Hello all,
My name is Scott Pierce and I am unemployed. I’m afraid that if something doesn’t pan out by the end of next month, I will be struggling to pay the rent and feed myself. Or worse — I will have to move home. It’s really not just a fear; it’s reality.
I am just one of the many individuals trying to navigate this economic meltdown. Sure, I’ve read that we’ve seen the worst. Likewise, I’ve survived in San Francisco for a little over a year now. Right now, that just doesn’t feel like a satisfying consolation prize. I’m concerned about supporting myself in the future.
So, what have I been doing?
After graduating from Bates College, I immediately drove from Maine to California. My destination was originally Los Angeles, but at the last minute — due to fear, anxiety, whatever — my gut told me to stay in San Francisco. This was even after I was offered a production job with an advertising agency…
Actually, it was Oprah who told me not to go. Oprah and I became quite chummy my first six anxiety-inducing months post-college. On the front of a newspaper, Oprah screamed something like, “Follow your gut,” to the 2008 Stanford grads. As I am never one to turn down the Big O’s Advice, I stayed in San Francisco. Sorry Ms. HR, but this is just something I have to do for myself (and Oprah).
And then, real life set in. My media job search wasn’t panning out. Instead of being one of those kids rolling around in a pile of Benjamins with their swanky ‘jobs’, I had lots of spare time, borrowed money, and a low paying gig at a dying film store. I was simultaneously mourning the loss of my friends and the environment that became integral to my development, personally and academically, over the past four years.
When I did have hours at the film store, they were at night. Oprah went from passing newspaper photo to unnecessary, yet required afternoon viewing. At least I still enjoyed watching Nate Berkus whenever he was on.
I began to question if this is what life had to offer. Was I even worthy of getting a real job? Eventually, I wondered why I even felt such a sense of entitlement. Yes, Scott, you have your BA. You are a smart, intelligent person with tons and tons to offer — keep telling yourself that… But what are you actually doing to change your position besides feeling sorry for yourself?
I doubt this advice came from Oprah, but I decided that my emotions were getting in the way and, for lack of a better phrase, I decided to nut up. I channeled my anger and disappointment into actually finding something I wanted to do… Wait, maybe that is her advice.
With my attitude shift came an interview for a six-month internship with arguably the best tech and culture magazine in the country. I got it. I was suddenly surrounded by some of the most interesting and exciting people I have ever met. I was getting paid more than in my previous job. And this was an internship.
I also learned how quickly six months fly by. Hello again, unemployment. It’s safe to say I haven’t missed you. There is now, however, a difference. I feel prepared. I know what to expect. More importantly, I have a newfound confidence. Not because of a name attached to my resume, but due to what I learned and what I set out to accomplish. For the next month, I am still producing and editing a music podcast for them. I feel that I did my best during my time at the magazine and that is a great feeling. If I am afraid of losing anything, it’s that.
Tonight I will be taking a redeye to visit my parents in North Carolina. They are worried — probably more concerned that I am. Let’s see how this goes…
I am excited to write for this blog. This is such a transformative time for so many of us. I am very interested in hearing your stories, in addition to sharing mine.
And Oprah, if Harpo’s hiring — let me know.
-Scott
