I find myself starting my new position in approximately an hour. I wanted to offer thanks to those of you that sent congrats my way, and to those of you who are not yet employed, let me share something with you. You are as good as you believe yourself to be. Do an assessment of yourself and your strengths and talents and skills. Challenge yourself and believe you can do anything you set your mind to- because it's true. Before getting the offer for this job, I was given another offer that I turned down because they weren't paying me my worth. The commute would have been more strenuous for not nearly close to worth it. VALUE YOURSELF. It is important to be confident, because people pick up on that. This other offer expected me to cover up my tattoos- and I get it- but hey, it is 2018. None of them are offensive. I am not going to compromise who I am for a job that isn't worth the money or the time and an environment that can't accept who I am. Being an artist, this job also expected me to make it a priority. Um, excuse me, but after everything I have worked so hard to accomplish in my creative endeavors, don't dare ask that of me. I had to evaluate the situation to death to come to realization that I deserved better- YOU DO TOO. I found a company that embraces my creative input. I must say, it feels good to get an offer and turn it down when there's a better one. I believed there was and applied and applied and applied. If you haven't found a position yet, do not give up. There are companies out there that will embrace you for who you are. Why am I rambling? Well, I think of it and just passing on some words to those of you who are struggling. I was. I left my family and friends behind in Texas and relocated to Florida not knowing anyone really, not knowing my way around. I took the time to look everywhere for work- and what I am used to is the hospitality industry outside of the art world. Being the slow season, NO ONE was hiring. I couldn't wait. YES, I got very depressed, disillusioned, and slept a lot. I realized that I needed to take that time to rest because my last position didn't value me either. I was in a managerial position and was underpaid and taken advantage of by my staff. My husband tells me I'm too nice. I can't do much about that. But I did resign because the stress of that position was affecting my health in many ways. Take what you want from this, but I wanted to share this with you.

Believe in yourself.

Go after something that you REALLY want.

Find happiness.

and chase it.