Print this list out, and check any question to which your answer would be YES:
Do I often have the feeling that something is wrong with my career, but I don't know what to do about it?
Do I often feel that I've given the animation business my all, and it's time to try something new?
Do I believe that exploring other careers means that I'm a failure?
Do I honestly believe that animation is the only work I can do? (Ask yourself this question: Is it possible that I can be a winner in two fields?)
Am I afraid that exploring a second career will lead to my losing work in animation?
Am I afraid of taking action because I fear change and trying something new?
Am I staying in the animation business, even though I am frequently unemployed and not earning much money, because I've invested a lot of time and training in it? (Be bold enough to consider that no matter what your investment, it is never a valid reason not to take the necessary steps to develop new job market skills.)
Am I afraid to admit to myself that my career in the entertainment industry has fallen short of my expectations?
Would I welcome the opportunity to study something new but am worried about what my peers would think?
Would I be relieved if I could find meaningful work in another field?
If you checked any of the above questions, the Actors Work Program (AWP), sponsored by the Actors Fund, can assist you in obtaining personal and professional fulfillment.
Despite its name, the Actors Work Program is a career counseling center for all entertainment industry union members, including Animation Guild members. The AWP offers -- AT NO COST TO YOU -- an opportunity to develop the necessary skills to secure meaningful employment while remaining active in the animation business, or to explore other career opportunities if you are not employed in animation. With offices in New York City and Los Angeles, over 9,000 entertainment industry professionals have utilized the services of the Actors' Work Program in the past decade, enabling them to sustain a productive and financially stable life.
These services are available for free whether or not you are currently employed. The AWP requires its clients to be Guild members in good standing (that is, active or on honorable withdrawal). If you are a suspended member, contact the Guild office and we can make arrangements to have Fund services made available to you.
For new clients, the Actors Work Program holds a biweekly orientation meeting at its headquarters in the Screen Actors Guild building. They also offer a weekly job search strategy seminar.
The Actors Work Program can help you in:
In addition to the Actors Work Program, the Actors Fund also offers a wide variety of assistance options, including psychological counseling; chemical dependency services; care for seniors, disabled and HIV/AIDS victims; and the Artists Health Insurance Resource Center for comprehensive health insurance information and referrals to uninsured and underinsured industry professionals.
The Actors Fund and the Actors Work Program are located at:
5757 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 400 Los Angeles, CA 90036 (323) 933-9244 (AWP: ext. 50)
NOTE: All Actors Fund services are strictly confidential; neither the Guild nor any employer will be informed.
AWP tuition grants are available for Guild members retraining in fields other than animation or CG.
Before receiving your first individual appointment with a career counselor you must attend an orientation meeting. At this time we will answer questions you may have and give information about the program which will help you begin your exploration of a second career.
Please plan to be present for the entire orientation. No reservation or pre-registration is necessary. You will be scheduled for an individual appointment with a career counselor as soon as possible following orientation.
Upcoming dates:
April 7, 2003 January 26, 2004 February 9, 2004 February 23, 2004 March 8, 2004 March 22, 2004 April 5, 2004 April 19, 2004 May 3, 2004 May 17, 2004 May 31, 2004 June 14, 2004 June 28, 2004 July 12, 2004 July 26, 2004 August 9, 2004 August 23, 2004 September 20, 2004 October 4, 2004 October 18, 2004 November 1, 2004 November 15, 2004 November 29, 2004 December 13, 2004
2-3 pm: group discussion on current openings, job market
3-4 pm: specific strategies to boost your job search
February 18, 2004 February 25, 2004 March 3, 2004 March 10, 2004 March 17, 2004 March 24, 2004 March 31, 2004 April 7, 2004 April 14, 2004 April 21, 2004 April 28, 2004 May 5, 2004 May 12, 2004 May 19, 2004 May 26, 2004 June 2, 2004 June 9, 2004 June 16, 2004 June 23, 2004 June 30, 2004 July 7, 2004 July 14, 2004 July 21, 2004 July 28, 2004 August 4, 2004 August 11, 2004 August 18, 2004 August 25, 2004 September 1, 2004 September 8, 2004 September 15, 2004 September 22, 2004 September 29, 2004 October 6, 2004 October 13, 2004 October 20, 2004 October 27, 2004 November 3, 2004 November 10, 2004 November 17, 2004 December 1, 2004 December 8, 2004 December 15, 2004