No, not really. I just wrote that so you’d read this.
I have begun my new part-time job at Aerie, an American Eagle offshoot that sells undergarments, makeup and casual/lounge wear.
What the hell am I doing?
It’s a question echoed often in recent months by many of my friends and acquaintances. Perhaps it’s the Great
Expectation that we’re supposed to be doing something by age 30. As it approaches, we realize that like Santa Claus and political promises, the expectation of knowing what you’re doing by a certain age is just one of life’s little myths.
Myths make crappy comforters.
I refuse to be a drama queen about turning 30 though, so in truth, my career contemplation has more to do with the fact that I’ve had a lot of time on my hands lately. For some reason, writing and organizing work seems to be slow in the fourth quarter. What, like people are too busy or something? Sheesh.
I don’t know how housewives do it. My house is clean, the laundry is done. Working less means less money, especially as Leo and I save for a house, an international vacation and a wedding, so I can’t just go out and spend money. Besides, I want to contribute to all of that, not be a drain.
Hence the new job. Which is OK. I’ve never worked in retail, and two days in, I like it. (We’ll see how long that lasts.) But there is no overall plan. Which bugs me. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a planner. I’ve always had one. You can’t get far in life without some sort of general outline. Mine went like this: Graduate college, go to grad school, get a job at a newspaper for two years, get a job at a bigger paper, get promoted to editor. Work until 60. Retire. The end.
Plan aborted. So now what? Limbo. Which is worse than hell, if you ask me.
But once upon a time, I adjusted to the lack of Santa Claus. So I think I can handle the fact that I really have no major career plan for the next year. At least it means I can take four weeks off next September for a trip to Australia.
And when I come back, maybe I’ll look into the underwear model thing. You can start that career at 30, right? Sounds like a plan to me.
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