We are bringing “Darling Letters” from your inbox to the blog! We love the art of letter writing and believe it helps build authentic community. Our editors and contributors have thoughtfully written encouraging letters to cut through the busyness and speak straight to your heart.
Since living in Los Angeles, I’ve had a number of jobs. Barista. Editorial Assistant. Freelancer. Creative Writing Teacher. Nanny. Teacher’s Assistant. Event Coordinator. Managing Editor.
I can recall the stories tucked neatly behind each title. The 3:30 a.m. wake up calls for the coffee shop. The venue tours as an event planner. The games with a classroom of third graders. From a cursory glance, my resume may seem random. At many times, the journey felt that way—even as I was living it out.
From a cursory glance, my resume may seem random. At many times, the journey felt that way.
I came to L.A. with my Jeep packed to the brim to pursue my dream of being a women’s magazine editor. The path certainly has not been linear. Many times when I was sweeping the floor of a coffee shop, changing diapers or tearing down decor, nothing made sense. When the rejection letters in my email piled up, I often felt lost and like a failure.
Today, I look back and smile knowing that every “random” job actually was not random at all. Working with kids taught me creativity and a sense of humor. Working as a barista taught me people skills and empathy. My time as an event planner taught me organization and leadership. I wouldn’t change my nonlinear career path for anything.
Today, I look back and smile knowing that every “random” job actually was not random at all.
Sometimes, when we are on the journey and it doesn’t look like we planned, it can be easy to call it “bad.” Let’s dare to call even the unknown good. Every experience is used for the building of our character. Even if our paths are not linear or seemingly perfect, there is still purpose in each step along the way. Nothing is wasted.
With love,
Stephanie Taylor, Darling Online Managing Editor
Has your career path looked different than you anticipated? Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your younger self?
Image via Tony Li Photography
1 comment
Last week, I just quitted my first job. This article has set my mind to new perspective and enabled me to focus on my craft, while still, on the “waiting.”