
Alma Gill
Dear Alma,
Three weeks ago, I landed the job of my dreams at 25 years old. It’s what I’ve been working towards since leaving college. It’s in a fabulous office building downtown for a major entertainment company that anyone would love to be a part of. Here’s the problem: the CEO is cra-cra, crazy! She yells at you and is never, ever satisfied. She sometimes belittles your work in staff meetings and makes you start all over after you’ve done exactly what she asked you to do. Don’t get me wrong, she’s brilliant (and beautiful) and you can learn a lot just watching her creativity, but I just don’t know how long I can take her attitude. I mean, I love this dream job because it allows you to meet celebrities and the Who’s Who of our community, and truthfully I don’t want to just walk away. Alma! What do I do, how can I put up with this diva? She is driving me cra-cra!
Signed: Save me from the Crazy CEO
Hello Sweet Pea,
Since there’s a little diva in us all, I’m sure you can handle this hurdle for a minute. Let me stop right here, cause I’ve just gotta say, your situation reminds me of the movie, “The Devil Wears Prada,” LOL, and presents the dilemma – do you wanna save your sole or your soul? Ok, that was stale, I know, let’s keep it moving.
Landing your dream job is the greatest. When you finally arrive, you’re totally consumed by it, losing all track of time and space. When you love what you do, you’d literally do it for free, so let’s be thankful for that part of your blessing up front. My advice is to stick it out for the next 6-12 months, then reconsider new options.
Don’t get wrapped up in the feelings, it’s a job, not a marriage. You’re still young, focus on the task at hand and what it’s adding to your career. Submerge your attention in the duties, not the diva. When she ruffles your feathers, remind yourself, she’s leading you towards an oasis of opportunity. Every great position has some drawbacks. Smooth mountains aren’t scalable; you need the rough sides to hold on too, gain your footing and propel yourself to the next level. You’ve got this girl, you’ve prepared for this moment. All of what you learn and the contacts you’ll create along the way, make it well worth the sacrifice and journey. Respect, admire, and absorb all you can from this diva, you’ll one day say you defeated. While looking back on this big adventure years from now, reminiscing with more smiles and hallelujahs than tears, I’m sure.
Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@gmail.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma.