I cannot believe I'm saying this, but here I am a month into being a PR assistant and I still have my sanity! At least I think I do... Honestly, this was not the summer experience I had dreamed of. And when I mean dream, I actually mean it. I had a calendar where I used to mark out the boxes until my last day in Geneva, NY because I couldn't wait to break back into the Hollywood scene in the most Will way ever. Sometimes, I would even work out extra hard, or do some unnecessary readings, anything to tire myself out just so I could start a new day closer to flying back to LA. It's a bit heartbreaking to think about how a few weeks ago my friends and I were blasting "Doses & Mimosas" on a catamaran, to now be in cramped offices accompanied by recycled air and the fear of a ringing phone. Things are so bad for me now that every time my phone lights up my anxiety levels rise and I fear for the worst; a call or text from work. It's a no brainer that no one likes being an assistant. But, it's sort of a right of passage for anyone with dreams of corporate America. For those with dreams of working in show biz, than staring in your own version of The Devil Wears Prada is a something that you prepare for mentally, spiritually, and physically. Because, it is a literal hell on Earth. ![]() Some things I'm doing are staples of PR, like crafting pitches and pulling media lists. But, some things are just plain errands that you would think I'm making up. Yet, I can assure you that I've had to make nail appointments and even run to the post office to drop off an envelope. I wanted a summer where I would be learning invaluable skills that would better equip me for my journey advancing in the world of entertainment. But, I'm not sure what of this so far is PR work and what is petty work. In between getting ripped a new one and being complimented for my work ethic, I'll hear some quote worthy moments. "You have to know what it is you'll do to deal with it," my boss said. "For example, some people do drugs and others become addicted to people. You have to find what your thing is." I think my way of coping, and finding the light again, comes from people. I've called and texted more friends, family, and colleagues, in this past month than I ever think I have before. Whether I'm on a 5 minute Facetime call, an hour long venting session, or texting away my evening, knowing that I have people who believe in me and appreciate me has been such a good way of dealing with my life as an assistant.
With one month down, I think about the 6 weeks I have left of work. I've started to think that quitting could be my salvation. Yet, it could also be my ultimate damnation out of the world of entertainment. I'm stuck in between a rock and a hard place. Before I decide if I'm going to quit or stay I will continue to take deep breaths, call my friends when I need to vent, and wait for my check to clear... |
Author William SamayoaMarketer by profession and storyteller by passion. L.A. raised, proud Latino, and pop culture enthusiast. Categories
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