As video editors and creatives, we’re used to planning for the future—whether it’s hitting career milestones or landing that next big project. But with all the changes happening in the film and TV industry, our timelines and goals may need to shift. The industry we once knew is evolving rapidly, and resisting these changes only creates more frustration and uncertainty. I’ve been thinking a lot about how we can accept that things are going to be different moving forward and how we can keep pushing ahead, even when it feels like everything’s on pause. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for years, adapting to change is a skill we all need to master.

This blog post was inspired by a recent discussion I had with my students. It seems that many of us are thinking about change and having a hard time dealing with it, so I wanted to shed light on this topic and suggest ways for people to adapt to these times of change. I’ve struggled with this myself, but I’ve also put into practice some of the things I’m going to mention here, and they’ve really helped me deal with these challenges.

The Changing Industry

The film and TV industry is going through a significant transformation right now. Jobs aren’t as plentiful, productions are slowing down, and many of us are left wondering what’s next. It’s easy to feel like everything’s been thrown off track, like the industry we relied on isn’t the same anymore. The goals we once had may now take longer to achieve, and the opportunities we were counting on might not come as quickly as we hoped. But here’s the thing—acknowledging that the industry is changing is the first step toward adapting. This isn’t about giving up on your dreams. It’s about being realistic about the situation and making the adjustments needed to keep moving forward, even if it means recalibrating your expectations. The sooner we accept that things are different, the sooner we can focus on what we can control.

Resisting Change Creates Suffering

When we resist change, we make things harder for ourselves. We start to feel stuck, frustrated, and even guilty—especially when we believe that setbacks in our careers are permanent. But the truth is, nothing stays the same forever. The industry is constantly evolving, and so are our opportunities. By accepting these changes instead of fighting against them, we can reduce a lot of the suffering that comes with uncertainty. Let go of the idea that things need to go exactly as planned. Flexibility is key in an industry that’s always shifting. Instead, focus on how you can adapt and grow in this new landscape. This doesn’t mean lowering your standards—it means understanding that your path might take a different route than you originally thought, and that’s okay.

Adapting to New Realities

Adapting to change doesn’t mean giving up on your goals. It means being flexible and open to new possibilities. Maybe that big project you were hoping for is on hold, or the job market isn’t what it used to be—but this could be an opportunity to explore different avenues, develop new skills, or even pivot in a new direction. Look for ways to adjust your plans and make the most of this time. The industry might be shifting, but that doesn’t mean your career has to come to a standstill. By staying adaptable, you’ll be ready to seize new opportunities as they arise. Keep an open mind, and remember that change can sometimes lead to something better than what you originally planned.

Building Resilience

This is where resilience comes in. The ability to bounce back, to keep moving forward even when things are tough, is what will help you get through this period of uncertainty. Building resilience isn’t about ignoring the challenges—it’s about facing them head-on with the understanding that they’re temporary. Focus on what you can control, like staying motivated, continuing to learn, and being open to change. Even when things feel out of your control, resilience allows you to approach each new challenge with the confidence that you’ll find a way through it. The more you cultivate resilience, the better equipped you’ll be to handle whatever comes your way in this ever-changing industry. Remember, it’s not just about surviving the changes—it’s about thriving in the face of them.

Change is inevitable, especially in our industry. But by accepting that things are going to be different and adapting to these new realities, we can reduce the frustration and suffering that comes with resistance. This isn’t a sign to give up on your dreams—it’s a chance to reframe them in a way that aligns with the current landscape. Take things one step at a time, stay resilient, and be open to the opportunities that change can bring. If you keep pushing forward, even when it feels like everything’s on pause, you’ll come out stronger on the other side, with new skills, experiences, and perspectives that will ultimately help you in your career. Change can be tough, but it can also be the key to unlocking new potential!