What I’m Working On and Why
FSO in 2025 and beyond and what’s in store for the community.
Bringing back these emails is probably one of the best decisions I’ve made in a LOOOOOOOOONG time. Not only is it helping me but it’s also helping anyone who is reading them. Writing these emails have made me reevaluate my own plans and execution style.. FSO is what is needed RIGHT NOW and I think I brought it back right on time.
I wanted to give you all a run down on what I’ve been working on myself.. for FSO… and what I’m working on for the future of FSO.
Personal (Tee)
I’m going back to school. I finished my associates degree a few years ago (my job paid for it, why not?) and promised myself that I would get my bachelor’s degree as well. Well that time is now. I start back to school in the fall working on my bachelor’s of science in the tech field. At first it didn’t make sense but the more I put it off, the less I wanted to do it. So now I’m forcing myself to complete it to set a standard.
If you’re in tune with the markets (especially the labor market), you know in times of economic downturns and uncertainty, a lot of people go back to school to build up their skills and be a better candidate in the job market as requirements and expectations of workers tend to get higher and higher. A lot of companies are only hiring candidates with bachelor’s degrees, only hiring managers with master’s degrees or better, and just making it overall A LOT harder to get a foot in the door. A combination of degrees/skill/certs, experience, and grit is the only way you can survive in a market like this.
As most of you know, I work in the film industry. I’m an on set electrician and lighting technician. I’ve worked on many big projects for companies like HBO, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Starz, and more. When I tell you this, take it to heart and understand I am not lying: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS HERE AND THE TIMELINE FOR IT IS A LOT MORE SPED UP THAN YOU THINK. I watched my industry go from 400+ productions in the state of Georgia in 2022 to less than 20 total as I type this. The last couple of projects I have worked on all used AI. I’ve been in this industry since 2018 and it was never like this. We used to have crews of 10. Now with AI, those same crews might require 4 people. See what I mean? Production companies aren’t spending as much to employ physical humans because they can do a lot of the work on a computer. You’ll see the uptick in animated and CGI heavy work soon. It is here to stay and it is important that you continue to skill up BEFORE it affects your job and not AFTER.
The older I get, the more I hear those words my teacher spoke back in high school about high school diplomas vs college degrees and earning potential. A lot of people will play themselves in this lifetime by downplaying credentials and expertise. College isn’t the only way BUT it opens doors that otherwise would have never opened to you if you didn’t have the knowledge and network afforded from your studies (and the people you met during this time.
I'm not stopping at one bachelor’s degree either. I’m looking to have 2-3 bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree or 2 by the time I’m done. I’m going back for 2 reasons: 1) for me personally (the knowledge and opportunity it will afford me and my family) and 2) to set an example for my younger siblings and future children. My parents didn’t have 4 year degrees: my mom had a 2 year degree and my father a trade. I know that to make it in 2025 and beyond, the minimum I need is a 4yr and a trade. Can’t complain, just have to get back to work.
Business (FSO)
For FSO… I have A LOT in store…
FSO 3.0 — newly designed FSO (THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE). Chuck has been hard at work on a new redesign for FSO’s main site. If you loved the old site, then you’ll be even more in love with what we have in store for the new one
The Stack Store — new merch, bringing back old designs for those that have missed them, the store will be open in the next week so stay tuned to your email so you can scoop the tshirts and tank tops!
Stacker Mail — Stacker Approved Gear, Stacking Knowledge, Stacker News (3 new series)… + Voice recordings/speeches from Tee — this will be for my paid subs only… I’ll be recording daily affirmations, pep talks, motivational tidbits etc for my paid subscribers to save and listen back to when needed.
Growing the community organically through word of mouth (people like you!) and through Substack. I plan on giving you as much content as I can physically get out while I’m in school and pivoting along the way. The authentic FSO experience, all in email form.
So just keep opening your emails. Keep paying attention. Keep tightening up. KEEP STACKING.