Let’s get lost in transition and enjoy the ride
Long time no see, but for one of the best possible reasons: I got a new job! In a whole new industry! This seems quite ironic considering that my last post was about working in marketing and the advertising industry. Well, I can’t talk about that anymore. Maybe never again. Right now, I would sure as hell not miss it.
Because since August 1, I’ve been working as a bookseller, and I’m having the time of my life! 💚
[There are A LOT of exclamation marks in this one brief paragraph…]
Looking for a fresh experience or: good things come to those who wait
I had been looking for a new job for about three years, though not always with the same sense of urgency. While I loved my team and the colleagues I worked with closely, the general structure of a traditional advertisement agency, the industry itself, and the jobs — especially social media marketing — were less satisfying.
Let me tell you, marketing is one boring business. BORING. Working as a copywriter is a ‘same shit, different day’ kinda occupation. Obviously, the ‘shit’ is always TOP PRIORITY, really URGENT, and THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE WORLD. Like, right now. The Russian occupation and war in Ukraine? Climate catastrophes, famines, and destruction everywhere? Soaring prices? Who gives a f*ck, as long as I finish the headline and copy for this year’s 476th (‘come buy shit you don’t need with money you don’t have to impress people you don’t like’) SALE leaflet on time.
Because mindless consumption, careless over-tourism, and ruthless capitalism are always top priorities. Look at social media, and you’ll probably see what I’m talking about within 30 seconds of scrolling. Because they won’t let you forget that your data and wallet are the most important things about you…
Writing this, I can feel the frustration and anger well up in me again. So let’s leave that past behind and look at what is now 🙂
The dawn of a new era — working as a bookseller
A chance meeting with an old friend from my student days set in motion everything life needed to guide me to a new job in a totally different industry. Deciding to celebrate her promotion to store manager of a local bookstore, we met for lunch, and she casually mentioned that they were looking for staff. Wanting to leave marketing behind, and — more importantly — having long been interested in dipping into the world of bookselling, it only took a few days of careful consideration for me to apply for the job.
After a trial workday, meeting the team and learning about some of my daily tasks, I was already quite positive about the job. Luckily, I left a good impression on the people I met because — long story short — I got the job and am now their new colleague. On August 1st, I started working part-time in the non-fiction department of the local flagship store of a mid-size Austrian bookstore chain.
And let me tell you, I never knew going to work could actually be something to look forward to.
The perks of leaving an old job and switching careers
As so often, here too I was and am privileged from the get-go. I already know my boss/store manager, so there is less anxiety-inducing panic to ALWAYS be my absof*ckinglutely BEST. I have lovely colleagues both in my department and the store, as well as a supportive manager who is patient and helpful in all ways possible (all of them are). Because of my degree in comparative literature, I’m paid in accord with the bookseller’s collective agreement, even though I’m a newbie and know nothing about the practical side of the book trade. My previous experience working in retail is beneficial, but bookselling is a whole different level and there’s much to learn. Moreover, as I don’t have children and share my basic expenses with my partner, I can afford a slight pay cut even during inflation.
Best of all: after three years of worrying about what I could do for a living instead of working as a copywriter/editor in marketing, I’ve finally found my way out. And not just with any job, but something that actually interests me and that I really enjoy. Of course, I’m about to finish my first month in the new trade, so the excitement of novelty is running high. I still have much to learn, and it will probably take a few weeks or even months until I feel capable and ‘safe’ in my new position.
But I’m slowly getting there, learning and growing day by day. And I’m enjoying the process.
The perks of being a bookseller when you love reading
Since I was a little kid, I’ve always loved reading. Even with ADHD, I prefer reading to any other form of entertainment, as it stimulates my imagination and keeps me occupied. Only in the worst of times — when my demons are having a field day — do rather lose myself on Pinterest, Tumblr, and sometimes Instagram instead of finding myself a good read.
In this new job, I hope I will find some peace of mind in a way I haven’t known for years. Not that it won’t/can’t be stressful — I’ve worked retail before, also during Christmas, and it will be quite eventful, I’m sure. However, this is not the same sort of stress, the same mental strain, and pressure I felt in a world full of arbitrary priorities, shifting deadlines, and the absurdity of the business itself — marketing, advertising, and freelance copywriting.
Hope springs eternal. Working as a bookseller, I may have finally found a job that I love. That I enjoy even on dull days. Even with my demons in attendance. And with all the idiots that inevitably will find their way to the store and to me. A job that adds to life instead of draining it of positive energy.
One way it has already added to my life is in the form of ‘some’ new books I bought in my first month as a newbie bookseller. Because I can, because I’m surrounded by the medium I love and cherish, and because I finally feel a slower, more laid-back pace of life that allows for more of what I love. Also, I get a discount. (YAY!)
Let’s see what the coming weeks and months in the new field will bring. I wasn’t that excited about something new in a long time, and I’m very much looking forward to learning a lot more 🙂
Are there any fellow booksellers out there? What’s your take on the trade? I’m always happy to learn from the pros!
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you’re doing well — take care and see (read) you soon 🙂