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In show business, they say that its all about who you know.
Well, youre in luck because now you know Priyanka!
Im a freelance journalist in my mid-20s, but I aspire to write for TV.
My samples are in pretty good shape, and Ive started sharing my work with writer friends.
The feedback has been pretty good!
The problem is, every time I think Wow, Im doing great!
one of those 30-under-30 lists comes out and I start to doubt myself.
How do I keep myself from being discouraged when it seems like Im surrounded by wunderkinder?
Ive never been on a list in my life!
So, thats magazines.
Now, I realize the readers of this column all want to be Simon Rich, not me.
I absolutely remember how it feels, though.
On top of that, media and entertainment are strange, strange jobs.
And your family and friends have no idea what you do, anyway.
It must feel really nice to be on those lists.
Congrats, everyone on lists!
But for you, it means nothing.
Another promise: The vast majority of happy, successful people havenotbeen on any sort of list.
First of all, lets talk about how these lists are compiled.
That is his or her journey.
There is no one path to success, and its easy to fall into the trap of If only!
Its also important to remember that a lot of these lists are cobbled together by publicists.
As we all know, the media loves a prodigy.
Girl took two semesters of chemistry, and people were referencing her science background!
Dont get me started.
The media loves baby animal friends and stories about people piecing together health-care payments from strangers.
Young people, too, mean more clicks.
The success of other people doesnt mean anything for your own.
Sit down and physically map out your measures of success: a career that inspires and enriches you?
Financial stability within that career?
A support connection of fun, trustworthy friends?
And your life is going to be amazing!
Everyone else does not matter.
David Sedaris was 44 when he showed up on NPR for the first time.
I realize Im also … making a list here, but I hope it hammers in the point.
What Ireallyhope is that you might turn down the volume on this desire (that we all have!)
I get asked a lot what people can doto be noticedorget attention from agents, producers, whomever.
Great work will rise to the surface.
A big chunk of the world is not.
I wish I could snap my fingers and change that, but I cant (yet!).
Connections in the business can certainly get your foot in the door.
This columnexistsso that everyone has access to the same information that people here have been hoarding for generations!
People who are born with a leg up are not going away.
Afford yourself kindness and patience, and keep doing the work.
Youre going to begreat.
Write me back in ten years yo!
