people to stay here. So what should be an elated feeling has me feeling rather confused...

But whatever the outcome, I'm over the moon that they want little-old-me to work for them. I've got to thank you guys - I've learned a lot since joining the board, and have got some great support and advice from you (Sean, in particular has been awesome - thanks Sean!).

I've got a few days to mull things over and talk to my family & friends. I'll let you know what happens!

C

wow congrats Chris!
thats really really cool. And i know how family can be persistent but in the long run its your life and the future of your own family.
so dont feel any pressure from anyone
i hope everything turns out as you wish...
congrats again

Congrats on the job offer! Seems like a great opportunity. Keep us updated

Here's my advice for what it's worth.

If this is what you want to do in life, then take the job. Looks great on a Resume! It's what you want to do so you'll be happy. The money is good. And yes, some people stay where they grow up, but many do move at some point in life. Plus if it turns into a full time gig, you'll have to move. ( Unless they allow you to work from home and only go in to the office once a week. ( that happend with me and a 3D job I had. It was perfect! )

Anyway, seeing as you don't have any kids, now would be the time to follow your dreams! Trust me, if you think being away from your wife is hard, try being away from your kids!

I say, take the job and set your path in life to one you want. I don't know what you do now for a living, but if you're not diggin' it, then take this opportunity to change directions, and enjoy what you do for a living. In the grand scheme of things. 9 months is nothing.

Take the job.


Peter

wow congrats christian! that's amazing news! certainly you'll keep us updated aye?

'grats man! Having the Beeb on your resume would be a fantastic plus even if it does end after contract. Being away from family / friends / wife I'm sure will be hard at times - but you're still within visiting range (I'll be heading bak to the UK soon after 18 months away!). What would be the chances of having the wife come with? Sounds like a great place to live

Congrats!

Wow, man, congratulations! Dude, you are going to learn so much there, every single day! It's going to be the best experience ever! And most places offer jobs on a set schedule like that, usually to see how well you work with everyone. Make the most of it!

Congratulations mate, well deserved!

SINGING " CONGRATUALTION AND CELEBRIATION ....."

Awesome News Christian! I'm going to Cardiff on Wednesday! Tiss a super awesome city!

Great news! Best of luck and let us know how you find it working there!

Thanks for all the great replies - you guys are the dog's bollocks! (British colloquialism fans, that means "you're the best!").

Well I've decided that if I didn't take the job, at least to see how I get on, I'd be the dumbest person on Earth - after all, what could be better than bringing in regular, decent money, doing something you love? So I'll wait and see what they say when I speak to them this week to finalise things, but all being well I'll be starting in early July, once I've finished my current commitments.

Peter, thanks for the advice - you're right, it isn't a long time really, and if things go to plan I'd be rather happy living in Cardiff, 'cos it's such a nice city.

Global, my wife will move eventually, but for the time being she's got a job up here so for the first few months at least we'll have to live apart

Iest, if you make regular trips to Cardiff, we'll have to meet up for a beer sometime!

Cheers all!

C

Good luck with the job and watch out for all those alien life forms coming out of the rift

Great news for you Christian. Cngrtz.
Glad you took this opportunity to expand yourself, despite the temporary lack of 'physical' contact with your wife.
I'm sure you will miss her. But the future is calling. I wish it all turns out well for you man. Good luck.

Hey everyone! Quick update - I'm taking the job, and starting on 30th June. I just got everything confirmed with them so now I can start planning my move. I can't wait!

awesome christian, good luck with the move!

Good luck with the move bud!

Sweet man, good to hear it. Life isn't as fun without taking a leap of faith every once in a while, I have no doubts it'll pay off for you.

-Z

SimplyCG is leveling up a lot lately. =) Congrats!

The world has gone mad. Official.

Yesterday I was in Cardiff looking for a place to live in readiness for starting my new job in a couple of weeks. I'm hanging out with a couple of friends who are based down there having some lunch when my mobile rings. It's my new boss, telling me they've made me Visual Effects Supervisor on two of the programmes they'll be shooting for the BBC. Holy Sh*t! Did he just say Visual Effects Supervisor? Before I've even started working there? That's absolutely insane! Aparrently it's my background in man-management and the fact that I've shot greenscreen myself before. I guess that 5 years as an IT manager paid off!

Now I'm sh*tting myself but I'm also incredibly excited and elated that they'd entrust me with the delivery of FX shots. It's going to be sweet - shooting on HDCAM SR at the BBC Wales studios! Once the shoots are complete I'll be heading up the compositing (more madness!) on one of the shows, along with a team of talented artists. I guess I've only got myself to blame if I have trouble keying a shot now!

I'm in a daze!

More as it happens, C.

dude that INCREDIBLESOME!

omg i'm so jealous! that sounds awesome!

Oh wow! Nice job man, congrats!

WOOOOOOO! Congratulations! Great news keeps getting greater! You're on a roll

Hahahaha, thats awesome Christian! Congrats! Wow, getting raises before you even get started! Nice!

Ha ha!! Awesome Christian!!

I'm actually in Cardiff on the 24th of this month to see a Richard Williams MasterClass - are you about then?