The Time is Now

"There are risks and costs to a program of action. But they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction." - John F. Kennedy

This quote has never been more applicable to my life than now. I knew I saved it for a reason. I have taken two 'big steps' in my life recently. One - which isn't that drastic - is getting an apartment for one. Yours Truly. I've lived with roommates through college and the past three years in Chicago but felt it was best to get a place for myself; to call my own. Decorate how I want; entertain when I want; walk around naked when I want; shout and express any vulgarities when I want (however, I don't necessarily need to be alone for that). But I can't deny the main reason I'm getting a place for myself is because the last three years I've had roommates move in with their boyfriends. One is now married to him. Which I couldn't be happier about. The second year, my roommate was in and out so much and my landlord sucked so was overall happy about leaving that building. And the last roommate apparently is pretty smitten with her (now) boyfriend; so much so I hadn't seen her the last two or three weeks we moved (well to pack now and then). You learn a lot about someone when you live with them. And I'm sure I'll learn more about myself after living on my own. I'll save that post for another time.

The second step is leaving my job here at Dig. I interned here in college and am going on 4 years as a full time staff member. The people have been great however I'm burnt out on agency life/consumer PR. Don't get me wrong, there are some cool brands out there, however I didn't work on too many of them. And when you're working 5-6 days a week at the expense of making someone else happy or make money on something you don't believe in or are passionate about - this lil' lady feels anxious, unhappy, on edge and exhausted. All work and no passion makes Sally a dull employee. So after seeing if there any different roles I could create for myself here at Dig, I came to the conclusion that I was just putting a band-aid over the obvious. That I need to try something new; a new environment, new people, new ideas, new work. Something that I am passionate about because that's when I do my best work! I'm sure many people work the same way, however, I'm not a bull shitter (correction: I don't like to bull shit people; I don't literally shit bulls); I can't put on a fake smile and pretend to sell something to someone when I know the square peg won't fit into the round hole. More power to the (rich) people who can do that; but I'm not that type of person. I realize that in my one life (unless reincarnation is real and I come back as the cigarette in my ex boyfriends mouth) I've got to do something that I really enjoy. Especially since I'm at the point in my life when I'm only responsible for myself and my own happiness. I'm not married, not even in a serious relationship right now; no kids. Just myself, my own health, my mistakes, my debt and my joy at the end of the day.

So where am I looking? Well, I do enjoy the communications field. I like writing, public speaking, crafting a unique story for media. But the industry is where I'd like to make the change. I'd like to explore an internal PR role (so working as a PR person for one company vs. multiple as you do at an agency) for a company or organization related to health/wellness, food/culinary arts, music/arts, anything vintage, non-profit, kids, or travel. To date, I've had one interview at a small start-up that offers a health platform for employees; small group but they seem sharp and could offer some interesting growth opportunities. I also saw that the Arts & Business Council of Chicago is hiring a Development Director and the American Heart Association and Chicago Children's Museum are hiring communications/marketing positions right now. And even looking into some work with Prevent Child Abuse America; a current client here at Dig. I'm also trying to network my ass off with friends and acquaintances who work or know people in my interested fields. It's going to be an aggressive two months but I know this is best for me right now.

Onward and upward.