Favorite Parts of Being an Independent Media Creator Working For Myself
Willa's greatest enjoyment stems from the "flexibility and freedom" afforded by their independent media role, contrasting sharply with previous experiences in corporate and higher education where rigid schedules negatively impacted their well-being. This autonomy allows Willa to prioritize personal life, "go[ing] home and see[ing] family every six to eight weeks," demonstrating a successful prioritization of work-life balance over financial gain.
Flexibility, Time Management, Independence, Work-Life Balance, Entrepreneurship
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Willa Cutolo
Independent Media
Independent Organization
UCLA
N/A
English, Writing & Education, English
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Operations and Project Management
Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Flexibility and freedom in scheduling are highly valued aspects of Willa's current role as an Independent Media professional. She emphasizes the negative impacts of rigid work schedules on her well-being in previous positions, contrasting them with the autonomy she enjoys now.
2. Willa's experience highlights the importance of work-life balance. Her ability to regularly visit family demonstrates the benefits of a flexible schedule in maintaining personal relationships and overall well-being.
3. The interview emphasizes that financial compensation isn't the sole measure of job satisfaction. Willa prioritizes her time and personal fulfillment, suggesting students should consider their own values and priorities when choosing a career path.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your current role?
The thing I love most about my job is truly the flexibility and freedom I have with my time. I've worked jobs where I didn't have that, where I was locked into a traditional eight to five or nine to six schedule with assigned hours. I really struggled with that.
Mentally, I wasn't my best. I was sad and felt disconnected from the world around me, especially when I was working in corporate. The time constraints and expectations of roles like residential life in higher education were also difficult for me.
What I really value most about being independent and having my own LLC is that I get to determine when I do certain things. If there's something I don't want to do, I won't. If there's something I really want to do, I can make compromises that only affect me, not a team of coworkers.
My number one favorite thing about this is the freedom over my schedule. I get to go home and see my family every other month, every six to eight weeks I'm back in Arizona. It's a charmed life.
Granted, it's not a ton of money, but I have everything I could want. I'm not really pressed over money because I can't get time back.