This past Friday, I was fired/let go from my position as a commercial videographer/editor. The station I was working for was in a small market, my experience has mainly been in major markets.

I was in my initial 90 evaluation period, was totally shocked when they told me it wasn’t working out. I was used to working in HD, but this station was still SD, shooting on BetaSP tapes, very old Avid Composer, so I had to remember how things worked, as I’d worked with this old equipment 10 yrs ago.

They didn’t give me any specifics, just the generic reason " it’s not working for us " I was given no warning or period of adjustment/correction….I’ve been in my career now for over 15 yrs, but after being laid off in the recession in 2009 from my DP position, things haven’t been the same…..I’ve been fired 3x in my 15 year career, am wondering if I need to change careers, or just keep looking for the right place/right people ??

I’ve matured alot over my career, this field is the only field I ever wanted to work in, but since being laid off, things have really changed, I seem to have been left behind….I know I’m much better suited for a video production company than a small TV station, but this station was accostumed to the former staff member I replaced. The sales team kept referring to how he did things. I tried to adapt to things as best I could, didn’t want to leave….It wasn’t my personality or attitude, but I was told speed of my work.

I am scared and worried about my future, but I don’t want to quit the field, feel when you down you keep going, but I know something isn’t right, but not sure what it is (??), except for not being a stronger editor……I’m going to see career counseling to see if there is something I’m better suited for, but also know this same thing would happen in any field.
I love the field of film/video, always will, but just trying to figure things out….