the next five years
Hey hey, Reader,
You know how at every job interview, they ask, "So, where do you see yourself in five years?"
I've never had a great answer to that question. Not because I don't think about the future or know what I'm *supposed* to say...
(still working here & something about growth/upward movement/being the best cog in this machine supporting late-stage capitalism, of course)
...but because I know that the future will never play out how we expect. 🤷♀️
If you'd asked me that question fifteen years ago, I would have shared my dreams of becoming a journalist, getting the big solo in choir, & getting into the local university.
Ten years ago, I would have talked about completing a Master's in Opera Performance, writing a book about the toll performance takes on your mental health, & pursuing my WSET levels.
Five years ago, I envisioned earning tons of money as a copywriter, living as a digital nomad, & adopting a (small, carry-on size) dog someday.
Some of the above did happen.* But a lot of it didn't, and that's ok.
If you asked me that question today, here's what I'd say:
In five years, I'll have thicker skin & a kinder heart.
I'll still be summoning the power of words—whether written in a card, assembled for a sales page, or spoken from a stage.
I see myself thriving, blooming, & growing through whatever comes.
In five years, I'll be polar-bear-plunging on New Year's Day.
Cloud-gazing from the soft grass of a city park.
Hiking through a sun-streaked forest to a quiet place.
Laughing with the friend I ran into at the bookstore.
Playing board games with my loved ones.
Cheers-ing & celebrating & savoring the tiniest moments because that is what helps me remember that I long to keep living this wild, precious, complicated, devastating, life.
What would your answer be, Reader?
-Jaimie
*P.S. In case you're curious: I got the big solo in choir, did not get into the local university, became a copywriter instead of a journalist, refused to go to grad school, realized I like drinking wine but not studying it, put down roots in France & Costa Rica & my home state, and somehow ended up with two very large dogs.
Writing a book & earning tons of money are still possibilities—they're just works in progress. Ask me again in five years. 😉
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Best. Pen. Ever. While I L-O-V-E tech & gadgets, I still reach for good ol' pen & paper whenever I need to brainstorm or problem-solve. My go-to pen glides smoothly, dries quickly (#leftyproblems), & is easy to find in any bag. I buy the black ones individually at Blick, but I'm considering splurging on this ten-color set soon. |
Oooh, Spooky 👻🎃 One of the biggest sales weekends for online & IRL businesses? Black Friday, of course! With five weeks left to prep, you've got juuuust enough time to book a Cosmic Copy Week & get ghoulishly good copy for your Black Friday promo. |
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