Saturday, July 25, 2009

Detour to the Present

I finally, finally, finally ... after two years of fruitless job searching ... have a new job. And this new job represents a new chapter in my life. It closes the books on what has been a difficult, dull five-year stretch that felt like it would stretch on into infinity.

It started in 2004 when I left my first real job as a marketing writer. I worked with a great group of people who are still my friends to this day ... but five years ago, all I wanted was out. I was tired of writing about software; tired of writing lame executive memos about why the last round of layoffs was good for business; and most importantly, just plain tired from working all day, then doing acting classes and rehearsals until late in the night.

I thought that when I got my much-kicked-for-and-screamed-for severance check, I'd finally be free to become the great actress I'd always dreamed of being.

I spent three years chasing down every silly, insulting black character girl role in Hollywood, no matter how small, no matter how no-paying, no matter how unfulfilling.

As the time and the money ran out, I started freelance-writing from home. I got paid once a month ... whenever the guy's wife felt like cutting checks ... and they were constantly trying to nickel and dime me and squeeze me to write for free. I was making less than I made 10 years ago, back when I was a secretary.

It was time to do the unthinkable, go back to work. Put acting aside for a paycheck. Again.

So I took the first job smoking, working full-time from home for one of my former freelance clients.

The last two years can be summed up as ... writing boring copy ... watching Oprah ... procrastinating writing boring copy ... eating chocolate ... lamenting the fact that I was stuck writing boring copy ... more chocolate ... going to church and praying for an end to writing boring copy ... more chocolate ... no jobs to apply to ... reality TV ... big, hiccupy crying jags ... more chocolate ...

It was a life lived alone in sweat pants with holes in the thigh seams. I almost died of boredom and bitterness, not to mention the shame of gaining back the 90 pounds I worked so hard to lose in my early thirties.

And then, finally, on my birthday, a ray of hope. In the form of a Monster ad that sounded like it was written expressly for me. I dashed off a cover note and a resume and hoped for the best. Two weeks later, I donned pantyhose for the first of three rounds of interviews. Two weeks after that, a job offer. And finally, next week, I begin my new life.

Back in an office. In real clothes with buttons and zippers. Around people. Engaged in challenging tasks.

It's the end of Five Years of Sloth, and I couldn't be more excited about the possibilities.

16 comments:

youramoi said...

its good your loving what you'r doing,not many people get to do what they love to do~ = )

Marty J. Christopher said...

That's soooo happy and exciting!! I'm in the same position (well, technically the position you were in before you got the good news!) and I can relate to the frustration you were feeling. Congrats!!

Laetitia :-) said...

Hooray!

And please don't forget to keep us all posted - missed your updates.

Enchantress said...

Congratulations!!!

Lucy Primrose said...

Congratulations!!! Tell us all about the job in more wonderful posts, once you're settled! ;)

Nana said...

congrats! it's too bad the acting thing didn't pan out.. yet. But the new job will do you good ;-)

E.Payne said...

Congratulations! Nothing like feeling fulfilled and prosperous. Be well.

Manchild said...

Congratulations!

Quick question. Have you ever heard the phrase, "Delayed, But Not Denied?"

Enjoy yourself.

Manchild

Anonymous said...

Congrats!!! :)

Dating said...

Congrats to you

Madeleine said...

Congrats!!! I am looking for a job right now as well and it makes happy to hear news like that one.
I really like your blog and i would love to add one another as followers. Just let me know OR add me and I will then add you! Just our trying to network with other creative souls.

Dulce said...

congrats lady. we all have had our season of winter. i experienced a 3-4 year period of hell in my life i called "the dark ages."

i cant count how many tears, pieces of chocolate and negative thoughts i drowned myself in. but now i look back and laugh. God and experience have made me such a stronger and wiser woman that part of me is glad that i went to that fire to be purified.

the best is yet to come! :-D

O.F.C.J. said...

Yay! that is sooo awesome! New beginnings rock. I know you are excited.

O.F.C.J.

Anonymous said...

Congrats to you!!! I hope that the opportunity is everything that you need it to be.

Anya said...

CONGRATS...just graduated last year but it really frustrating ....getting a job is not a joke..i have done some jobs that i never thought i would but patience is needed...i also got some good opportunity this week so i really feel you on the excitement

Mimi said...

Congrats, Anita

You inspire me. I've been cringing thinking about the interviews I have to face. I've got to conquer the boredom monster.

:-)

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