cruel summer vol. 2

Three months on the job, what have I learned?

For someone in marketing, I’ve maintained a sense of anonymity online over the past couple of months. After seeing the behind-the-scenes of digital marketing, I’ve felt less inclined to post every detail of my personal life online. Still, I want to share how this past season has unfolded, highlighting everything from moving, searching for jobs, and adjusting in a new city.

A lot has changed since December, when my partner and I made our way to Chicago. He got a job in the city, I was working freelance after leaving a full-time role. My first few months in Chicago were spent writing cover letter on cover letter, looking for every opportunity I could apply for. Here’s what I discovered during this time: AI tools did not help me land interviews, calling upon peers to help with cover letters and interview prep did. I made it to final round interviews, only to realize that not every opportunity was the right fit, and that’s okay! It takes a lot of courage, self-assurance, and rest to make it through the current job market. If you’re reading this and currently looking for work, know it’s okay to pause, rest, and try again tomorrow.

As I was applying for roles, I thought about how my background shaped me. Five years ago after graduating with a degree in Theatre History & Performance Texts, I never imagined I would step into arts marketing. Yet, as I’ve discovered, the skills transfer in surprising ways. Dramaturgy is not just the study of theatre; it’s a way of understanding how people experience art and respond to the world. A dramaturg creates a bridge between the audience and performance, a role not so different from marketing coordinator. To the one playwright and director who told me dramaturgy didn’t matter: Good luck, babe!

Even so, I sometimes feel self-conscious of my non-traditional path in marketing. I’ve stumbled plenty, missing deadlines, learning new tools, and figuring out how to communicate effectively on collaborative projects. Those lessons now guide the work I do with Loyola University Chicago’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts, helping to shape a unified brand while amplifying the department’s mission and programming. A unique perk of this role is with less programming during the summer session, I’ve had time to work closely with staff, faculty, and student teams to prepare campaigns for the upcoming school year. A season just for planning out various large campaigns with a team before launching, what a blessing to have that space!

Work has been rewarding, but life outside the office has been its own adjustment. The first few months living in a new city are always weird, no matter how many times I’ve moved. It’s the process of acclimating to new surroundings and adapting to the rhythm of the seasons. Fun fact: I never visited Chicago before moving here. It truly was a leap of faith moving at the beginning of winter. And by leap of faith, I mean blissful ignorance to the coldest of colds I’ve ever experienced. But now I am a vet so I really can handle anything.

As the city shifts into new seasons, I’ve felt the same pull for change in my own life. This summer, I laced up my running shoes again and joined Chicago House’s team for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago Run/Walk. I wanted to get back into my body, physically and mentally, so I saw this as the perfect opportunity to do so. Running next to Lake Michigan has been energizing, and I’ve come to enjoy the routine of early morning runs. You can support efforts for the race by donating through the link here. Proceeds benefit Chicago House and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

Beyond work and running, I’m reminded of the value of creating for ourselves, whether that’s art, photos, or just memories with friends. Create some art for your own pleasure, whatever medium that takes form in. Thanks for catching up with me here, I look forward to sharing more reflections as life in Chicago unfolds. 

-Robert W (they/them)