When I took two years off and then went back to school, I thought I was making a practical pivot. I switched my major from Theatre to Communications, concentrated in Public Relations, kept a minor in Theatre Arts, and sprinkled in plenty of Advertising and music classes. My plan? Build a stable career behind the scenes instead of chasing the spotlight on stage.
Of course, life had other ideas. Out of necessity, PR quickly morphed into Marketing. And while social media didn’t even exist back then, over time all the lines blurred — Marketing, PR, Advertising, Communications — they’ve become one big, interconnected world. If you’re a Jane of All Trades like me, you’ve probably touched every corner of it.
And the industries? Let’s just say I’ve collected a sampler platter of careers: Purchasing, Publishing, Distance Education, Waitressing, Biotech, Analytics, Environmental Data, Real Estate Data, Credit Information, Website Monitoring, Professional Services, Online Reviews, Real Estate Education, Insurance Education, Insurance Products, Marketing & Social Media Consulting… you name it, I’ve probably had a desk (or a tray) there.
That “career stability” I thought I was building? HA! My family jokes that every three years I lose my job. And honestly, for the first 30 years, they weren’t wrong—thanks mostly to acquisitions and corporate reshuffles.
But through all the detours, I found balance in my soul-saving work: publicity, marketing, and events management on one side, and my creative outlet of singing, performing, and competing on the other. Pro bono publicity for community theatres, alumni chorus performances, and my beloved San Diego Chorus kept me connected to the art and storytelling that fuel me.
Now, here I am—40 years after high school, nearly 35 after college—and I may finally have a shot at the dream job I’ve been circling all along. Yesterday, I submitted my application to San Diego Theatres for the Content and Communications Manager position.
So here’s where you come in: send all the good thoughts, positive vibes, Christmas wishes, and a little luck my way. After a career full of detours, this one feels like it could finally be the destination.
