Balance
Balance
When you have that tiny spark of a feeling that you might be able to have it all, or at least most of it.
By: Bracha Ten
I’m not a hustler, never was. But when I wanted something, I worked hard and did everything I could to go after it.
I’m also not one of those people who always knew what they wanted to do. I thank college for that. A year of broad classes in Business led me to Communication, which then brought me to where I am now, the wonderful career of Marketing. It was halfway through college that I chose my dream job - I wanted to work in entertainment.
No, I didn’t want to be an actress (not in this life at least), I wanted to be behind the scenes, in an area that I dubbed “creative communication.” This included PR, publicity, marketing, advertising, and branding. I kept this umbrella open and let myself use experiences to truly define what I wanted. It was time to break into The Industry.
I was only going for the big leagues. I wanted to be cool and corporate, and have that famous company name behind me.
Perfected resume? Check
Personalized cover letter template? Check
Fine-tuned LinkedIn profile? Check
Nothing embarrassing on social media that a future boss might find on Google? Check
Mark off all the boxes, connect with recruiters, follow big companies, and do what you could to make yourself a power player in the game. The challenge wasn’t only breaking into the field; it was standing out - enough that they would call on me when I’ve been raising my hand, saying, “pick me pick me!” Once you’re in, you then have to work on staying in. Don’t underestimate the power of networking and getting your face out there. You never know how and when a “blast from the past” can help you gain new opportunities! (And trust me, it always works in some way or another.)
After 1.5 years of writing cover letters, applying, and interviewing (my record was 80 applications during one semester for internships between LA and NY), I finally got it: Warner Bros. After an incredible experience as a television publicity intern on their studio lot, I realized I didn’t want to do publicity. Onto the next dream!
Another 1.5 years of applications and interviews, with a few small, local marketing roles thrown in, I landed dream #2: NBC. I was a communication intern for NBC’s kids channel at Rockefeller Center, and this time got to take part in the glamour that is New York City (subways included). But again, I realized PR wasn’t something I wanted.
At that point, I was graduating and had to look for a *real* job. I decided to stay put in New York and only looked at corporate marketing jobs in the city. I was set on the big name in Manhattan, where it was acceptable to wear heels, and you’d be one of 5,000 employees. Every name you can think of, I applied. NBC, Fox News, Penguin Random House - these companies got my resume daily. When interviews weren’t turning into prospectives for a few months, I broadened my horizons to include startups and agencies, Jewish companies, Brooklyn…things weren’t looking good.
It took an extra Shabbos meal in LA after Pesach with a family friend to turn into the hashgacha story that got me where I am now. And I couldn’t be more grateful. In just a matter of days, a networking email turned into a meeting, which turned into an interview, which turned into an offer. Jewish company. Agency life. Boutique style. Long Island. But the most important? MARKETING. Over two years with an awesome team, and the best way to describe it is with the emoji.
Let’s back up for a moment. Part of me achieving the dream job was being realistic. I focused so much on those entertainment positions, but I kept it for the time of my single life and (iy” H) young married life. It wasn’t about settling, but about making ALL my dreams work. The dream about spending more time with my kids than at the office, or about being more married to my husband and not the job? That wouldn’t be possible at the start of a corporate position like this, and I put my priorities in place. No, I didn’t give up, I just took every single positive that Hashem gave me at the exact moment He did.
As a single 25-year-old girl living in New York, I can do so much that I wouldn’t be able to do if I worked in that big-name corporation. I’m part of an environment that promotes growth in all areas, I never have to worry about Shabbos and Yom Tov, and I can even do lunch with my team. Being practical doesn’t have to be depressing.
When you keep pushing and show your perseverance, it WILL get you places. Even more, ask for help! That shows that you are passionate about something and that you want to succeed.
At the end of the day, you can balance your religious integrity and frumkeit while working for the big leagues. Encourage yourself to chase those dreams and keep moving forward. As funny as it sounds, it’s such a great feeling when you realize you made a kiddish Hashem. Even if it’s something simple like wearing skirts and sleeves in 112 degrees (LA in the summer, let me tell you), or opting out of happy hour (not the social scene for you), when you take a moment to remember where you are and who you are, and truly understand the importance of balancing your Yiddishkeit, you will be successful.
I want to think of myself as a practical romantic - when you want to make it work you make it work. And in the end, all the bumps in the road along the way won’t be bumps after all.
Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments!
