Update: This post was also published at Damsels in Success.
I started a new job on Wednesday. At 23 years old, I am now the Executive Director of a young professional organization whose mission is to attract and retain young talent and leadership in my area in order to contribute to the regions’ economic, civic, social, and public policy futures. Can’t get more Gen-Y Princess than that.
After one of the best first days at work ever, a day that left me dazed at the possibility of it all, I sat with my friend Hercules at his condo. His condo is trendy and beautiful, and immaculately clean, like in a commercial, the kind of clean that makes you feel dirty even if you’ve just taken a shower.
I was admiring the lack of spider webs in the upper corner of the wall, thinking about my new job, about what exactly I had gotten myself into and how I would be able to pull it off, when Hercules asked me an interesting question:
“If the worst happened, would you be okay? Can you accept the worst case scenario? Can you fail and survive?”
I turned to face him and nodded slowly. Yes, I thought, I could fail. If young talent left the city in droves, and everyone in the city hated me, if I bankrupted the organization and it tumbled down in flames, if I ruined my reputation and only rodents of the squirrel variety would talk to me, I would be okay. I would survive.
“Because if you can envision failure,” he said, “and you know that your life would go on, and you would still wake up every morning, and get out of bed, then life is at your feet.”
“Yes,” I said, out loud this time. “I’d be okay with failing. Life would go on. I would still wake up and get out of bed every morning. Well, five days out of the week, at least.”
“Good,” he said. “Then you’ll succeed.”
36 replies on “My new job”
Wow, that sounds like a fantastic opportunity. Congratulations!!!
congratulations on your new job! I’m happy for you. It’s good to be able to work in an environment that you truly believe in and able to make a difference. I am currently reading Guy Kawasaki’s “The Art of the Start.” He said something that I really like, “Having that desire [desire to make meaning] doesn’t guarantee that you’ll succeed, but it does mean that if you fail, at least you failed doing something worthwhile.” On a side note, I am starting a segment on my blog called, “Gen-Y Leader” inspired by one of your articles. The first post will be up on Monday, so make sure you check in for that. :)
First, sounds like a slick job. Perfect for your mindset from what I read on this blog anyway.
Second, the bit about envisioning complete failure and becoming okay with it is sagaciousness typified. I think that’s a fantastic idea.
Take some time to celebrate. You’ve got plenty of reasons to do so!
@ Alexandra – Thank you!
@ Ray – Thanks for the quote from Guy. He can always be relied on to get you going. Also, sounds like a cool series- I will definitely look forward to reading on Monday.
@ Chuck – Thanks, Chuck! I am excited. I should also say the other half of this conversation was envisioning complete success and what would happen if everything went right. In reality, obviously, it will probably be somewhere in between, with steps of both failure and success along the way.
Congrats, Rebecca!! Sounds like an amazing opportunity. Looking forward to hearing more about it.
And I love your friend’s question. Sounds like a good one to ask people starting their own businesses too.
Congrats again!
You will succeed and be my hero! I wish I would have learned earlier the practical skills of networking and leadership. You’re going to provide a great resource for your community!
Congrats Rebecca,
sounds like you got the world is literally your oyster and in the palm of your hand.
All the best!
Congratulations, Rebecca. You are one of the new (fearless) leaders I mentioned in today’s post — you are rewriting the way we think and operate. I am honored to have met you.
I’m glad you’re loving it – change can be overwhelming, but the good change is the kind that lets you forget all the scary parts and just enjoy the new, the exciting, the hopeful of it all. Have a great second week!
“Only those willing to fail miserably can achieve greatly.” -JFK or his brother…maybe both. I can’t remember exactly, but I think it’s what your story is saying.
Great work getting that job Rebecca! Congrats, that sounds like a really neat position to be in, and one that aligns perfectly with your interests and passions. Hope you enjoy. =)
Nice! You sort of expect confidence from someone named “Hercules,” don’t you? It is excellent advice and good to remind oneself of every once in awhile.
I will refrain from analogies to Augean stables and the cleanliness of H’s condo. :)
Comments On Happiness = Music, Battle Cry & Orkut…
More fun feedback from Ypulsers in the comments. Rebecca responded to my post about the MTV/AP poll on what makes teens happiest (music!) writing: Music definitely makes me happy. I think if the music industry were able to harness the……
@ Lindsey – Thank you. I appreciate your support. Hercules does give out a lot of good advice!
@ Lela – I don’t think I’ve ever been anyone’s hero before.. sounds like a lot of responsibility. Luck y for me, I love a good challenge :)
@ Quasar9 – Good to see you back, and of course the world is in the palm of my hand. Isn’t it in everyone’s?
@ Valeria – I’m honored to be associated with you! Your blogs is one of my favorites that I learn from each day. Thank you for the encouragement.
@ Tiffany – yes, it is fun! The scary bit keeps me on my toes and the fun parts keep me happy :)
@ Ryan – shouldn’t a journalist major know where his quotes come from? ;) Kidding. Great quote. And thanks!
@ Cody – Thank you! It does feel like the “perfect job” but only time will tell…
@ Sonia – I’m glad people are enjoying my nicknames.. and your analogy reference made me chuckle. Thanks for the support!
Congrats! It is great you can help your own area.
Many congrats. Your blog is impressive, and I’m sure your work as an E.D. will be just as strong.
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