Dear God,
Four months ago I left my high pressure job in fashion advertising, for a much needed rest. I was confident that I would soon find another role elsewhere.
Summer came and went, and now it’s mid April - the months are slipping by, I’m struggling to provide for my son, I can’t pay my bills and I’m being hunted by creditors all over town. I can’t sleep and start to cry at silly times. You see, I have applied for so many jobs, but can’t find the right fit. I don’t know who I’m supposed to be anymore, or why the last four years of my life hold no significance to the rest of the world. I believed once that I was a beautiful, creative and talented career woman, with much to offer. Every time I smile right now, it’s fake. I’m suffocating on my life and can’t believe that this is what I’ve worked so hard to become.
Mel, Melbourne/Australia
May 21st, 2008 at 2:56 am
Perhaps you need to be more specific with your request to the Universe….What energizes you?!? What would you fight for?!? What are you passionate about even when you are tired or discouraged?!? Where do you envision yourself working? What kind of work would you rather do than fashion advertising? What does your work space look like? What kind of people do you want to work with? What is your commute like?….As for those dreadful creditors..know that being in debt is not your natural state. Abundance will return to you…
p.s….I’ve been in your shoes…right down to the same industry…be patient, love yourself, and everything will fall into place….Meanwhile, do what you have to do to ensure your son’s well being…find something to make do, whilst figuring out where you belong…
May 21st, 2008 at 3:20 am
Seeking for the path is getting away from it, seeking does not necessarily help you find, just be, your essence is in you, not out there…just be… all the best
May 21st, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Take a moment, make sure it’s what you really want/need, and say out loud what you want to have in your life.
Do you have any friends who are also out of work? Take a little bit of time and try to help THEM find work. You may be surprised to find that by helping one, one may be helped.
Goo luck and make sure Ad Agencies in NYC have some sort of promotional mailer from you - even if you have to charge it. Just use the time you do have to promote yourself.
Also- take jobs assisting. Where do you live? You may be in the wrong geography. Can you make a move?
Start a wedding photography biz. It stinks compared to fashion, but how much, really? You can share a lot of joy with folks by doing that…
Check out http://www.unruephoto.com <– a friend of mine makes a KILLING doing this. Maybe think about a move to Orlando… there are still a lot of jobs there, and housing is cheap…
My prayers are with you… one artist to another.
-The Chaperone
May 21st, 2008 at 4:42 pm
“I believed once that I was a beautiful, creative and talented career woman” - Remember Talent is something you can never lose, you might misplace it now and the then, but its with you always - Everyone is in debt, losts of debt, mountains of debt, unless you can repay its all now, there is nothing you can do for the time being, focus getting back your mojo, the money, happiness will come
May 24th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
I have felt so overwhelmed by the kindness and empathy from complete strangers. Thank you! I have actually now paid some of those awful bills, and am back in fashion. Plus I’ve started a fashion blog. Thanks so much much for your advice! My faith in humankind has been restored.
May 28th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Hey Mel,
One big-ass recommendation for you: READ THE BOOK “EXCUSE ME, YOUR LIFE IS WAITING”
I been in similar spots to the one you’re right now. And that book helped a big deal.
God Bless & all of us too
GR