The emails were pretty routine, updating the progress of some marketing campaigns for Janet's clients as well as information from Human Resources.
My phone buzzed and I looked at it hesitatingly. I assumed it was Janet on the intercom, but I had no idea which button to push. I tentatively pushed a button next to a blinking light and I was relieved to hear Janet's voice.
"Emma, why don't you come into my office so that we can start going over things."
"Sure, I'll be right there."
I grabbed a pad and pen I found in the drawer and walked into Janet's office. She was busy typing on her computer, but she looked up and smiled when she heard me enter. She waved me into a chair in front of her desk and folded her hands in front of her.
"I know you were pretty surprised that I hired you sight unseen from our phone call. I go on gut instinct. That's been a large part of why I've been able to succeed in this company at a relatively young age. And I had a gut instinct that you're exactly the right person for this job. You'll be doing a lot of the normal assistant things, like drafting letters and setting up meetings, but I want to give you more responsibility than that. I was impressed with your background at your old agency, and I know that you've been able to handle clients on your own. Ideally, I would love for you to eventually handle some of my clients independently. I see this as a stepping stone for you, for bigger things in this company."
I felt excitement stir at Janet's words. This was exactly what I had been hoping for. A foot in the door at a large marketing firm. I couldn't believe how lucky I was that I was working for someone who was willing to give me a chance.
"I can't tell you how much I appreciate this opportunity," I said. "I can definitely handle the extra responsibility and look forward to helping you with your clients."
Janet nodded and continued. "I'm happy to hear that. I also want to warn you that while I'm a fair boss, I expect a lot as well. I want you to consider this a career. This job has to be a priority for you. That's not to say I'm unreasonable. I realize that real life can intrude on the job and sometimes it's a juggling act. I just hope you know how to juggle well."
I nodded eagerly. "I definitely consider this job as the start of my career at Mass Communications. And I assure you that I have my priorities in order."
Janet seemed satisfied with my answer and she spent the next hour filling me in on her different clients and the various marketing strategies she was working on. I scribbled furiously on my notepad, not wanting to miss a word. While it was stressful to have Janet expect so much from me, it also felt exhilarating to have my destiny in my own hands. It was up to me whether or not I was going to succeed, and I definitely planned on being a success.
The rest of the day was spent catching up on learning about Janet's clients as well as a lot of filing and copying. I didn't mind any of these tasks because I knew it would lead to bigger and better things. Lunch was spent in Janet's office where we ate sandwiches that we had delivered and poured through reports to see how various marketing campaigns were performing.
By the time Janet told me she no longer needed me and that I was free to go home, I was exhausted. My head was filled with so much new information that I felt like facts and figures were going to start leaking out from my ears.
I stuck my head in Janet's office before leaving.
"Are you sure there's nothing else I can help you with?"
Janet smiled and shook her head. "I'm fine. Take advantage of these days when you don't have to work late, because there'll be plenty of nights we'll be burning the midnight oil."
"Okay, have a great night then."
I gathered my things and walked down the hallway, nodding at people who were still at their desks. Janet had introduced me around the office and everyone had been friendly and helpful. I decided that my first day at work was a resounding success.
By the time I got home I was hot from the subway and starving. Claire was lounging on the couch flipping through TV channels.
"How was it?" she asked.
"Good," I replied, sitting heavily on one of the breakfast table chairs. "But tiring. I feel like I've stuffed one week's worth of work into one day. But I really like everyone at work, especially my boss. How was your day?"
Claire flicked off the television, shrugging. "Boring. I rarely have rehearsals anymore since the show's started running, and my agent has no leads on anything."
Claire was fortunate that she didn't have to work a day job like so many struggling actors in New York. She came from an affluent family who supported her acting career so she could dedicate herself to finding acting jobs.
"Well, I'm starving. Have you eaten?" I hadn't finished my sandwich during lunch since I had been so preoccupied with taking notes and my stomach was now grumbling in protest.
Claire's face brightened. "No, and I'm famished. There's a great Thai place that delivers."
"Sounds good to me. Just let me change."
I left Claire rifling through restaurant menus that she had pulled out from a kitchen drawer and went to my bedroom, groaning in relief as I took off my high heels. Changing into shorts and a t-shirt, I grabbed my phone from my purse and sat on the bed. The day had been such a whirlwind that I hadn't had a chance to check my phone for messages.
I saw that I had a voicemail from my mother but that's not what made my heart leap. I saw that I had a text message from Jackson and I eagerly opened it.
My evening shifts this week are Mon thru Wed 4-9pm. So when are you coming?
I felt a quiver of anticipation, but I knew I couldn't commit to anything at this point. With my new job, I didn't know if I would be working late.