Hi everyone -
First I want to say that these forums are wonderful. I feel like I have learned so much just poking around. I am so glad I found you guys!
I am hoping that some of you experienced planners might be able to offer me some advice. First let me introduce myself and give you some background. (Sorry if this runs a little long)
I moved to Los Angeles about 3 months ago after living in NYC for the last 10 years (originally from NJ) My husband and I moved here after he lost his job. It came at a time when I was between freelance jobs and we were looking for a bit of a lifestyle readjustment so we packed up the dogs and drove out here. Despite the fact that as a New Yorker I still have some deep-seated prejudice against the idea of living in LA I am actually enjoying it a lot. We are living in a great neighborhood (Silver Lake/ Echo Park) and we're enjoying having more space and lost of sunshine.
So the reason I am here is that after working for the past 6 years as a freelance producer in documentary television I am now looking to make a career change into the planning field. Many people have looked at me funny when I tell them that I am leaving television (sound like it would be fun and exciting) to go into planning (many people outside the field don't even know what it means) but I have given this a lot of thought and am committed to the change. As interesting as TV work can be at times it is a very frustrating profession these days. The money stinks, the hours are consistently terrible (80 hour weeks are not unusual for me), almost all the work is freelance meaning no paid vacation, no benefits and no consistent employment, you are pretty much limited to living and working in NYC or LA and most importantly for me, I don't think it would be possible to have and raise a family while doing this. So it's official. I need to make a change.
So with that said, I am now looking for a grad school program to attend in the LA area. Price is a major factor for me, as I really want to avoid graduating with excessive debt. At the moment the one that seems most appealing to me is Cal Poly Pomona. I am actually having a hard time finding out any concrete info about the program. I have called the admissions office a couple of times this week but they seem to be on some weird summer hours or something. I am going to drive out there later this week to check out the campus and feel out the commute (not fun I am sure) but in the mean time I would love to hear from anyone who has any info on the program. I have heard they accept part time students which is important to me since I would like to get a job somewhat related to the field while I go to school. My udergrad degree is in History so planning jobs are most likely out of the question but I am hoping to either find a media relations job with a non-profit that works on community development issues or an entry level administrative job in a private planning firm. Does that sound realistic to you? Is it worth working and going to school or am I better off sucking it up and taking out a loan to graduate sooner? Will I learn anything in a strictly administrative position? While I am committed to this I am a bit terrified of making such a big change. Any advice, encouragement, warnings etc. would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much in advance for your help.
First I want to say that these forums are wonderful. I feel like I have learned so much just poking around. I am so glad I found you guys!
I am hoping that some of you experienced planners might be able to offer me some advice. First let me introduce myself and give you some background. (Sorry if this runs a little long)
I moved to Los Angeles about 3 months ago after living in NYC for the last 10 years (originally from NJ) My husband and I moved here after he lost his job. It came at a time when I was between freelance jobs and we were looking for a bit of a lifestyle readjustment so we packed up the dogs and drove out here. Despite the fact that as a New Yorker I still have some deep-seated prejudice against the idea of living in LA I am actually enjoying it a lot. We are living in a great neighborhood (Silver Lake/ Echo Park) and we're enjoying having more space and lost of sunshine.
So the reason I am here is that after working for the past 6 years as a freelance producer in documentary television I am now looking to make a career change into the planning field. Many people have looked at me funny when I tell them that I am leaving television (sound like it would be fun and exciting) to go into planning (many people outside the field don't even know what it means) but I have given this a lot of thought and am committed to the change. As interesting as TV work can be at times it is a very frustrating profession these days. The money stinks, the hours are consistently terrible (80 hour weeks are not unusual for me), almost all the work is freelance meaning no paid vacation, no benefits and no consistent employment, you are pretty much limited to living and working in NYC or LA and most importantly for me, I don't think it would be possible to have and raise a family while doing this. So it's official. I need to make a change.
So with that said, I am now looking for a grad school program to attend in the LA area. Price is a major factor for me, as I really want to avoid graduating with excessive debt. At the moment the one that seems most appealing to me is Cal Poly Pomona. I am actually having a hard time finding out any concrete info about the program. I have called the admissions office a couple of times this week but they seem to be on some weird summer hours or something. I am going to drive out there later this week to check out the campus and feel out the commute (not fun I am sure) but in the mean time I would love to hear from anyone who has any info on the program. I have heard they accept part time students which is important to me since I would like to get a job somewhat related to the field while I go to school. My udergrad degree is in History so planning jobs are most likely out of the question but I am hoping to either find a media relations job with a non-profit that works on community development issues or an entry level administrative job in a private planning firm. Does that sound realistic to you? Is it worth working and going to school or am I better off sucking it up and taking out a loan to graduate sooner? Will I learn anything in a strictly administrative position? While I am committed to this I am a bit terrified of making such a big change. Any advice, encouragement, warnings etc. would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much in advance for your help.