A cautionary tale
Oh, hi friends!
Hi! Look at me! I’d like to talk to you about a job! What’s the job? Oh, it’s something that you’re not really seeking right now, but who cares, because I’m here and I have your attention and I’d like to tell you about it.
So you’re interested in hearing more? Cool. So you’ll be — one sec, I need to take this call…
Right, back, sorry. The job description is at this link here. I know it’s a little left-of-center from everything you’re pursuing, but…what are you pursuing anyway? Is that even happening? What’s your progress? Cool cool cool. You could definitely do both this and that.
Back to me and this incredible, life-changing opportunity. It’s…well…I’m short on some details right now but rest assured it’s a great step for someone like you. Someone like you could really soar. We’re a little short-staffed so it’s gonna be hectic in the beginning but free lunches so yeah.
What else? The salary is a little on the low side, but did I mention the kombucha on tap?
Hmmm, so now that I’ve completely distracted you and sidelined your day and maybe your week and possibly your month, and got you to picture yourself in an entirely different narrative, far off track from the one you were pursuing before I came parachuting into your life, I’m gonna have to…one sec…
…
…
…
Hey. Just checking in to let you know that we’re going with someone else. Great meeting you! Best of luck!
This is your friendly Monday reminder that shiny baubles are everywhere.
Don’t let them distract you.
Proactive is better than reactive.
You know what you should be doing next — trust that.
“Just because something can’t be a career doesn’t have to mean that it can’t be part of your life and identity. Just because we can’t be the best at something doesn’t have to mean we can’t be a part of it, or have loads of fun failing as we try.”
I like the nuances in this piece by playwright Molly Conway, “The Radical Notion of Not Letting Work Define You” as she sorts through the possibility of not making playwriting her sole source of income but still allowing it to claim part of her identity. Anyone who’s been reluctant to call themselves a “writer” or “creative” or “potter” because that’s not what pays their rent every month might be able to relate.
(h/t Carley Parsons)
Be ready. You never know when (or where) you’ll be asked to share your gift. (Time commitment: 1:18)
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Thanks, as always, for reading.
Love, Kara