My Transition from working in TV Production to life at a PR Agency

“There is no such thing as an accident; it is fate misnamed” – Napoleon Bonaparte.

I have had a lot of experience in events as a Project Coordinator and in television as a Media Specialist. However, greatness is never found in your comfort zone, but rather it is found through new challenges.

Let’s talk about my television experience:

Working in a TV production is really a tough job especially when you are assigned to a live broadcast. There will always be loud voices around you. Everything is fast-paced, to the extent that I was already rolling in my first three days at the job.  I have been in a lot of sleepless nights clocking in at 5 in the morning and only clocking out once the work is done, sometimes at 11:45 – researching, covering and producing segments, becoming a second cameraman, a drone operator, an on-air graphics operator, a spinner, and a floor director, sometimes all at once. My daily routine included flying papers, loud voices, and at some points even having frenemies at the workplace. Little did I know that this became my passion and I started loving it!

This may seem overwhelming but it is the truth, I still remember something one of our creative directors said. “If you can’t handle the pressure, we will let you know right away that you are not meant to be in this industry.” However, that was not the reason why I ultimately left. 

Transition:

I am afraid to take risks and scared of sudden transitions because I have been built by my previous experiences to abide by the TOFU (Take Ownership and Follow-up) approach and this has always been my motto at work. With that being said, I always tend to do my tasks alone, without even providing a slim door for my colleagues to assist or advise with anything. This has been my belief and perception until I transferred to my new job here at Atteline. 

Now I can honestly say that a job which provides its employees with a healthy work-life balance does indeed exist!! 

My team is really passionate and responsible not just in finishing all their assigned tasks but also ensuring that we are prioritizing our mental health, by encouraging us to ask for help when required, allowing a two-way communication interaction in our relationship with each other, being open and honest with everything, and most importantly remembering to take breaks when needed and getting our minimum of 7 hours of sleep every day. It is imperative for all employees to receive a break period and off-time, which in my situation is 22 annual leave and 15 sick leave days (which can be used for mental, not just physical health), that the company takes very seriously and allows every individual to prioritize themselves in healing. When a person is on leave, the company will make sure not to bother you so that you can enjoy your peaceful break and return to work with a relaxed mental state.

I just realized that there is nothing wrong with taking things a bit slower and it definitely feels great to even allow yourself to pause and take a break every now and then! 

Fast forward:

I am now a PR Admin Executive at Atteline, a PR Agency based in Dubai, working as a consultant based in the Philippines.

Together with my wonderful colleagues at work, we are always nurturing, supporting and encouraging one another, and I have learned a lot of things that I never would have imagined I could do, without the structure and mentorship which was provided to me.

This is only my third month working here, but it feels like I have been working with the company for years – and I am certainly loving it!

I am looking forward to many years of working in such a great working environment, where everyone’s thoughts and feelings are always validated and heard. 

This does not mean that I no longer love the media industry, I still do! From time to time, I hang out with industry representatives and previous colleagues, as well as catch up with my old friends, so I guess I am really passionate when it comes to fulfilling the things I love.

 

Words By: John Paul Descalso, PR Admin Executive at Atteline