Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Hooray for Life Changes!

I have a new job!

I've been feeling in a bit of a rut for the past year. My original career plan was to dog walk for my company for a couple years, then start up my own company this fall. As that time has been approaching, however, I've been increasingly wondering if that is the right choice. Running a business is a pretty big responsibility (even one as low-stress as dog walking). I wasn't sure that I wanted that at the age of 25, especially while trying to maintain an acting career. After going back and forth on my potential plan for almost a year, I finally decided that I wanted to try something else. With that decision, however, came a whole mess of anxiety. What if I hate my new job? What if no one will hire me (I have a theatre degree and 7 years of animal-care experience - doesn't necessarily translate to high-demand job skills)? What if I can't take time off for shows and auditions like I can with my current job? Add to that the building sense of embarrassment that I don't have a "grown up" job (stupid, I know), and you've got a recipe for a somewhat angsty year.

Then, in the midst of my fluttering around, researching various job opportunities and trying to spice up my resume, I get an email from the leasing agent in my apartment. He's looking for someone to fill in for him part time, and thinks I would be great at the job. A couple weeks of discussions, negotiations, and paperwork later, and I'm the new part time leasing agent. For now I'll be working at the apartment one day a week, and if that goes well, my dog walking boss will consider letting me have off more days.

I'm super freaking pumped, friends. I've always thought I would do well in sales, but have shied away from a lot of sales positions because I think they have a tendency to err on the unethical side. This company seems to really strive to be genuine and honest, and it really is a great place to live. I love the sense of community here, and will feel really great encouraging people to move in. Plus, while this isn't a full-time position, I think it will be the boost on my resume I need to eventually branch out and up in the job world. For now, I'm just really happy to be able to keep dog walking (which I adore) and take steps forward in my career while still being able to do as much theatre as I can squeeze into my life.

Plus, I'm excited to wear something other than sweaty gym clothes to work everyday.
This is how I imagine leasing agents dress. Sexy, no?

8 comments:

  1. girl! we need to get lunch soon! i worked at a property management company for almost a year and now i'm in sales TO property managers. and also we both want dogs in our lives. twinzieees.

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  2. What? You don't walk dogs in a suit?

    Congrats!

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  3. That is so awesome, Katie!! I am hoping I can find something that will suit me soon..working at a camp for little kids currently but definitely need to graduate to a big girl job soon! haha miss you!

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    1. I miss you too!! We need a margarita night, asap!

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  4. Congratulations, Katie. While sales can certainly be used for evil evil, I've found that some good sales experience can be really handy when you have a creative calling.

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    1. Thanks! I agree - I'm all for sales if I feel good about what I'm selling, and feel like I can sell it in a way that isn't morally reprehensible. Definitely useful in the arts :)

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