an interesting twist in the career path

You know, it's funny how things can change at the drop of a hat.

I had recently accepted a position with a company I considered a dream company of mine. One that is a well-known and prominent fixture in the publishing world. The position itself was not quite where I wanted to be, but it would have been a foot in the door to possibly where I would want to get to. I wasn't quite sure if it would have been the best role for me, but I wanted to give it a chance, with the understanding that there would have been growth within the company.

When I first began my job search, I immediately jumped at the chance to apply for the position with my former company that stood out and made me excited and hopeful. At the time, it was a position that had not been created yet, and I wasn't sure if it would be. For months, there was no news and while budgets were still being decided upon, as it goes when companies create positions.

Once I knew things were not progressing the way I needed them to for my own personal life, I amped up my job search, my follow-up became persistent to a fault, and my phone was consistently in my hand, applying to every job I could and reaching out to as many contacts as possible. This is where my contact with the 'dream company' came into play. After months of connecting, we finally got to a point to where I was offered a role.

Literally a few days later, my former recruiter with my former company phoned, with the unbelievable offer I had been waiting for. Doing the pros and cons, I came to the difficult decision that my best choice, professionally and personally, was to accept the offer that came from my former company. It offers great work-life balance, the pay makes my life much easier and much more stable, and the job itself does offer a more independent and social aspect that I feel I will really enjoy and do well at.

Throughout my career search, I have come to the realization of the intersection of my interests and goals quite often. Part of me still dreams that one day I will be some phenomenal editor of a publishing house or magazine empire, crafting publications that impact and offers pieces that provoke conversation. And a big part of me is coming to the realization how much I love helping people, communicating with them and making them feel that they can depend on me. I ADORE that feeling. It was one of the most enjoyable parts of my last position, and I loved every time I would be reaffirmed that my work ethic was coming through.

I graduated college barely less than a year ago. I know I am still in the infancy of my career choices, and I have plenty of time to figure it all out. But right now, I'm so excited to tackle this next hurdle. It's quite a curious thing when you go to school for one thing, and once you're out in the professional world, those goals can shift. And that's perfectly ok. You never know what amazing opportunities might happen when you start looking beyond the comfort and limits of your degree. Taking that job that might not necessarily be in the field you went to school for could end up being just as much of a dream, if not, better than what you originally thought it would be.

I hope I'm not the only one who thinks this way! Let me know if anyone out there has had a situation like this!

finally, good news

I have to admit, I wasn't sure this day would come entirely, but I had hope it would work out for me.

Throughout my college career, I often was reminded of just how exclusive and uniquely selective my field can be. Never have I been more aware of the phrase, "cannot get a job without experience, but cannot obtain experience without a job," than attempting to job search in the English field. The market is saturated with writers, bloggers, editors, copywriters, and more, and few are eager to take a chance on someone fresh out of college with the right degree but lacking in years of experience. It's been trying.

However, if I have learned anything from this job search here, it has absolutely been the value of connections. Early on in my search, I connected with someone in HR at the company I dreamed to work for. I maintained contact, I followed-up, I was persistent to the point of borderline annoyance. But this all showed my determination to become part of the company. It showed my persistence to show my passion and my skills.

Lo and behold, this position did in fact come through, much to my extreme happiness, and I am now happily employed! And within my field to boot! I cannot describe how wonderful this feeling is to finally feel I have purpose here. I am beyond excited to roll up my sleeves and get to work.

I plan to update some more when I can, so please be on the lookout for more to come!

grateful

( chalkboard print from garvinandco)

You know, this year, I won't lie, has been a really awful, terrible, no good, very bad kind of year. We lost Prince, Leonard Cohen, Professor Snape himself, and David Bowie. We've had terrorism strike Aleppo and Syria, Hillary Clinton's heartbreaking election results, and the resurgence of hate groups in America that have long since been silent suddenly rearing their ugly heads. 2016 can go down as one of the worst years we as a world have ever experienced. I don't think anyone would fight me there on that.

As the holiday season slowly begins to creep in the backyard and faintly knock on the door, I will admit it's been hard to find the silver lining out of this shit year. It's been hard to get excited. I know for myself, there's lots up in the air that is making it hard to get onboard with everything. I've been stressed out about our move, finding a position, money... being an adult has its' advantages and disadvantages sometimes.

Nevertheless, I strive to be an optimist, and I know there are many personal and wonderful things to be grateful for this year.

My sister. You guys, Sarah has had such an amazing year and I am so incredibly happy for her. Not only did she get married this March to the best guy around, Justin, but she surprised everyone at Thanksgiving with the news that she is expecting a little boy come May! My sister is such a strong and encouraging lady. She's been blessed with such joy this year in ways I have always hoped as her sister she would receive, and I cannot wait to see what 2017 brings. I know I personally cannot wait to have a baby nephew to hold and spoil!

Ashley. It would go without saying that of course I'm thankful and grateful for my fiancee and partner, but this year especially takes a special spot. Ashley has been my rock and my support while I finished school, and in return, she has finally been granted some well-earned congratulations for getting into grad school for PT. She has worked diligently to get accepted into the program and I cannot wait to be there for her the way she was for me this year in so many ways. We officially reached not only our two year anniversary this year, but also started the countdown to our wedding, as it now less than a year away! October 22, 2017 will be here before we know it.

Family. I really did luck out sometimes when I think about the support system I have, not only with the family I was born into but the family I choose as well. The people who I am so lucky enough to have surround me, that's who really are the greatest. My mom, Ashley's mom, Caitlin, Jessi, Megan (MJ!)... So many wonderful people, and seriously you all are the real MVP. Thank you for caring, for appreciating, for supporting. I'd be lost without you all.

I think this about sums up my thankful thoughts for this year. I know 2016 has been pretty rough, but I'm so excited to see what's next. 2017 has some pretty amazing and wonderful events to plan.