A Story of Failure

Do you want to hear a story?

About how I screwed up at my first job?

I had just graduated from college.
We were in a recession, so jobs were difficult to find (similar to now).

I was lucky enough to get a part-time gig at a small marketing agency of about 12 people. I was working as a production artist/designer in support of art directors and a variety of other marketing staff on whatever they needed.

Well, one day, we are putting together work for a pitch—this required meticulous care and detail. While I pride myself now on being very detailed oriented, needless to say, that day, it didn't go as planned. I made a mistake. I messed up the work, and the group had to start over. It was a waste of $$, time, and resources.

I knew I screwed up. It was all so new to me, and I had little guidance. I wanted to make a strong impression to my team, yet failed miserably.

So that was my last day working at that marketing agency.

I have never worked in another marketing agency since that day. Why? Maybe because I remember this story unfolded and how I felt. Or maybe because the next time I walk into an agency, I want it to be my own. A place where a young person can come and make mistakes without judgment or fear.

Am I pleased with how this went? Of course not, even after all this time.

But I learned from it.

Failure is a critical, if not necessary, part of every story of success.