It's been almost six months since I finished graduate school.
As everyone who reads my ramblings knows, I spent the first three of those months traveling all around to my friends' weddings. And, for the past three months, I've been working as many hours as I can at Trader Joe's to pay my bills and contribute to society again.
All the while--from a few months before I finished my degree up until now--I've been meeting and greeting like cuh-ray-zee. Since I worked full-time as a coach and spent many-an-hour studying as a full-time student, I didn't really have the time to "network" or get to know people in my field like I should have. In all honesty, I didn't really feel like I knew Portland that well when I finished school. I know, I know. I grew up here. But, I moved away after high school for college, and then I settled in Austin for a couple years. Things changed.
I knew what I wanted to do with my education, I just wasn't sure it really existed. I wanted to land in a company where I could stay for a while...where I could work full-time, not freelance. I wondered if there was a firm that just did the writing for companies, not necessarily public relations or advertising. Just the writing. I didn't want to be in cutthroat journalism again, and I desperately wanted to nestle into a team-like atmosphere with people who were serious about writing.
I found this company called AHA!, right out of the gates, way back in July. I applied for a contract writing position, but I didn't get it. After checking out the
company's website, I thought it seemed oh so cool, and I wanted to learn more, so I asked if I could come out for an informational interview. At this point, I didn't even really know what that meant, but I heard other people talk about info-interviews, so I set one up. I heard all about how AHA! is a communications firm with an expertise in writing. They have Thursday afternoon writing workshops and an annual weekend writing retreat for their employees. There are many skilled writers on staff, who mentor younger employees, and a great majority of the staff contributes to their yearly creative writing publication.
I knew I wanted to be at AHA!, but they didn't have any openings at the time. Their writers and editors are so skilled, too, I wasn't sure I'd ever have the experience to be considered a viable candidate. How could I get experience writing if I wasn't getting hired anywhere? I wasn't sure, but I kept in contact with a great lady at AHA! through my 2011 Networking Extravaganza.
During this time, I met with communications execs, chefs, marketing professionals, people in publishing, friends-of-friends, Nike employees, and the list really goes on and on. I want to go back and count the number of coffee dates I set up just to pick peoples' brains and hope to make the right connection.
Every time I met someone new, I appreciated what they had to share with me, but in the back of my mind, I still had the feeling like I was supposed to be at AHA!, and why couldn't AHA! just have an opening for me.
When I started working at Trader Joe's, I felt relieved and also humbled. At first, it was tough to swallow my pride...I mean, I had just worked so hard to further my career in writing, and I turned down a full-time coaching job. And then, there I was, stocking shelves and packing groceries. But I have to say, it was fun, and everyone I worked with was genuinely so nice. I really don't know if I've ever worked anywhere where I felt like people had my best interest at heart at all times. Don't get me started on what a great company TJ's is, either. I was such a loyal customer before I started working there, and I certainly will be forever more.
So, why does it sound like my time at TJ's is in the rear-view, and why did I mention my love affair with AHA!? Well...because...they had this opening for a project manager...and...well...I. GOT. HIRED.
I am absolutely so thrilled!!!
I got kind of bummed every time a new job prospect didn't work out, but this little piece of my heart kept telling me AHA! was the place for me, so just be patient. I know there were days and nights when I wasn't patient at all. My frustrations got the best of me sometimes. I complained and wondered if I would get my break after all that hard work.
I am thankful for my parents, siblings, friends, and super duper patient boyfriend for telling me to keep at it...to make just one more coffee date and meet just one more professional. I am so thankful for all the great connections I made at TJ's, too. From customers to coworkers, it's been an outstanding experience. It also reminded me just how unpredictable people are and how important it is to treat everyone equally.
So, just to recap: Last Sunday I found out I won the TJ's pumpkin pie contest and got to take home a 16-pound turkey...then on Monday, I had my second interview and got a phone call a few hours later with a job offer...then, of course, last Thursday was Thanksgiving. I must mention what a wonderful time I had in Albany with Taylor's family for that. His grandmother went all out with games and prizes, and the food was magnificent! I also convinced Taylor to take home a six-foot fake Christmas tree! Yahoo! The holidays are here, propelled by one of the best weeks all year!
I am SO THANKFUL!
