# Interview With Film Recommend

- Published: 2020-09-29 (updated 2022-02-26)
- Author: [Terkel](https://pursuethepassion.com/author/brett.md)
- Topics: [Careers In Communications](https://pursuethepassion.com/topics/careers-in-communications.md)
- Source: https://pursuethepassion.com/interview-with-film-recommend/
- Publication: Pursue The Passion
- Publisher: Connectively (Terkel, Inc.)
- Editorial policy: https://pursuethepassion.com/editorial-policy/

This is an interview with Tiffany Shan, Owner of [Film Recommend](https://filmrecommend.com/).

***![Tiffany Shan](https://featured-com-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/featured-sites/pursuethepassion.com/wp-uploads/2020/09/Tiffany_Shan.png)Where were you at 22, and how did you get to where you are today?***

I was working as a data analyst and while I enjoyed the people I worked with and found the work intellectually stimulating at first, I knew it wasn’t for me. I set off to backpack after saving up and worked remotely for a film director as her personal assistant. I started reading about ways to make money online and that lead me to start a website that recommends cameras and camera equipment to other film enthusiasts!

***When did you really decide to “take ownership” of your career? What inspired you to pursue your passion?***

It’s hard to rely on someone for income as a freelancer. I realized I would need to find several other people to work remotely for to sustain life in New York, where I plan to move next year. While that’s a fine plan, I want to own the means that I make money through and not rely on others’ schedules and whims. Once I realized this, I decided to pursue ownership of my own income.

***All good career stories include some aspect of “risk.” Was there a moment in your career where you felt that you were risking something, but looking back on it now, that move made all the difference?***

My biggest risk was quitting my data job. Looking back, the bigger risk would’ve been staying somewhere I wasn’t suited for but now, I’m incredibly happy I took the plunge.

***Where do you find significance in your work? What gives you the most satisfaction?***

I like learning about some new aspect of web development and mastering it myself. While I don’t plan on doing this forever, I know it gives me the freedom to do what I really want, which is work in film. It gives me satisfaction knowing I am creating a way to sustain my life without spending hours a day on someone else’s dream.

***How do you measure success in your role? How do you know you’re succeeding?***

Since this is a website that monetizes affiliate sales, I know I’m succeeding by my rank in Google and number of affiliate sales per month.

***If you could offer your 22-year old self one piece of advice, what would you say?***

If you feel dead inside, examine why.

## Related

- [Is a Communications Degree Worth It?](https://pursuethepassion.com/is-a-communications-degree-worth-it.md)
- [What’s the Best Career for an Analytical Thinker?](https://pursuethepassion.com/whats-the-best-career-for-an-analytical-thinker.md)
- [How do I become better at sales?](https://pursuethepassion.com/how-do-i-become-better-at-sales.md)
- [14 Careers for Highly Sensitive People (HSP)](https://pursuethepassion.com/14-careers-for-highly-sensitive-people-hsp.md)