I love how this picture "speaks" so many things.When I got laid off from my job as a copywriter last week, I didn't feel as distraught as I'd had in the past when I'd experienced the loss of a job. For one, this was an honest-to-goodness, budget-related layoff—no boo-boos, no office drama...at least that's what I'd like to believe and what I've been reassured of.
In the 12 weeks/3 months I was working for Avon, I've come up with memorable taglines, emails, and collateral copy for the trend brand that is mark. I've met beautiful and amazing people in the course of my time there—so no regrets, more or less. I only wish I'd had more moments to grow and blossom within that environment, but I believe that the time one is given in a place, is the time one has in that place, like I've said in this post.
And, unlike in the past wherein it took me months, or even more than a year to pen my thoughts, this time I'm speaking out while it's fresh. It was such a very pleasant conversation that I'd had with my boss, that I now have fond memories of the office and of mark. Plus, I still have the eBoutique I'd put up for research, so maybe now I could actually market it; or at least finally shop for items online.
The photo above was taken over the weekend at a friend's birthday party. I love it because it speaks a thousand words: the mark. outfit and lipstick; the genuine smile and excitement that comes with the anticipation of dessert; the way my stacked rings were captured in the photograph; the delicious banoffee pie a friend of mine made (a recipe that a former colleague shared), and more. And just like how newlyweds cut the cake as a symbol of their new life together—or, as I've learned from an elderly, soft-spoken painter I'd met at the party, how stomping on a wine glass in Jewish weddings signifies "getting the first disaster out of the way"—I welcome this change with the same sheer anticipation of all great things to come.
With friends Kat and Happy at the latter's birthday breakfast where I got to borrow one of these gorgeous Alexis Bittar necklaces on my last day at mark. (the two actually had no clue that it was).
Sorry to hear that Mariel! But as always, your writing serves as inspiration that life is what you make of it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maita! I see this also as an opportunity to test all the career principles I've been talking about and heed my own advice :)
ReplyDeleteI like this part: "I believe that the time one is given in a place, is the time one has in that place". Which means we all should make the most out of the phases of our lives. And when we're done, we can be nostalgic, but we should be mature enough to understand that we can never live in the joys of the past. :) Am I making sense? :))
ReplyDeleteOf course you are, Rachel! Thank you :) I constantly have to remind myself to be in the moment and enjoy life as it's happening.
ReplyDeleteI'm wishing you all the best for the next big adventure, Mariel! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Doctor Kelly!
ReplyDeleteYour story and writing always inspire me.
ReplyDelete"I only wish I'd had more moments to grow and blossom within that environment, but I believe that the time one is given in a place, is the time one has in that place..."
I could very well relate to that line having worked at the W_rld B_nk Group for almost 4 years before my contract expired last June. I could even say the same... "I only wished that I had more moments to grow and blossom within that environment,but I believe that the time one is given in a place, is the time one has in that place..."
I am inspired with your positivity and your ability to accept the loss of a job.
Now, the future looks so bright for me (and you!), I have to wear my shades. :)
Cheers,
Karina
I love your photo here :) You look so sincerely happy, I noticed it on FB first and was glad to read more about it in this post..
ReplyDeleteAnd there's so much optimism and inspiration in what you wrote, Mariel! Good luck on your next big adventure!
Awww... Thanks, Karina! :) I'd love to hear also where you end up next! Good luck and hope you'll have a lot of fun wherever you'll be! (Also hoping the same for me!)
ReplyDeleteIse!! Is that you?:) Thank you! Yup, this photo was really candid; I was eagerly cutting my slice of banoffee pie and I looked up and my friend Happy was taking a picture :D
So sorry to hear about this. Change is never easy. Funny, I am just reading Dominique Browning's book Slow Love as I write this. Very thoughtful and honest, not unlike your blog entries :). Good luck!
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