**Picture taken during my time in publicity for a movie studio. The radio promos are fun, even if you get chased by a guy with a chainsaw outside a haunted house.
Perception is everything. Those that seem to have it all together have the same war stories that everyone else does. It’s about how they deal with it. How they laugh at themselves. How they keep rocking it on a daily basis. Mistakes and obstacles are what shape you. Being human (what? the same thing we tell clients?) will help people relate to you. It’s lonely on that pedestal you built for yourself.
My “Laura moments” make me real.
Now that I am a few months past my 25th birthday, I obviously feel compelled to share my completely un-scientific approach to making it through your 20s – professionally and personally.
Disclaimer: These tips are based on actual events. Is this where I apologize to my parents?
- Yes, sometimes your breakfast is dinner and dinner could have been sour gummy worms last night. Everyone else envies you.
- Fist pumping is only tolerated because of our society’s insane fascination with Jersey Shore. If you must do it in front of the agency head, make sure to throw in a “That’s What She Said.”
- Be nice to your exes. It’s quite possible that you’ll pitch the New York Times someday and the lifestyles reporter is said ex. That you made cry at a journalism workshop in college.
- Having a type of sweet treat on your desk is the easiest way to make yourself feel popular in the office.
- Showing off your sick dance moves with instant dance parties are only acceptable if other people see you/join in.
- Having a negative bank account balance is not an excuse for accepting a date for that night you never would have otherwise. No, you still can’t afford lunch.
- If you’re going to attempt a cartwheel in Wal-Mart, make sure no one else is around. Broken noses caused by your Chuck Norris legs aren’t appreciated.
- It’s always best to pick up the phone when your parents call. If you don’t, they will assume the worst and missing persons might stalk you.
- You might make fun of someone for having too many pens, but you’ll curse yourself when you don’t have one in a meeting.
- Make sure you tell a guy up front that the free drink he bought you is for your boyfriend/date.
- You will spend most HHs explaining to your friends what public relations and social media actually are. Hand gestures, drawings and exasperated sighs will frequent the conversation.
- Calling your client ‘Mom’ a la the kindergarten teacher moment is not an effective team-building skill.
- Yes, it is possible to run in 4 inch heels. If you fall, keep going. If you rip your pants, they created safety pins for a reason. This is why you are bff with the receptionist. She’ll (literally) save your butt.
- It’s ok to get up and go to the bathroom in a client meeting. It will help you avoid the weird side looks from said client.
- If you go to tradeshows, bring at least 50 band-aids. Or break in your shoes beforehand. Or pray to God that you come back a boy in your next life and can wear flat shoes.
- Inside jokes are only funny if the other person remembers what you are talking about.
- If you had a bad day at work, dancing around Risky Business style is perfectly fine – unless your blinds are open and your neighbor texts you with amazement.
- You never know when a new business-related opportunity pops up. Don’t be afraid to go for it and try out new ventures.
- The people that will laugh right alongside you are your true friends. Catty, snarky women come and go.
What would you add? How do you survive your 20s and beyond? How do you stay human?
