I don't know what the fruits of my labor taste like. I've chosen to earn a living doing things that anyone can do, instead of things only I can do. At least so far. The main reason was freedom. When You're someone capable, there are usually lots of people who want you to sign a contract that says your capabilities are mine now. Sometimes that contract is the promise of a high salary, social status or perks. Other times it is the threat that you'll never find something that meets you on your terms out there - that this is as good as it gets. I don't believe any of that shit, I've seen to much proof that it isn't true.
Today I turned down a job offer. It staggers me that this particular employer didn't show any enthusiasm in hiring me, that they took two weeks to offer me less than I would make at a grocery store with no qualifications. At times like this, and many other times - I wonder whether I am just a glitch, who is doomed to waste my greatest gifts in exchange for a less than mediocre existence. It simply is not the truth. Although no one reads my blog today, I know that there is immense value in my blog posts. Otherwise I wouldn't waste my time. And the value is this: This post is the product of hours of thought and technical tinkering. Synthesizing tons of mental work into a format that can reach someone. When I physically can't.
The greatest products of my mind - therefore - the greatest work I do, are my films. They take the most time, the most thought, the most energy. And I hope to exceed that output one day as well. My goal is to be able to create the kind of value that I have seen come from my biggest heroes. The lumiere brothers, Thomas Edison, Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, Walt Disney. Until then, I struggle to create the life I want.
That's why my blog post is valuable. If there's anyone out there on a path like this. Someone who chooses to endure the pain of creating something from nothing - instead of avoiding it at all costs. I know this post will be valuable to you, as it is to me.
- che