Dear Ella,
I hope you are reading this just because it randomly crossed your mind, but there is a good chance you are here because you’re stressed and starting to get anxious and you just don’t know what to do anymore. I want to remind you why you accepted this job in the first place because I think this question has probably crossed your mind.
Remember that before this opportunity, you received rejections after rejections after rejections and you just don’t know why. You reached a point where you did not care at all if no one wants you, but you are not worried at all maybe because of your small business (which I really hope is still thriving) and also because you know in the back of your mind that you’ll find the right job eventually. You were very confident about yourself. You are willing to start all over again and take on new roles.
When you applied for this job, you were almost certain that you’re not qualified or you’ll never get a call back, or if there is a call back, they’ll probably offer low rates and you’ll just pass on it. You almost forgot that you even applied! You didn’t have high hopes at all. But somehow, you pushed to go to the interview. Even if you’re currently binge-watching a reality show on Youtube, even if you know it costs a lot to travel these days. You went for it because you said you’ll take in every opportunity you get. You said it’s better to try some things out and fail than live with regret.
Remember that when you’re interviewing for the job, you immediately felt a connection. You felt the excitement and even grabbed your rosary and told God to give it to you if it’s really for you. You felt it. You felt that the job is yours. You talked about the women that inspire you since you were in college and just cannot believe that this is happening. During the interview, you already know that this is not a job you can just sleep in. This won’t be a pa-easy easy lang job. You knew that from the get-go. You know you have to work hard, physically and intellectually. And you thought to yourself that maybe you were meant for things that are this big. Remember that right after the interview, you called your mom and told her to pray that you get the job. You love it so much and said it’s a pipe dream and really cannot believe life led you to this path.
Remember that despite the thing that you despise the most, you accepted this job because you know you can get something out of it. You know that this is a stepping stone and this can be huge for the career you are building. You thought of it as an AOC and Olivia Pope moment and reminded yourself that there may be a chance that they once worked in a company they hated before too. You were thinking that if you can consult this to AOC, she’ll say to take the job and do your best while you at it. Remember that you said you’ll regret it if you didn’t even try, that the curiosity will kill you and that at least now, you’ll have this amazing story that you can tell your friends and people you’ll meet. How amazing it is to say that you kind lived an Olivia Pope-type life?
Remember what your friends told you: 1.) “I cannot think of a more perfect job that would make you want to go back out there.” and 2.) “You’ll be okay.” ELLA! YOU WILL BE OKAY!
You accepted this job because it’s campaign season and you just would love to be there behind the scenes. Remember that! Remember the movies and documentaries and shows you would watch and remember when you were in awe? I know reality may be much much more boring and surprising and completely different but this is it! You’re here! It’s a very exciting time for you!
If you’re so so so tired, remember that it’s okay to resign no matter how soon it is. It’s okay if you’re reading this a week after, a month after, or a year after. I know you have done your best. You lived it. You lived your dream and now, no one can take that away from you. You can now apply or volunteer to the people you look up to and you can use this experience as a leverage. I am sure you already learned a lot about yourself, so don’t worry learning much about the industry. Now you can say that you have tried it. I am already proud of you! Look how far we’ve come!!!
Much much love and admiration,
Ella
Shondarella 