A New Metamorphosis, out of the Chrysalis She Flies (Personal) - 5/27/16

It's amazing how life can change its course so quickly. I was brought up with the mantra All things happen for a reason. As I've aged and grown, I find this statement to be more true every year.

I won't bore you with my life story, but for the past year and a half I have been working as a manager at a coffee shop. I've worked with some truly amazing people and practically swam in a sea of free coffee. I learned a lot about being a leader and about who I am as a person through this job. Two days ago I put in my notice, with only two shifts left.

Why did this happen so suddenly? I start a new job on Tuesday, and it feels unreal. My official job title is: Graphic Designer, not Shift Leader. The office is downtown in an old, historic building with high ceilings with gorgeous molding, white walls, plenty of sunlight, and orchids scattered about. If I were to imagine my dream office, this place is what I would have dreamed about. Not to mention that this is a real graphic design job, for a real agency that does social media graphic design for mainly beauty and salon brands. It couldn't be more perfect.

I've easily been looking for that "big-girl job" since I finished the design program at the UW last summer. It's taken over a year for me to get here, and it wasn't easy. But I can't forget the humbling experience of working hard in a job I knew wasn't for me. I got down on myself a lot, and it affected my attitude towards the grind (at a coffee shop, ha ha) of the service industry, and honestly, my life in general. I felt very stuck where I was and bitter towards the fact that I am pushing 30 and was still working there.

The truth is, it is never as dark as it seems. I was there because it was a job and I had to pay my bills. I had to give a shit, take care of myself, and remember how good I have it. I'm running two (sort of 3) brands outside work. I've been back to school twice. I've got my own wonderful, little family unit of a goofy, lovable dog and my favorite human in the whole wide world that I can be creative and weird with. We're doing and making awesome things. I'd begin to remember how much fun coffee culture is, and how I can delve into that in order to enjoy the cafe while I was still a barista.

I must give a shout-out to those coworkers who have found their calling through service. These people do a lot of hard work, work really strange hours, and are kings and queens of working with people. It's amazing how you can change someone's day with one cup of coffee, and their passion and drive for the beans and the customers are crazy-admirable.

I guess my point about this post is: if you work hard, stay positive, and make the best out of what you've got, you can't go wrong. It's a bit of a cliche, but there is so much truth to why this fact has been repeated so often. You, too can make your dreams come true. Your ship will come in, and when it does, it's only the beginning. Until it does, enjoy walks in the rain, farmers markets, cups of coffee, stupid furry animals, or whatever little simple, magical, everyday treasures that make life worthwhile. When your day comes, also remember that you need to keep those things around still. No job is easy, and while a career is wonderful, I know I can't curl up with it at night. I can have it all, and I will have it all.

I can easily say these have been just the sweetest days of my life. I thank everyone who has been a part of it. <3

xx emily