This month the Career Coach gives thanks and advocates thanks! A little appreciation can go a long way...
Pamela Kleibrink Thompson
It's a tradition to give thanks in the United States in November. It's a time to share a meal with family, friends, neighbors or strangers and give thanks. It's a time to thank customers or clients who have given you work. It's also a great time to thank those who give you encouragement or goad you into action.
It's a time to be thankful and grateful. I am grateful to those who have made it possible, and continue to make it possible, for us to pursue our dreams. I want to thank those who gave us freedom. I want to thank those who work for peace.
Giving thanks is a good idea at any time.
I want to thank those who inspire me to write these Career Coach articles as well as those who read them. I also want to thank Animation World Network and others who keep us informed about what is happening in the world of animation. It's easier than ever to learn about animation -- from teachers, mentors, Websites and books.
I also want to thank two women who wrote a great book on animation. Producing Animation by Catherine Winder and Zahra Dowlatabadi gives a fabulous producer's overview of the animation process. But Producing Animation is not just for producers. Anyone who works in or aspires to work in animation would benefit from this text. The writers are both experienced production people and remind us how important attitude is and why it's essential to establish a sense of mutual respect for everyone involved on a project. The way people treat each other matters. For those readers who ask me how to get started in animation, I say start by reading Producing Animation.
I want to thank those who volunteer in various organizations like ASIFA, Women in Animation, SIGGRAPH and others who devote their time and energy to promoting animation and sharing their love of animation and experiences with others. These people are an invaluable resource and wealth of information as well as support.
We should be thankful that animation has become ever more popular and omnipresent. Animation can be found in video games, music videos and museums; on motion picture screens, television sets and wireless devices. With the proliferation of animation, there has been an increase in employment opportunities. Animators are found working all over the world and as often in tiny studios in small towns as in huge studios in large cities. Interest in animation continues to grow and there are many Websites devoted to the dissemination of information on various aspects of animation.
This is a good time to thank your teachers -- not only those you met at school, but those you've met at work. Thank your mentors and others who help you, whether you've met them through an online discussion group or industry function. Never stop learning and always keep an eye out for a good teacher.
This is a good time for employers to thank their staff for a job well done. Even those who show their appreciation often throughout the year, should do it at this time as well. If you are an employee, thank your boss and employer for your job and giving you the opportunity to work at something you love.
Remember to thank those who have helped and supported you at this time of year. And remember to do it regularly all year long. A little appreciation is greatly appreciated.
Pamela Kleibrink Thompson is a career coach, mentor for hire, recruiter and management consultant. She is a frequent speaker at colleges and universities.
