I've been offered a job as a copywriter for a local eCommerce company here in Seattle. I don't want to give away too much information in such a public space, so I'll just pretend I'm reading off the company policy document again and refer to them as The Company.
I haven't actually started work yet. The Company and I have been going through the paperwork and such, but I start next week. Once I do start, it will mean the end of one of the most trying challenges in my life.
Since graduation day on May 5, 2012 I searched high and low for work. My search took me from "Seattle," to San Francisco, back to "Seattle," then to other parts of "Seattle" (The ironic part is my job is actually in Seattle proper), and everywhere in-between. I scoured the West Coast, from Ferndale to Bakersfield, looking for work.
At first my search was solely focused on what I studied - journalism. I was looking for some small town newspaper that needed a plucky young reporter or editor. As time wore on, it became clear I wasn't getting a job in that field. No one wanted to take a chance on someone so inexperienced, thereby denying my ability to gain any experience, in a field struggling in these modern times.
Truthfully, doubt had already crept into my mind during my senior season at WSU about my commitment to news media as a career, but I figured it was too late by then to turn back. The ensuing job search didn't help matters.
I tip my hat to my college colleagues who are succeeding as journalists at big city and small town newspapers alike. I'm not cut out for it. The next Woodward or Bernstein I am not.
My job search turned to other avenues. I was determined to still use my skills as a writer/editor in some capacity. I started looking for work as a copywriter, content editor, copy editor, or proofreader at various company's marketing/advertising departments. Everybody needs somebody to write or look over their written content.
Still I was met with defeat. Even attempts to find other jobs proved fruitless. I very nearly earned jobs as a dishwasher/busser with The Cheesecake Factory and as an after-school tutor with the Boys & Girls Club. I rejected the former when it became clear I wasn't going to get along my bosses and the latter, after selecting me as a finalist following three interviews, hired someone else.
On it went. Unable to even get a job as a burger flipper, dishwasher, or grocery clerk (One grocery store manager told me bluntly, "We probably aren't going to hire you. Any other questions?") my self-esteem plummeted considerably. I felt overwhelmed; sometimes depressed.
GF started worrying we wouldn't be able to live together anymore - the financial strain was too much for her at times. That prospect, more than anything else, is what kept me going; kept me from giving up.
If it wasn't for the love and support (And incessant nagging) of GF, my family, and some of my friends, I don't know how I would have gotten through it all.
But that's all over now!
It took two applications, two writing exercises, and two interviews, but The Company finally hired me as their new copywriter.
You know when you buy something online there's a few sentences and/or some bullet points describing the features of whatever product you're buying - that's what I'll be doing. I'm the guy describing what your money is getting you. The Company even allows for some wit and whimsy in their product descriptions, which is right up my alley.
I'm looking forward to being employed again, although I realize there are some things I won't be able to enjoy as much anymore. I'll have to stop watching Netflix and funny Internet videos all the time, probably cut back on my blogging, and I'll be seeing less of GF and my family (My new job comes with a lot of late nights). But it'll be worth it to be a productive member of society.
Although I will miss not being able to sing this as my theme song anymore.
In conclusion, I'd like to thank all of you who supported me through this tough time. It's been a rough couple of years, but you've stuck by me. And in case you haven't figured it out by now, I greatly appreciate people who stick by me through life's rough patches.
Thanks to all the readers of this blog! Even if I have to cut back on blogging, I promise not to abandon it completely. It's still a fun little hobby. I have too many stories yet to tell, and I'm sure I'll have some new ones in the days ahead.
Thank you!
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