I don’t talk much about my day job on this blog. This is partly due to a desire to compartmentalize Andrew Penn Romine, the budding author from Andy Romine, the visual effects & animation artist – two careers that have, in my mind, always been separate and distinct. Two creative paths with their own trajectories and goals. My work is very technical, but with a sort of artistry quite different from the writing I do. To talk about it here might be a distraction (or worse, bragging). And then there are the NDAs.
But it’s no great secret right now that the Visual Effects Industry is in turmoil. I’m facing a layoff myself, in fact. (I had a good run and several prospects are on the horizon. I’ll be fine). This is not a post about my job hunt or the deplorable state of the vfx biz, though it is a post about the uncertain situation I’m tumbling into. The uncertain situations that we all tumble into.
Somehow, in the midst of the bad news, I managed to write and submit a short story. I’m not really sure how. Maybe I needed the distraction. But since then, I’ve been listless, exhausted by events and pretty much unable to form a coherent thought beyond, “What’s playing on Netflix tonight?” or “Ooo, Plants vs Zombies is free this week?!”
I’ve discussed things you can do when you’re not writing, but this time it’s a little different for me. I’m not merely looking for a little recharge, but am facing an upheaval of routine and stability — and the loss of a great job that made it possible for me to not sweat the day to day and focus on my love of story telling. I realize I’ve been very lucky in this regard, and it’s given me the perspective that a day job can be an asset and not an obstacle to a writing career. Again, like all writing advice, your mileage may vary.
So, to my point.
Give yourself permission to take a break. This is hard for creatives to do isn’t it? Especially when you’re “breaking into” writing, or vfx or whatever, there’s that voice in your head that tells you that if you slow down even for a moment, you’ll fall behind and never catch up to the rest of the pack. It’s that same voice that tells you that X writer is five times the writer you’ll ever be, and Y writer will get all the book deals so they’ll be none left for you. Yeah, tell that voice to shut the fuck up.
I learned early on in my vfx career to embrace that period of joblessness between gigs. I don’t stop looking for work or close my mind off to opportunities. But I do step back, take a deep breath, and ask myself if it’s time to let myself off the hook a little. Do you?
This isn’t an approach that works for everyone. Some of you may even stay busy to keep your momentum going during the rough patches. I’m envious. I can only do that to a point before I slam into the giant wall of burnout. Which is where I am now.
So I spend some of my time doing those things I’ve talked about. Reading, writing, exercise. I find me again and give myself permission to adjust to the new situation, calibrate my expectations. Let opportunities slip that I know I don’t have the energy to pursue well. Spend more time with those friends and family I haven’t seen when I’m busy. Unhook the guilt machine. Watch the entire season of “House of Cards” while I rest.
How does taking a break work for you? How do you keep your momentum going through the rough patches? I’d love to discuss it with you below.
I”ll get back to work soon. Already I can feel the words pushing up like new teeth in sore gums.
01/03/2013 at 9:54 am Permalink
Oh, Andy, I can so empathize with this. Nothing saps my creativity and will to write more than real-life turmoil. It’s like your brain just doesn’t have the time and space for concerns beyond the day-to-day. Getting through takes time but a new routine *will* emerge. In the meantime I think it’s a great idea to be kind to yourself and take care of *you* until your writing batteries recharge. Best of luck in your job hunt and ((big hugs)).
01/03/2013 at 10:48 am Permalink
Thank you Erika! hugs back!
01/03/2013 at 2:33 pm Permalink
I went through a few months of this at the end of last year. It’s so tough to focus on writing when your brain is struggling with life stress and decision-making required to deal with that stress. You will get through it and get back on track (I did). In the meantime you’re doing the right thing by easing up on your expectations of yourself. Good luck with everything!
01/03/2013 at 3:09 pm Permalink
Thank you, Carrie. And good luck to you, too!
01/03/2013 at 8:00 pm Permalink
Boy, does this resonate with me, Andy. Oh, and good luck.
03/03/2013 at 5:51 pm Permalink
thank you!
04/03/2013 at 5:16 am Permalink
I have been in the same position, but for it had to do because of excess in real world commitment. I had to deal with university, a full time job with its own set of challenges and a young sister, who needed guidance during a tough academic period for her. I had one writer-less year, because all the aspects in my life were in turmoil and I had no drive to even read.
04/03/2013 at 5:17 am Permalink
Also, HUGS and I hope you land a good job in the near future.