How many have you had?

[#1]

Looking back, how many full-time jobs did you have before you became a freelancer? Do you miss any of them? If so, why?

[#2]

I had more than five places. But the memorable as for me, it was my first job as an MEP designer. Immediately after graduation, two months later, I started working for a large company. So of course, I miss those days. And from those days was born an idea about own business. 

[#3]

Before I became a paralegal, I had jobs in 8 or 9 different fields - real estate sales,  physician recruiting, in-house advertising and a bunch more, a couple with huge national health foundations. Since I became a paralegal, I have worked for 5 lawfirms and freelanced for a bunch more.  Plus I spent a year in there as a background actor/ extra in movies, TV shows and a few commercial.

Whew, I'm exhausted just thinking about it!  LOL.

[#4]

Wow. You were even an actor. You must have had many interesting episodes on your way. Do you have most memorable one that you could tell about here?

[#5]

Other than being on lunch break on a TV set and sending a plate full of lasagna flying like a Frisbee when I tripped? That one sticks in my mind a lot.  I got to work on  many episodes of the TV/ HBO series Treme and always when the episode featured live music.  That was pretty awesome.

In my real estate career, I was once showing a vacant house when the police showed up  to dig around the bathroom wall for a bullet.  Apparently the homeowner had shot and killed the next door neighbor.  Needless to say, I never did get that house sold.

[#6]

I hope it was fun and interesting. Do you remember why you decided to change your career as an actor? And have you ever signed an autograph? 

[#7]

I had around 10 full-time jobs spanning about 15 years, in Pakistan, UAE and USA, after which I re-settled in Pakistan and then came into freelancing in 2021.

[#8]

It is a great experience. I can imagine how many interesting things happened. Was there a place that was most memorable?

[#9]

Good question, Dmytro. Each and every experience is memorable and I've learned a lot from each.

Most memorable, if I had to pick, was the 5-6 months working on Pier 3, San Franciso, Hornblower Cruises & Events. It's the company that provides ferry tours in and around San Francisco area, and also takes you to Alcatraz Island.

It was a new country for me, new environment, new experiences, I took the BART (transit trains) every day to and from work, and my company took me to visit Alcatraz Island twice during my employment. I had seen the island in movies and documentaries before, so seeing it in person, with an experienced guide was fun.

[#10]

It's amazing. I've only seen Alcatraz on screens. Going to the US for work is a strong decision. To find housing, orientation on the place. Did you do those things by yourself?

[#11 · Accepted solution]

Luckily, I had family living in US for more than 10 years, so had a lot of help, most importantly a place to live. But, of course, I had to figure out a lot of things on my own as well, and learned a lot. Also did several part-time, odd jobs here and there for a couple of years.

It was still difficult to decide moving to a different culture, environment, and to start from scratch again. If I hadn't decided to move and live there, I would not be where I am today, so it was all a necessary process in life.

[#12]

I hope these couple of years have been very interesting. You never know in what situation and at what moment the right decision will come to you. In my city, they like to say: ‘Everything that is not done is for the best.’ By the way, as an insider of Alcatraz tours, could you advise some good ways to make the tour cheaper and more interesting if someone is going to be there?

[#13]

In general, it is best to purchase tickets directly from the Hornblower Cruises & Events webpage for Alcatraz Tours or through their dedicated reservations call center. The tickets are usually fixed price, but could be cheaper if bought together with other tours or events package.

Several third-parties (hotels/tourism companies) also sell Alcatraz Tours, which is slightly higher in price, but along with their own tourism bundles could be worthwhile. But I have a hunch that third-parties often buy some tickets in advance for their clientele, so they may have tickets when official Alcatrac tours may be sold out.

The tours are available all year round, but it is advisable to visit in off-season (winter) to avoid crowds, and for best weather conditions visit in peak season (summer). Check exact summer and winter months for San Francisco as they may be different compared to other regions.

Whatever the season, tickets usually sell out in advance so always pre-book, and don't arrive at the departure venue and hope to find tickets (you could get lucky once in a while). Pack some snacks and water, as there is considerable walking on the island, and the shops on the ferry and island are pricey.

Always dress in layers, because the weather could be unpredictable, rain, chilly winds, and if it gets sunny, you can remove some layers to feel comfortable. If you have a chance, book the special tour which takes you to the underground solitary cells. And always try to book the early-bird tour (first one of the day), as the weather and overall experience is the best on this tour.

[#14]

Wonderful. This is great, practical advice. As for me, I have copied it to my note. Others have a chance. Thank you very much.

[#15]

You never know in what situation and at what moment the right decision will come to you. In my city, they like to say: ‘Everything that is not done is for the best.’

Yes 100%. We have a similar concept which roughly translates to: Everything that happens is for the best, even if certain events or decisions may seem to be bad, uncomfortable, or detrimental for us, it is still the best possible outcome, and a blessing in disguise.

[#16]

I think so. Do you remember that only moment when you made the final decision? I can imagine how many things were on the scales. And the moment when you are at home?

[#17]

I think so. Do you remember that only moment when you made the final decision? I can imagine how many things were on the scales. And the moment when you are at home?

You just took me down memory lane in my head, Dmytro. It was not a simple decision, and as you said there were a lot of things to be considered, and it took a long time for me to decide, somewhat unwillingly (due to many personal reasons). I would have to share a lot here for it to make sense. In the end, as we discussed, I was led to the path I had to go through for personal development. And years later, one night I decided, I wanted to live in my home country, the next day I flew out of the US. I didn't discuss with anyone, didn't inform anybody, left my car at the airport parking with the keys in the dashboard, for family to collect it. This time I had finally made a decision completely on my own, for myself alone, based on what would make me happy. And it turned out to be a great decision years later. (Sorry if there are many gaps in the story 🙂 Can't share everything here).

[#18]

A big life turn. Spontane, energy without any doubts. Bilal, many people miss this important step. And your story is like a confirmation, that this action is very important. Is it possible to say the person before life turns and after are two different?

[#19]

Indeed, the person before and after the life-turning event that took place were very different, in my case. 

[#20]

It is a useful experience. Thank you for sharing it.

[#21]

I had done one job before becoming a freelancer and   enjoyed it because this was my first Job and my experience was amazing

[#22]

That's great. Might the first job is most memorable ever. How long was it?

[#23]

I've had at least 12 full time jobs and a few 24 hour jobs because I owned the business. I feel that freelancing has truly helped me weed out all the extra admin costs of owning a business and  work place drama of working at a corporate entity. 

[#24]

Hi, Ishita. You have an interesting background. Having your own business is a big responsibility. As far as I know, when you start as an independent designer, after a while you become just an administrator and don't have time or much creativity. Did you have any employees?

[#25]

I've done 3 full-time jobs at startups before starting freelance work. Each role was incredible and offered valuable learning experiences!!