Just Say “Yes”

Here’s to Trying Something New

Original image credit to Ian Schneider

My Dear Lovelians and Lifers,

I am excited to say I succeeded in my goal, and I did it while adhering to who I am as a person. In my last letter, I admitted to a couple fears: 1) expending energy in the “wrong” direction 2) making foolhardy choices. They sort of go hand-in-hand, but come to find out, overthinking all my options does not necessarily lead to life either. Sometimes, moving forward requires me to just say “yes” and commit all the way to trying something new.

When I walked up to the manager of a quaint bookstore/café and asked about potential job openings, I did not at all expect to be offered two part-times. First-off, the manager told me she did not believe there were any openings but kindly gave me the owner’s email anyway. With my resume on file, I reached out, introduced myself, and explained my interest. The resume addition was more of a just in case.

A few days later, the owner contacted me and offered part-time work in her bookstore/café and a part-time position in her law firm. I had never heard of the second one she offered me, but I said “yes” anyway because that is what this season of twenties is all about. Come to discover, it actually utilizes more than a few of the skills I already possess. Who would have thought?

Even if I do not end up turning either into a full-time occupation, I cannot help but feel immense gratitude for where I am right now. I never thought I could have this level of balance in my work life. The couple make such an odd pair but satisfy two important sides to my personality by providing outlets for my love of face-to-face interaction with people other than my co-workers and the more private and solitary aspect of work, though I am seldom alone in either place. An excellent starting point if I do say so myself.

I am an adamant supporter of networking. Human connection can take a person in many different and often unexpected directions. This is why my number one preference for communication is face-to-face, including the job world. Not only does this provide the employer with a small taste of who I am that is outside of an interview, but it leaves the impression of genuine interest online applications just cannot match, or so I have been told by a couple different people in my life who own their own business. Just ask. Because even when the initial impression sounds like “no,” it might turn into a very unexpected “yes.” So, my friends, here’s to trying something new!

Stay Curious,

Olivia

P.S. I highly do NOT recommend the flu. 0 out of 10. Even without the respiratory or stomach problems, it still keeps you down for about a week. So fun. Here’s a strawberry I grew.