I passed the dreaded interview (and got challenged to further improve my craft), signed the papers, and am now preparing to complete the employment requirements.
In a few weeks' time, I will be officially the new Managing Editor for Real Living magazine.
(Writing that down here feels terribly good.)
I waited for this opportunity for years; it wasn't an easy wait, but I am so glad I did. Some people might actually find it crazy that I had to resign from my previous job when, after only a few months, I'd be back in the same company. I could have just endured a few more months in my old job so that I could have retained my regular employment status and all the benefits that came with it. I could have. But I chose not to.
A few more weeks in that old job would have driven me clinically insane. Those few weeks prior to my resignation, I was at my worst--emotionally and mentally, and to a certain degree, physically. I knew I had to get out. And although I don't regret the experience in my almost seven-year job in a pseudo-ad agency department (it honed me to be a better manager and taught me how to handle pressure gracefully), the stress became a monster that I was no longer willing to battle with. It wasn't worth it. Worse, I never had the opportunity to improve something I really love doing--writing (not to be confused with copywriting, please). While my managing skills really did improve by leaps, my writing skills took a backseat. Also, I believe that had I not made that big decision, it would not have been easy for me to grab this opportunity.
But now, now I have the chance to finally do what I've always wanted to do--write, and be part of an editorial team again. I am excited to be part of a team and brainstorm ideas and see those ideas translated into crisp and colorful pages monthly--without any AEs or clients telling me to do a fourth and a fifth study, or that they're sorry they now have a different direction so please make four more mockups from scratch, or let's just tell the crew you already booked for tomorrow that we're moving the shoot next week, kthanksbye.
Emancipation. At last.
That's not to say, of course, that there won't be any stress in my new job. There's no stress-free job, to begin with. But I know that this new set of stress is something I am willing to handle, that it's worth it. And the best part is, this new job makes me want to be a better writer, a better manager, a better team player. This motivation to give all the best that I have thrills me and excites me in a way that my previous job failed to do.
I know that the moment I signed those papers, I also signed up to the challenge of stepping up my game and meeting high expectations. And I promise myself that I shall meet that challenge head on. The Lord has been gracious enough to give me this job. He taught me how to be patient and how to trust in Him more, and that if I remain still, He will grant the answer to my prayers in His perfect time. I know He will provide me with everything I need to be good at this so I can give back the glory to Him.
(To my friends and family who have prayed and supported me in my decisions, THANK YOU.)
P.S.
For the record, the freelancing life has been good to me; and in case the time comes when I have to live it again, I won't be afraid anymore. Haha!
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