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Dear John

Look to career goals when making choices

First published 12th August 2004 (amended Feb 2008)

Question:
I have been offered a fairly meaty but one-off part in a primetime TV series - my character dies in the end! - and also a lead part in a touring show that I have fancied for a long time. Only trouble is, the opening week of the show and the shooting days for the TV episode clash. My agent has done her best to sort something out but there does not seem to be a solution. Both producers say they want me but neither can shift their dates. What do you think?

Answer:
I think that if I was to make your career decisions for you, I would not be very popular with your agent - or with you - if it did not work out. First of all, congratulations. A lot of us have had the feast or famine experience where there is no work for ages and then two clashing jobs turn up at the same time. And I think we would all agree that of the two situations, the feast is a lot more preferable.

You have done the right thing in trying to see if both can still happen - after all, a high profile TV appearance can certainly help tour ticket sales. It seems on this occasion that that option is not open to you and once again you are doing the right thing in considering the future implications of each choice, rather then jumping at the biggest, shiniest option as a matter of course.

Lastly, even if you have an agent whose judgement you trust, you must make the final decision yourself. Certainly, a good agent's advice should be listened to and valued but you are the chief executive of your own career and expecting anyone else to think for you is unfair to you and also to them. I do not know the specific details of the two shows you are going for but what is actually more important is that you have detailed long-term goals and a vision for where you want to end up in your overall career.

Successful companies have mission statements and successful performers should have one too. If in five years' time your mission is to be a regular in a primetime soap, then the TV option may be the one to go for. On the other hand, if you see yourself as West End star, then the tour might be the one to choose. Alternatively, if your TV goal is more entertainment then drama origina-ted, the live show now may be your route to that success later. In other words, there are not necessarily absolute right or wrong career choices - there are just the right and wrong choices for your career. And unless you have a really clear picture of what that career goal is, you cannot make those choices.

A pencil and paper and some thinking time will help you work out your goals. I look forward to seeing you on the TV or on the stage soon - the choice is all yours.