Career Journey: An Update

I'm officially 6 months into this new journey in Texas and as I'm settling into my new apartment, I thought I'd update you all on my new career! 

A lot of people see my social media posts with my travel every other day and the events that I've been working on and I've gotten a lot of "What the heck do you do?" questions. So lets start with what I do:

I work at a marketing agency.

But my agency isn't like other agencies I'm told (I have no frame of reference so I just smile).  We have different procedures and specialties and are more diverse and all encompassing than other agencies.

SO - I am an account supervisor at this agency and specialize in experiential marketing.  That means I supervise activations (events) for various brands and ensure that we are meeting (exceeding) all expectations for the brand goals. 

Whether it be a media event, product launch, food truck tour, movie partnership promotion or PR stunt - I help to figure out how we do it, how to give it a wow factor, and then make sure we deliver on all promises. 

Essentially I'm still planning events - but I'm doing them in a different way.  I'm less hospitality, more consumer or media based.  I'm working with big brands to tell their stories and build consumer engagement worldwide.

Got it?  GREAT.

Now 6 months in is still early - but I love my job.  I love the company, I love the people (most), my boss is awesome (unclear if I'm too much sparkle for him), and I'm constantly learning.  The biggest thing for me is feeling challenged. 

I miss hospitality, I miss "planning parties" for every event - but every day I'm growing my skillset and I get to actually choose projects that excite me.  I'm less informed on the agency life and I'm sure a complete frustration to operations at times - but I like to think I bring a level of excellence to the team that makes them ok dealing with my shenanigans. 

I'm lucky that my team is one of the strong ones in the company.  Meaning we are treated like adults, I have a lot of responsibility, a lot of flexibility, and a really powerful support system (Our VP is my actual boss babe life goals, she's truly superwoman).  Having a leadership team that I respect and want to work hard for is a gam changer that I've never experienced before. 

Do I have days I'm unhappy?  Absolutely.  Am I frustrated?  Certainly.  Would I ultimately rather be on a yacht sailing the world?  Obviously.  But as far as being happy with my decision to move to Texas, take a risk on a job that I really didn't meet all the qualifications for - I made a solid decision and I'm happy this team took a chance on me. 

So career journey: an update?  #CrushingIt

The Next Adventure

After six months of yet again committing myself to the life of a lady of leisure, I have officially accepted my next adventure.  And while I am now venturing out into this world of business yet again - I have decided that I'm going to continue to grow my skillset as a lady of leisure.  How does that work you say?  It works because I've chosen a position that I believe fits my personal and professional goals and allows me to be passionate about my work but able to check off my bucket list at the same time.

So here we are - I'm moving to Dallas, Texas.  That makes state number four in 5 years for those of you counting.  And I know what you're thinking and yes - a city that values football, big hair and rhinestones IS going to be my kind of city indeed.  I'm excited to eat all the BBQ, spend time fulfilling my college football dreams, and bring a little California swag to the great state of Texas. 

In keeping with my commitment to work/life balance and refusing to settle in a career - it took me six whole months of diligently reaching out to my contacts, applying to jobs, and interviewing.  I was turned down for a few opportunities I thought would be a great fit and I declined positions I knew would keep me from feeling happy; and happy is the end all goal for me.

This next role is entirely different from anything I've done - and that's a huge risk but something I'm excited to challenge myself with.  I'll be somewhat of a jack of all trades in experiential marketing for an agency in downtown Dallas.   Someone who can manage various accounts and utilize my out of the box creativity.  Don't worry - I will definitely still have heavy involvement in sports but I'll be diversifying my portfolio and working on products/campaigns, entertainment, and music as well.  For those of you who know me well - you know the possibility of utilizing my creative weird out there ideas in a professional setting is my ideal role. 

As always - I'd like to leave you with a moral of the story (because I'm so wise).  While figuring things out for six months has not been easy - the end result is something I'm looking forward to experiencing.  Because I took the time to be really sure and really committed to looking for the best fit - I'm able to create an adventure I believe in.  And that's the greatest advice I could ever give you.  Never settle.  Your life, your career, your attitude - everything - it's your choice.  You have to design a life you're proud of and excited to take part in.  For me - that means taking risks and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone.  New experiences and feeling good at work everyday is important to me. 

Whatever makes you happy, makes you get up and go in the morning - do that.  And if you're not there yet - keep looking.  Don't ever give up.  I've moved 4 states in 5 years chasing the dream.  And there's no guarantee this next stop will fulfill that dream.  But in taking a calculated risk - I'm ensuring that I won't settle, and even if this isn't my last stop - I'll make it one hell of a good time.

#SparkleOn #HappyNewYear