What’s the difference between who you were years ago when you first started out in the film/video prudction industry, to the professional you are now?

That’s a question I was asked recently during a podcast interview while discussing my career as a video production professional and independent filmmaker. It’s a great question. We should all probably ask ourselves the same thing after investing a number of years in a single profession.

Here’s how I would answer that.

When I first started out as a 16 year-old Production Assistant, I was incredibly eager and enthusiastic. However, that level of youthful energy has a tendency to wane as we grow older and the day-in, day-out career responsibilities become more and more routine. It can be easy to lose our passion when the job grows increasingly familiar.

So, to the professional I am today, I would say, “Don’t lose that youthful energy. Stay eager. Stay passionate for the job.”

In contrast, to that young 16 year-old Production Assistant I would say this, “You don’t know everything, even when you’ve been in the industry for 25 years. Stay humble throughout your career. Never ever stop learning. Ask questions. Observe. Try new and different things.”

How has your own career path been shaped by experiences and people you’ve met? What advice would you give to your younger self? What tips might your younger self give to the present-day long-term professional? Leave your thoughts in the Comments.