job

The Awkward Files #3

Everyday

Zoned Out

In high school I worked at a place called The Zone, a laser tag/bounce house/arcade/pizza restaurant. My job title was “Party Hero,” which basically meant I was the person that came with your birthday party package. It was my job to keep kids birthday parties running smoothly from start to finish. That means that I got very good at cutting cake, making gift lists, and getting pizza sauce out of my hair (don’t ask). Part of my job was learning jokes, games, and magic tricks to keep the kids entertained while they were in the party room. My most important task was to keep the Party Mom happy, which often felt like wrestling a stressed, pregnant alligator with a Prozac hangover.

One weekend I got assigned to a rather large boys birthday party. Bigger groups warranted having two party heroes on hand, so I was paired with my friend, Sean, who was skilled in the juggling arts. He wanted to entertain the kids and asked if I’d be his assistant for a particularly complicated juggling trick. We stood on separate sides of the party room. While he juggled, it was my job to throw additional balls into the mix from across the way. After his fourth ball, I hurled the fifth towards him. Unfortunately my aim is only accurate about 15% of the time and this time the ball went hurtling toward the Party Mom. WHACK! The ball flew right into her face. And I was mortified.

Let’s just say I didn’t get a tip.

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Haley Takes Houston

Advertising, Everyday

Long story short: I’ve accepted a job offer as a Junior Copywriter at an ad agency in Houston. I start mid-June.

Long story longer: FKM contacted me out of the blue four days ago and, after a phone interview, I was asked to fly out to visit the agency to get a feel for the people there. Friday, I flew to Houston and had a series of interviews on site. Overall, I LOVED IT. I met so many amazing people and learned about the exciting work that the agency is doing (as well as their goals for the future). They are really cool and were really passionate and invested in me and my success. I was told how much they think that my talent and personality would be a perfect fit for their agency and their clients. So, after a couple of hours of interviews, they offered me a job. Because I leave for Scotland Sunday (tomorrow), they needed to know by then if I accepted the offer.

On the ride back to the airport, I felt a sense of peace which is weird because I had several emotional breakdowns in the previous 64 hours over the idea of moving by myself to a city I have only been to once (the first time was flying in for my interview). I was hesitant at first, because I’ve never considered leaving Dallas. But, it’s an opportunity to get crazy real work experience right off the bat which is not typical of entry-level advertising creatives. Plus, I really feel like the agency is a perfect fit for me. I’ve been praying this whole semester about being spontaneous and open to God’s plans for me, and I feel like this might be God’s reason that I’ve had nothing really solid planned job-wise.

So, I officially accepted the offer today (Saturday). That being said, prayers would be highly appreciated as I embark on this new journey. I am both excited and nervous about the days to come, especially since I’ll be in the UK for 10 days when I should be researched living arrangements in Houston–if anyone knows people with guest houses or who are looking for a roommate let me know! This is definitely going to be an adventure ;)

Stay tuned for more news about my crazy-fast move as well as a play-by-play on my adventures in Scotland and London this week.

Also, if anyone wants to see me before I leave, hit me up!

Jeremiah 29:10: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Acts 20:24 – “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.”