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- šæ Would you move without a job lined up?
šæ Would you move without a job lined up?
Wants out of higher ed, stuck in a rural town, and debating a second masterās just to escape. Would you roll the dice or play it safe?
CareerSnacks Team
August 19, 2025
Inside todayās snack: Sheās got two degrees, a solid state job, and a dream of working in film or games, but no clue how to actually make the jump. Todayās Snack Drop is perfect if you like helping others but donāt want to be a therapist.
š Snack Drop is COMMON.
šļø Pickle Draw odds: 1 in 27 (3.70%).
š„ Todayās pickle
Iām 24 about to be 25. Iām from a rural area and almost all of my experience has been at my college, a small state school. Got my bachelorās (business admin) and masterās (MS Management) from the school. Lots of great work experience as a student assistant and grad assistant. Taught a course, and now work in Event Coordination in the Alumni Relations department.
My resume is quite good for my age, but Iām struggling to find real opportunities in the industries I want. I hope to work in entertainment, film, video games, etc. Not in higher ed for the rest of my career. Iām approaching the 1 year mark in my current role and am starting to consider my options. Iāve been here my whole life, and I really want to move. But the job market is very rough right now, and I have a secure state job with a great team.
One option Iāve been considering is another masterās at a different school in a complementary field. Maybe that would help me find the new opportunities Iām seeking. Or should I keep applying and hope a company far away takes a chance and lets me relocate? I also have a few remote gigs, and Iām trying to put myself out there that way. Iād really appreciate any advice. I donāt have many people around me who understand the work I do or want to do.
š³ļø Chip In
š„ PICKLE POLL #34: What would you do if you were in their shoes? |
What would a career coach say? š§ Hereās the cheese:
Do not get another masterās right now.
More school delays the pivot and adds time or debt.
Employers in entertainment, film, or gaming care more about experience, projects, and who you know than academic credentials.
Pick a target role, not just an industry.
Entertainment is too broad. Are you aiming for production? Marketing? Ops? Comms?
Get clear on your function so your resume, gigs, and networking all point in the same direction.
Use your current job and remote gigs to build relevance.
Reframe your event coordination work in industry terms like production, logistics, or community management.
Prioritize remote gigs that move you closer to your ideal role or industry.
Look for ones that could turn into contracts or referrals.
Change your job search strategy.
Donāt just apply and hope someone far away gives you a shot. Focus on remote-first or hybrid companies.
Tailor your resume for the job function you want, not just your current field.
Reach out to people already working in the roles youāre aiming for. Ask about their path in, not for a job.
Make a relocation plan with or without a job offer.
If youāre serious about moving, set a timeline, save up, and research your target cities.
A mid-sized city with more creative jobs might give you a better shot without the overwhelm of LA or NYC.
TL;DR: A second degree wonāt solve this. Focus on gaining relevant experience, positioning your skills, and expanding your options through action.
š Snack Drop COMMON
Snack Drop is your career blind box
š Figuring out your career alone sucks.
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