I got a taste of my dream job in the city, and I
didn’t have to relocate to New York City (like I thought I would) for it to
happen. I always imagined and considered relocation, should a great career
opportunity arise, but I think the Lord wants me to stay put…for now, anyways.
I believe there are different things He wants to do in my life where I’m at,
before He launches me out elsewhere, and if that’s what He wants, I’m willing
to be obedient. The dream job fit great with my English degree and to my
surprise, I was sought after for the opportunity. I had the chance to sit down
with a kind and friendly professional, who took a liking to my writing, while
offering constructive criticism, and feedback I’ll never forget. I’m keeping a
lot of the details to myself, but what I will share about the meeting is that
everything I saw from the setting, to the friendly and diverse professionals,
to the office view, felt like a flashback of what I’d seen in New York City during
a past visit. I felt like I was right where I belonged, and it was incredible. Before I took this meeting,
I thought about all the different times I’ve been rejected, had my writing
ideas turned down, and heard things from different people like, “English majors
don’t get jobs…” and I thought, “Shame on them…” Did I mention that prior to
this meeting; handfuls of different opportunities have consistently been coming
my way? This is only the beginning…
As you embark on your career, I want you to know some things and stay woke about what you’ll be up against. Please understand that no matter what, you have value, and you matter. Always remember that. As progressive as this world and different workplaces may seem, every workplace has a culture. You’ll be in different places where a lot of people who don’t look like you will be in the room. But know that you belong in those rooms too. Spend some time observing and studying those spaces and learn as much as you can. There will be people you work with who will make presumptions about your competence, education, and ability to fulfill your job duties. There will be more who will think less of you because of the color of your skin and try to disqualify you the moment you make an error, mistake, or ask questions about things you may not understand. This will all feel uncomfortable and you may get insecure, feel like you’re all by yourself, and think you don’t belong there, but ride it out...