With experience both in full-time jobs and freelance work, content creator Shai Ymbong knows a thing or two about making it as a creative.
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Despite what some may say, following your passions in the creative and media industry and still securing the bag aren’t mutually exclusive. Shai Ymbong can attest to that. The 26-year-old multimedia editor from Cebu faced her fair share of roadblocks to find her calling, but she’s now slowly achieving her dreams as a creative. From starting as an editor for major YouTubers, branching out as a freelancer, and even doing brand deals as a content creator, Shai shares her experiences with budding young creatives on dealing with self-worth, setting expectations, job hunting, and more.
How did you realize that working in the creative industry was something you wanted to do as a career?
I think ever since I was super into Tumblr, and I remember I used to do traditional collage as a journal. So I was pretty creative. I was really fascinated with storytelling so I realized that I wanted to pursue media or something in that industry na creative.
What is it like being a freelancer?
So I experienced being employed by someone full-time, and now that I’m entering my late 20s, I’m venturing into something na parang mas more level-up. I was employed as a video editor, so I wanted to do more. Plus, I wanted to meet more people and gather clients.
Of course, it’s scary at first. You’re your own boss. You’re gonna look for clients. But I would say it’s a better setup for me, especially as a creative who would love to lead more. So I feel like for the younger generations, it’s nice to go through a phase where you question or you don’t know where to go. I feel like that’s a normal thing as someone going through a new phase in your life. But eventually, now that I venture into freelancing, it’s like I absorbed a lot of stuff and then it’s about time to take the next step.
Work-life balance is a big factor for Gen Z in terms of what they’re looking for in a job. How do you practice work-life balance in your occupation?
Kasi with my clients, since I have more freedom and more say in who I work with, I get to have more boundaries. And I feel like, when you work in the creative industry, it feels like 24/7, especially on social media. I learned to slow down in the sense that I created boundaries for myself and created that gap. Of course, to earn your weekends, you have to work on your weekdays, like you have to be disciplined. And it’s harder when you’re a freelancer because you get to choose your time, but also you have to be disciplined enough to manage your schedule as well.
What advice would you give to Gen Z when it comes to dealing with your money as a working young adult?
You really have to think about your lifestyle. It’s like teenage years, but you get to have more money. So I feel like it’s good to look for investments, or what you can afford to invest in so that it can also nurture your lifestyle. It’s important to also invest in yourself. Invest in your skills. I think that’s one of the things that I’ve learned, to have proper savings, but at the same time, also have fun. You earned your money but you also have to envision yourself lifestyle-wise.
Where would you suggest fresh grads can start if they want to get into the creative industry?
I was a self-taught editor. Like, there are a lot of free platforms for you to try and then make it a habit to practice every day. I used to do cringy edits, but now, I’m thankful for the fact that I allowed myself to be cringe to see my progress. If you want to be better at something, you have to think about what kind of 1% improvement you make every day. So that’s something that I’m practicing right now. Also, teach yourself to be creative because, at the end of the day, it’s your own style.
What green flags should fresh graduates look out for when they apply for jobs?
First, you have to gauge starting rates if they are collaborative enough or if they pay reasonably. Next, they don’t just see you by your resume or a piece of paper. They value you as a human. And then my other green flag is when they already know how to set boundaries, even as employers, because sometimes you feel like when you enter a workspace, you can feel exploited because you’re expected to do more after your work hours.
Photography Kim Santos of KLIQ Inc.
Creative and Fashion Direction Andre Chang
Art Direction Gelo Quijencio
Styling Andre Chang
Fashion Assistant Kurt Abonal
Shoot Coordination Jasmin Dasigan
This story was first published on the September First Job MyZine print pack. Order your copy now here.
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