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last year i watched the 1995 classique that is daisy von scherler mayer’s party girl starring thee one and only parker posey. now this was a seismic moment for me, very ‘self recognition through the other’. it hit home with me at the time as i was fresh out of my undergrad, funemployed but without the fun (sustaining myself on depop sales, handmade tote bags, and making shitty posters for local bands), and routinely siphoning booze and weed from my boyfriend. i too like our protagonist faced some major housing instability and then had to sell off a lot of my hottest vintage finds literally just so i could cover minor expenses like my phone bill and my medication each month. i was in the trenches before i got my PPPGJ.
for those unfamiliar with the film a parker posey party girl job is literally just a hot job in the culture/heritage/arts sector. one that comes into your life in the midst of crisis to rescue you from the woes of economic strife and jobless induced hedonism (and also preferably lets you dress up really chic whilst you’re on the clock).
i bagged it like two weeks after id watched the movie, call it a divine sign. i got hired as a screen intern for this major museum, and got to work on putting together their film programme for 2025. it was totally pinch-me as far as arts jobs go. im based in england but up north.. anyone living outside of london will know that cool heritage gigs like this are few and far between when yr outside the capital and applying for them is like competing in the hunger games. anyways, above minimum wage, hybrid and super flexible, free film tickets, lax dress code, found my hodgepodge experience in event planning to be a thing of value, lots of field trips to other museums, free reign to do more or less whatever i wanted during the day as long as my work got done. surreal <3
i have now finished my tenure at the museum bar some one-off freelance projects im doing with them but just wanted to reflect upon how right place right time it was. for any unemployed grads looking for their thing i know its tough but dont give up! what u seek may just be around the corner … sending everyone on their job hunting journey rn strength and good luck <33
Oct 21, 2024
Related Recs
i’ve worked in the arts for my entire career, mainly in art museums. i’m also an independent curator and ran a gallery out of my storefront apartment for a year and a half. i’ve archived photographs, led museum tours, curated exhibitions, couriered art across the country in an 18-wheeler, written wall texts, edited books, interviewed artists, fundraised, done countless studio visits, written exhibition essays, provided accessibility for disabled visitors, built a curatorial practice around working with disabled artists, project managed performances, and participated as a performer in a couple of pieces (including a Tino Sehgal).
i am immensely proud of my work and have done and seen some incredible things. i’ve also worked with incredible passionate people who have the privilege and honor of making culture. but I’m also very burnt out and currently in the midst of plotting a departure from the art world, in search of a job that provides more balance. my whole job as a “museum worker” has been my identity for 14 years and I’m curious to see what my life looks like next. i’m mediating on and grappling with the idea that we weren’t put on this planet to labor, which compounded with the effects of lockdown and the pandemic, has changed my relationship to work and having a linear career. life is too short and too precious to give all of ourselves to a job (hope that doesn’t make me sound far out or too radical).
right now I’m working with a career coach, doing informational interviews, playing with my resume and cover letter formats, and applying for a wild array of non-art / non-museum jobs. I’d love to hear if you have any insights or suggestions! it’s scary making the leap but I’m trusting my gut here.
Feb 15, 2025
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I host a pop culture video podcast and write a weekly newsletter! Got laid off a few months ago, so I'm actively looking for a senior role in comms/culture, whatever that looks like.
Past lives:
• Pre-professional dancer, until I was asked rhetorically at 17 if I wanted to be broke and unemployed for the rest of my life
• Retail shark at the Natick Mall who sold a million dollars' worth of handbags in a bodycon dress and 4" heels on a marble floor
• Corporate fashion employee who designed tools, opened new stores, and facilitated presentations to drive culture & tech adoption. Last day at my job was 3/6/20 👀
• Brand consultant
• Marketing director at web3 entertainment startup
Feb 9, 2024
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i worked in public relations for eight years while pursuing some film stuff on the side, then had a couple years of absolutely no idea what to do cuz i hated PR and was scared of the film industry (still love the craft). a few friends suggested i look into counseling and i only partly believed them but i applied to grad school and from the first class i knew i was with my people. in May i finally graduated with my masters in professional counseling and i submitted my first job applications this week 🥹 feeling very vulnerable but at peace with this new career in the mental health field. biggest lesson i learned is to take small steps and reasonable risks to get experience in various industries/settings instead of spiraling thinking too long-term. try stuff out and see what sticks!
Jun 18, 2024
Top Recs from @nowhere
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was so so sad last night and found myself at the movies. started sobbing the moment i sat in the chair for reasons entirely unrelated to the film (although it was very sad). kind of relished in it though bc the cinema unlike buses/trains/cafes is like the only public space where you wont be scorned for crying. its the only acceptable place outside of the comfort of your home for you to sit down and have a good wail because everyone will think ur crying about the movie and no one will judge u.
Nov 28, 2024
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a punk rock road movie by gregg araki about a couple that pick up a drifter. weirdness and chaos ensue. impeccable soundtrack and the costuming was waaaay ahead of its time. its like challengers on crack. one of my favourite flicks and was my teenage gateway into cool girl underground films. be warned though it gets pretty violent at times!
Oct 29, 2024
Oct 26, 2024