Wish I could give a zero:
I decided to reach out to…read more AppleOne as a way to bring in some income, build up additional startup funds, and keep things moving while I grow my business. At the same time, I've been offering free meals to families in my community simply because I LOVE cooking. It brings me so much joy.
I reached out them serving the greater Los Angeles/California area. And yes, I had tailored my 20+ year television resume specifically for temp and administrative opportunities. I didn't want to call it a "generic" resume because it definitely wasn't. With a little help from AI, I was able to translate the skills I've developed throughout my entertainment career project management, coordination, logistics, communication, problem-solving, working under pressure, managing teams, meeting deadlines, etc. into skills that can transfer across industries.
I was scheduled to interview with the agency, but before the interview even happened, I received a call from someone there.
She started off not the nicest but then basically said, "Since you have a career in television, you should apply for entertainment jobs through our LA office." (The apple one I reached out to was in my adjacent town)
I explained that I had intentionally tailored my resume because I'm looking to work outside of entertainment. I explained a little about the industry, the fact that it has slowed down significantly, and that I'm also building a business as a professional home cook.
She asked, "So are you looking to pivot?"
I said, "Yes. That's the entire point."
Her response?
"WE DON'T DO PIVOTS."
And then...thank you...and click.
Ummmm...WHAT?!
Sorry, AppleOne, but I have to call you out on this one.
I understand that staffing agencies have specific clients, job categories and recruiting models. I get it. But isn't helping people connect their existing skills to new opportunities part of the point?
Because here's the thing: a pivot doesn't mean I suddenly forgot how to work.
I spent more than 20 years producing television. I've managed teams, budgets, schedules, personalities, logistics, crises, deadlines, vendors, clients and projects. Those skills didn't disappear because I decided I wanted to use them somewhere else.
And honestly, this experience reminded me of something I already knew:
Sometimes the hardest part of a career pivot isn't figuring out what you can do.
It's convincing someone else that your skills are transferable.
Anyway...back to building my business, cooking my meals, and figuring out what's next.
Because apparently, "we don't do pivots" just means I need to find people who do.