5 Jobs, 3+ Moves, 2 Blogs, 1 Very Mixed-Up Chica

posted 5th August 2010    Written by: Marian    CATEGORY: Job/Career/Work, Love/Relationships, Marian, Quarterlife Crisis, Season 3

INTRODUCING MARIAN

I’m more excited and terrified than I’ve ever been.

A little over a year ago I graduated from Davidson College, hoping to get a job in publishing. I don’t know why I picked publishing – I like books? Both my parents are writers? I couldn’t think of any other career path that didn’t sound horribly boring? Regardless of the fact that the industry is at a standstill and the pay is crap, I spent three months applying to every single entry-level publishing job in New York.

The result? Crickets, y’all.

Now, I’m kind of an impatient person, so I decided to market myself instead of playing into The System. I took out Facebook advertisements, targeting anyone who worked at the major publishing houses. Not only did I get a job in 2 weeks, but everywhere from Real Simple magazine to ABC News publicized the story.

Unfortunately, after a few months at my new job though, I realized it squashed my creativity and made me miserable. I hated the 9 to 5 and secretly wanted to be a pastry chef so I quit my job and enrolled in culinary school. Except I didn’t realize that taking out a $40,000 loan at 22 requires a cosigner and there wasn’t anyone in my life who could help me do that.

Dreams. Crushed.

So then I took a part time job at a sex museum in New York (good times) while I built up my freelance business helping authors use social media. It was nice to work from home but I still wasn’t bringing in the big bucks; meaning I had to leave New York and move back in with my parents. I was surprisingly happier in the ‘burbs than in the big bad city – there was greenery and quiet and you could see the sky. Granted, my three younger brothers, dog and parents were all there so it wasn’t that quiet, but it was refreshing to not have to stress about money for a while.

While I kept at the freelance work I also started working on a side project called the Pajama Job Hunt, an online course for people who’ve been down the frustrating job path before and are sick-to-freaking-death of sending out resume after resume with no results. The idea is to get a job fast and a job you want by being super involved in your industry’s social media presence.

And finally – FINALLY! – work aside, there’s another story. A romance, if you will. I lived in England for a year and dated the most perfect guy in the history of the world. We broke up for a million reasons after I graduated (long distance sucks, man), but two months ago – a year after we ended things – I had this feeling that he was where I was supposed to be. Life after college wasn’t what I thought. Work was always temporary.

Life was just… better… with him around.

So I picked up and went back to England for a month to see if we were still good together. We were. On July 7 I moved to London for as long as my traveler’s visa will allow. Then it’s off to Sam’s place of birth, New Zealand! I want to travel, he wants to go home for awhile, and NZ is the only place we can both legally reside at the moment.

I’m more excited and terrified than I’ve ever been. Excited because this is the first time I’m letting myself open up and experience what’s really important. I left my home, I’m leaving my damn hemisphere, and am still in the process of starting my own business. That’s where the terrified comes in.

In terms of how I got involved with Molly, Stratejoy, and the Joy Equation, I stumbled across the site one day and was so impressed with the writing, the messages and the conversations happening. I love how open and honest and beautiful the writers have been. I love how open and honest and beautiful the readers have been.

I wanted to be part of Season 3 because while I ADORE my own blog, I feel like I always have to be useful. I’ve gone through something like 5 career changes in a year, moved three times and am doing it again. I struggle with charging people and “website shame” and perfecting my niche every day, but I feel like I can’t write about that stuff on my own site because of clients.

Blogging for Stratejoy will mean I can be open and honest without worrying about my “image”. Blogging for Stratejoy will mean being a part of that ridiculously awesome community you’ve built while I sort through my Quarterlife Crisis.

And maybe – hopefully – my missteps along the way can help others sort through their own Quarterlife Crisis. But like I said, maybe…  ;)

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Comments (40)

40 Responses to “5 Jobs, 3+ Moves, 2 Blogs, 1 Very Mixed-Up Chica”

  • Liv Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 8:58 am

    you inspire me every day! seriously. the last 12 months – between Sydney, NYC & Zurich – curating, social media'ing & blogging – couldn't have been conquered without seeing how much you rock at life! XO

  • nikkiklecha Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 5:02 pm

    You are AMAZING. To sound like a grandma, you're a real go-getter!! Your drive & intelligence in creative job paths is so inspiring – everyone needs a little of your open-mindedness in finding their niche. And I am SO jealous of NZ!! Can't wait to hear all about it! xx

  • JobJenny Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 9:04 am

    Go, go, Marian! 23? Sighhhhhh… Wish I would've had the spunk and guts back then.

    Great post, y'all!

  • Heather Rae Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 5:08 pm

    Marian, your story is seriously awesome and inspiring! I can't wait to see where the next six months take you and hear about all your adventures. :)

  • Steph Auteri Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 9:34 am

    I'm so excited that you're blogging here. I get what you mean about feeling you have to be *useful* on your other blog. Before I started Freelancedom, I had a personal blog filled with fun photos and day-to-day adventures, and I don't have that anymore. I'm consumed by work. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your non-work self.

    As for QLCs… hells, I've been in one for the entirety of my 20s. Is it supposed to end?

  • Sally JPA Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 9:37 am

    I remember when the media picked up Marian's story about the Facebook ads. Then I read that she had become self-employed pretty shortly thereafter, and I was curious what the details were. Interesting to have her fill them in!

    I went to Davidson as well, Marian. :)

  • Erin Leigh Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 10:27 am

    Marian, thanks for being here. As a fellow Davidson grad (hi, Sally!) and as someone who moved across the country 4 months ago because "life was just…better…with him around" (my boyfriend also went to Davidson – seriously mushy I know, but we wildcats have to stick together, yes?), it really means a lot to hear from someone else who went through the process of discovering that success isn't always the way you imagined on graduation day. Can't wait to read your stuff :) (ps – I'm on week 2 of the Joy Equation and it's pretty much rocking my world – thanks, Molly!)

  • marianschembari Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 7:33 pm

    Liv, you are just the sweetest person. THANK YOU!

  • marianschembari Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 7:34 pm

    LMAO. I'm totally a grandma. And yes my grandma *did* call me a "go-getter" but that's totally cool.

    Also, you're welcome in NZ any time ;-) Didn't you go to OZ, or am I totally making that up?

  • marianschembari Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 7:34 pm

    Haha, Jenny, you still have spunk ;-)

  • marianschembari Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 7:34 pm

    Inspiring? I have no idea what the hell I'm doing! That's what I'm so excited to be blogging for Stratejoy – now I can finally write about it without feeling like a douche.

  • marianschembari Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 7:36 pm

    I'M so excited to be blogging here! Part of me wanted a personal blog to just write about my crap, but then Stratejoy came along and I'm just so so happy to be writing here where no one will judge or rethink about hiring me.

    And yay for the QLC!

  • marianschembari Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 7:37 pm

    You went to Dson? No freaking way! There are, like, 4 of us total. So glad you have you here!

  • marianschembari Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 7:40 pm

    I can't freaking believe there are TWO Davidson grads commenting here. Actually, plus Livi that's THREE. WTF? Craaaazzyyyy.

    And yeah, us Wildcats totally have to stick together. Granted, I like the fact that my man friend had a Kiwi accent, but whatevs ;-) I know what you mean though about success not necessarily being what "they" told you it was. I mean, *especially* at Davidson. I still haven't figured what "success" means yet, but I know it's not in an office and it's not defined by my degree… Who the hell knows!?

    How great is the Joy Equation, though? Really is changing my life already. I'm so so grateful to be writing for Molly!

  • marianschembari Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 7:40 pm

    I used the work "totally" three times in that comment. Less coffee? Definitely.

  • Alisha Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 7:45 pm

    I didn't go to Davidson, but thought about it; I headed up a little further north to Winston-Salem ;)

    It's definitely been a whilrwind for you girlie. I hope you do find some clarity in London, New Zealand, or where ever in the world you head off to over the next six months. Can't wait to follow you along!

  • Manderz Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 11:57 am

    Reading your story actually showed me a new perspective on my own. I think following along with you is going to be a rather informative experience, on many levels. I can’t wait!

  • nikkiklecha Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 8:52 pm

    ditto. :)

  • diane Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 9:58 pm

    I loved reading this, Marian. You are very inspiring to me, and I'm quite a few years older than you. You're so much more "together" than you realise, and by the time you're my age you'll have achieved huge amounts, I can tell. I like it when bloggers I love share their personal "journeys'" but can understand why you're worried about doing that on your more client-and-work-focused blog. So I look forward to your posts here, and I wish you lots of luck with figuring it all out.

  • Najela Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    Wow… I can't wait to read these adventures. You've accomplished so much in such a short amount of time.

  • cameron plommer Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 3:41 pm

    Guys are allowed on this website right?

    Great story Marian and look forward to hearing more and learning from your experiences.

  • erinmakesitwork Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 4:00 pm

    I am completely inspired by you. You have the guts and drive and determination to really go after life. I am afraid to go get it sometimes. Also I could totally use your help marketing my freelance business, but that's for another day. Keep it up. I'm rooting for you.

  • Lindsey Says:
    August 6th, 2010 at 3:42 am

    Marian, you rule! I am doing the Joy Equation as well, so we have to share. So much luck on your travels! I can so relate to your adventures – the world and relationships are my favorite ways to blaze into amazing self exploration and really "get" everything. You have a lot of Awesome up ahead (as if the last year hasn't been already, right?)

  • giulietta Nardone Says:
    August 6th, 2010 at 4:35 am

    Hi Marian,

    You're a ton of FUN! a fellow rebel gal. Love it.
    It's so interesting that we're all running around trying to be authentic – especially in work. YET, we put on these bizarre work faces because WE THINK we have to.

    We don't and as soon as we all stop doing that work will change — it will have to. I say, let loose on your site. People who want to work with a wild and crazy and rebellious and full of life person will hang around.

    Have a marvelous adventure traveling to NZ.

    Giulietta, Inspirational Rebel

  • marianschembari Says:
    August 6th, 2010 at 6:17 am

    No YOU rule! Love that we're all doing this together – what an awesome experience. And yeah, I'm a big fan of the word awesome ;-)

  • marianschembari Says:
    August 6th, 2010 at 6:17 am

    Guys are abso-freaking-lutely allowed (I think? Molly?), thanks for stopping by and reading!

  • marianschembari Says:
    August 6th, 2010 at 6:18 am

    Well, that's VERY sweet of you to say, Najela, though sometimes it feels like I haven't accomplished anything. That's why I'm so happy to be here! I don't need to worry about looking impressive all the time….

  • Christy Krumm Says:
    August 6th, 2010 at 8:57 am

    Marian,

    I am so excited for you! And, like everyone else, I would agree that it is fun to learn more about the face behind all the social media tips :) I'll definitely be tuning into this blog, as I'll be embarking on my own little adventure and dealing with the tail end of what I haven't quite recognized as a quarter life crisis, but probably is . . .

    Rock on, chica!
    ~ Christy ~

  • Michael Senchuk Says:
    August 6th, 2010 at 9:36 am

    Something that Giulietta wrote struck me. Perhaps the reason you ended up not being happy in the publishing job is because of the facade you had to wear. I say be yourself, if you're in the right industry in the right company you won't have anything to worry about. If not, well then, probably wasn't meant to be anyways. Seth Godin probably said that much more eloquently in one of his books.

  • Alana Says:
    August 6th, 2010 at 4:04 pm

    Upfront I have to say Marian, you are on the path to doing great things. You inspire so many(you’re definitely help me feel optimistic about my future). I enjoy reading your posts on your website and I know I will. Good luck and keep being awesome!

  • Katie [blogs] Says:
    August 6th, 2010 at 4:57 pm

    How I wish I knew you when you worked for the sex museum. Would you have gotten me off for free? I mean in. I TOTALLY MEANT IN!
    ;)

    Seriously, Marian, I'm in awe of the things that you've made happen because you have the drive and desire to do so. You're awesome, and I can't wait to see where you go in the next 6 months!

  • marianschembari Says:
    August 7th, 2010 at 4:35 am

    Katie, OF COURSE you would have gotten in (or off) for free.

    Seriously though, thanks for this lovely comment — I'm so grateful you're sticking around!

  • marianschembari Says:
    August 7th, 2010 at 4:38 am

    Michael, I think you're absolutely right. I don't think it was the publishing job specifically (though that was pretty shit on it's own), it was the whole 9-to-5-forcing-me-to-play-by-the-rules-I-can't-handle-authority-thing. I don't think I work well in an office environment for the exact reason of not being able to be myself. That said, maybe someday I'll find some cool start-up where I will fit in perfectly. For now though, I love being on my own!

  • marianschembari Says:
    August 7th, 2010 at 4:39 am

    Yay Christy! So glad you stopped by… Please share your experiences in the comments section, I think we all feel a little better hearing about other people's Quarterlife Crisis' – recognizable or not ;-)

  • marianschembari Says:
    August 7th, 2010 at 4:39 am

    As always, Giuletta, you are right on the money!

  • marianschembari Says:
    August 7th, 2010 at 4:40 am

    Hey man, it's always nice to have other people on your team so I'm so freaking glad you stopped by and left a comment AND are super supportive. Hope you stick around! And obviously, if you ever need help with the freelancing/social media stuff, you totally know where to go ;-)

  • marianschembari Says:
    August 7th, 2010 at 9:27 am

    Awww, thanks Alana! You are such a peach :)

  • marianschembari Says:
    August 7th, 2010 at 9:29 am

    OMG I'm totally not together, but thanks! I'm not super worried about sharing my shit on my own site, but I feel like no one really cares. I mean, how many personal blogs are out there? Too many to count and the last thing I want to do is pretend like my crap is more important than someone else. But here at Stratejoy I feel like everyone's crap is important and can help inspire others. Doesn't matter who you are or what you do or how high or low your traffic is. That's why I'm so freaking excited to be here! And even more excited that now you're here too ;-)

  • diane Says:
    August 7th, 2010 at 1:20 pm

    Aw, thanks Marian! And I still think you are more together than you know (or that's how you come across anyway. I love your enthusiasm. It's optimistic without being unrealistic). Not that you don't have crap, and that I won't enjoy reading as you share it. This is such an inspiring idea.

    But, er… *my* personal blog is totally important, right? ;)

  • Doniree Says:
    August 9th, 2010 at 8:25 am

    You are incredible! I admire your "do it yourself!" attitude you've had in creating your life for yourself – it's going to manifest majorly awesome things – can't wait to see how this unfolds!

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