#TGIM
Jill: I have been inspired by many people and experiences in the last 24 years. I guess you could say I’ve had my share of epiphany moments, which many others have had at some point in their lives. TGIM was certainly one of them – and it has had a significant effect on the way I choose to live my life.
Robert Schwoch is a journalism professor at the University of Wisconsin, where I received my undergraduate degree. The first lesson he ever taught me was how to write a press release – by comparing it to a Britney Spears pop song. I knew from the first day that he was going to be one of my favorite professors. Over the course of the next two years, he taught me many things about communication, journalism and social media – but one lesson will always stand above the rest.
On the last day of each semester, Robert would give his best life advice – a sort of commencement speech to his “graduating class.” He passionately advised each of us to seek a career in something we love – to find that something that makes us tick and pursue it adamantly. His talk was full of amazing advice, but one line in particular has stuck with me to this day.
“Most people say TGIF – I love my job so much that I say TGIM!”
Now I know that most of you are rolling your eyes right now and thinking, “that’s crazy,” which is fine. Robert wasn’t suggesting that people shouldn’t enjoy their weekends, or time away from work pursuing other interests and passions. Instead, he was hoping that all of his students would find the same thing that he has – a job that makes you excited to get out of bed in the morning.
That is a large part of why Jenn and I started this blog. We truly hope to encourage everyone we know to take a risk and pursue a job that they are truly passionate about – no matter if that means working for yourself or someone else. Moving forward, we will dedicate every Sunday post to washing away the “Sunday night blues” by igniting some conversation around passion and the workplace. Just like Robert, it is our hope that someday more and more people will be able to say #TGIF and #TGIM.
To kick things off, we’re taking everyone back to grade school! Remember when your kindergarten teacher (and everyone in your life, for that matter) asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up? What was your answer? Did you want to be a firefighter, ballerina or nurse?
I wanted to be a dolphin trainer. Jenn wanted to be an author. These dreams have changed a little (Jenn says: although I still want to write that best-selling book…someday!), but it’s fun to reflect back on a time when your imagination was not limited to how much money or stability a particular career would bring. We look forward to hearing all of your answers and chatting more about those potential careers!
Leave a comment below with your childhood career aspirations!
Dream bigger,
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Firefighter, ballerina, AND nurse. Damn, you nailed them all. I love the overall concept of this post, TGIM – and for the first time in my life I’m feeling this way. You and I are both new to this “not-dreading-Monday” club and it’s an incredible feeling to LOVE what you’re doing every single day. That’s not to say it isn’t stressful – and I’m sure there will be days when I long for the structure and steadiness of the nine to five – but being my own boss, starting my own company, working with some absolutely amazing people, THIS is living the dream for me. It may not be an astronaut or an actor, but this life is the one we talked about back in the day lying on those blue mats. Cheers to both of you for pursuing your passions (pun intended) – I think there will be some great ways for us to collaborate in the future – I’m looking forward to sitting down and chatting with both of you (very) soon! – @mattchevy
Thanks, Matt! We’d like to echo everything you said – especially the part about those blue mats! Cheers to doing what you love. We are definitely looking forward to talking with you soon!
I remember in 2nd grade the teacher asked us to draw a picture of what job we wanted to have when we grew up. I drew myself in tall boots and a skirt and put the word “dancer” on the paper. I’m sure my teacher laughed at that “kids say the funniest things” moment, because I laugh now!
I wish you girls the best of luck. I’m 24 years old and about to (finally!) finish my bachelors degree and I really haven’t figure out exactly what I am passionate about. I suppose that is what our twenties are for though, right?
Love it! Your teacher may have had a laugh, but your second grade self knew what you meant!
As for your twenties, you are absolutely right! If we hadn’t spent 8 months at an agency, we never would have learned things about ourself that made us realize we really wanted to have our own business. I (Jill) also spent years pursuing a career in fashion design, before realizing that I couldn’t draw – and didn’t really like sewing. That eventually lead to journalism school and doing something that I love. However, I would not take back a second of it. The lessons I learned and friends I made along the way are irreplaceable. The important part is you realize that chasing something you’re passionate about is important – the rest has a way of working itself out!
What is your bachelors degree going to be in? Have you started job hunting?
I am a PR major, graphic design minor. I actually saw you (Jill) at DePaul’s conference last month.
I currently live in Oklahoma but plan on moving to Chicago this summer… I recently started the job hunt, but it is so tough being out of state! I’m heading to Chicago this Thursday and I’ll be there for a week–I’ve been trying to find some networking opportunities while I’m there but haven’t been having much luck. Was it tough for you girls too?
I knew your name sounded familiar!
Job hunting can be difficult, especially when you don’t live in the state where you are looking. I did the same thing from Madison, which required me to be a little more crafty with my networking. You are certainly already doing the right thing by attending amazing and relevant conferences, along with staying in touch with contacts you’ve made. DM me your phone number and email, and I’ll see who I can put you in touch with next week when your in town.
I would also recommend researching companies that interest you (and that you are passion about, of course) and calling to see if there is someone within the company who could give you an informational interview. These can be a great way to get face time with key company contacts, and should always be treated the same as an interview. You never know when a position may open up, and they will think of you and your great interview! I also highly recommend following up with a written thank you note, that touches on something specific that you talked about during your interview. This will show you were listening, which is just as important as talking during an interview of any kind.
Social networks are also another great way to connect with potential employers. Start following, RT and interacting with companies on Twitter that you admire. You can also seek out HR managers or recruiters, who are always actively looking for potential candidates. That being said, remember that your Twitter stream is a reflection of you, so make sure to keep it professional – but also interesting, by highlighting your interests and passions.
Good luck and make sure to keep us updated on your job hunt! We’re rooting for you to land a job you love getting out of bed for in the morning!
What a FUN idea! I dig the #TGIM concept–and hope to find a job after graduation that makes me feel that way
I had several ideas about what I wanted to be “when I grow up,” probably because I really had no idea. Among them: an artist, a dancer, a doctor and a fashion designer. Eclectic mix of interests I guess! Presently, when I grow up (graduate) I want to work for a health magazine. Crossing my fingers
Thanks, Karla! We hope you do too!
As for the eclectic mix, that’s never a bad thing! Jenn and I both adore magazines – and have even toyed around with the idea of launching one someday. There is just something about them that you can’t help but love. I’ve always advocated that they will never go away completely – there is something about glossy pictures that you just can’t duplicate online.
As for your dream of working for a health magazine – CHASE IT! We are hear to help and cheer you on in anyway possible. If you haven’t already, check out http://www.ed2010.com. It is an invaluable source for magazine job-seekers. Their tagline is Next Stop: Your magazine dream job. Do some digging around on the site and let us know what you think! #TGIM
I love ed2010! That’s a mainstay on my “favorites” along with Media Bistro. Good stuff!
I sure hope print magazines stick around–something about having a hard copy is a bigger draw for me, even though I’m a big computer person too
Happy #TGIM ladies!!
I wanted to be a writer, a photographer, an actress, a web designer (I wanted to work for Neopets.com LOL). I still want to be a writer and/or photographer/photo artist. thanks for the inspiring posts, I love this blog you guys (girls) !
<3 http://www.prettytimepiece.org
Thanks for the sweet comments! It looks like you are living out your dreams – your blog is fantastic! Looking forward to keeping up with your blog and it’s amazing photography!
I like the concept but don’t really need it. Let me explain. I basically work every other day so Monday’s haven’t really killed me since I graduated school. I think it’s worse for you lucky souls who have a normal weekend. Working Mon,Wed,Fri and Sat I don’t dread one particular day.
Growing up I wanted to be a transport driver or a cop. I am now a small business owner which involves driving a small truck locally.
It has been interesting reading your new blog so far.
Congrats on starting your own company, so you could do what you love! Glad you are enjoying the blog – we’re sure you have a lot of key insight to share regarding small business. We can’t wait to hear more from you in the future!
TGIM is brilliant. There is a reason weekends are made out to be only two days of a seven day week right?
I find the more I challenge myself, explore opportunities, and dive in head first, the more I discover my “dislikes”. “Dislikes” are an important part of understanding the grander journey. As long as I keep moving, in the right or wrong direction, I am always adding something to my story!
You girls are inspiring .
Thanks, Kelly – we couldn’t agree more! Who wants to only enjoy two days of their week?
You bring up a great point! Discovering what your dislikes are, is just as important as discovering what it is you’re passionate about. Personally, I (Jill) learned that I really dislike sitting behind a desk. I am just to chatty and ADD to be in an office. This was a big part of a my decision to give entrepreneurship a chance. We can’t discover these things without moving forward and testing different opportunities and circumstances, as you mentioned. It’s all part of the learning process!