I’ve been in my job for almost six months now. It’s surreal. Walking to work in the morning, paychecks on Friday, paying rent on an apartment (yes, I’m even happy about that). One day I’m basking in the newness of my situation and it feels like I just left the south, and the next day I feel like (dare I say it?) a New Yorker. I have a niche, finally. There’s something comforting about 9-to-5, or in the publishing world 8:30-7…or 7:30…or 8. And there’s nothing like seeing your name on the masthead or putting your nameplate by your desk (and yes, dork that I am, I actually took pictures of my new work space). In my first week at the job, I was just worried about getting fired. Was I overly nervous? You bet. I’d forget to breathe, and go home with what felt like heartburn. No newbie wants to seem naïve or incompetent (Reminder: You’re allowed. You’re new.) Tougher skin comes with time. Working for three bosses ain’t always easy, peeps, so yeah I’ve made some kinda-big-but-mainly-stupid mistakes. The important thing is I’m learning.
What have I learned? Now, I’m no expert, but here’s my two cents, yo:
1) Go with your gut. People thought I was ridiculous for taking an internship a year after graduating (lots of posters on here, included), but I knew it would be the best experience for me because it was my favorite magazine. And even though the pay wasn’t huge, it did eventually pay off.
2) Stop the comparisons. It’s easy to compare yourself to the next whippersnapper coming through the ranks (whippersnapper being Ed’s favorite word, you know). Yes, they are your competition, but you’ll end up where you’re supposed to end up. It took me over a year, but in the end I feel like I got the job that’s best for me.
3) You’re not too old! Despite everyone thinking I had been out of college sooo long before getting a job, I’m still the youngest person in my office. Call me “the baby,” baby.
Good luck guys. See you in 2010.
XOXO
Ed’s Girl Numero Uno
