Page 29 of Someone Just Like You

Jude:Most people regret what they DON’T do more than what they do. In other words, what have you got to lose?

I smiled as the remaining tension left my body and I completed the registration.

Chapter Thirteen

The following night, my attention was riveted on the stage as Rosaria Martin, who looked to be in her mid to late thirties, spoke to the crowd about Ceiling Crashers.

“With a little push and some encouragement from me and my team, each of you has the potential to forge your own career path.” Rosaria’s eyes sparkled with passion as she scanned the crowd. “Whether through résumé building, practice with interviewing, questionnaires designed to help pinpoint your interests, and more, we can help you. I offer both online seminars, where I share my proven plan in simple steps, as well as one-on-one opportunities for those who want more intensive coaching.”

From my seat at one of the banquet tables, I tore my eyes away from Rosaria on the small stage of the Warburg Lounge at the 92nd Street Y and gauged the reaction of the approximately one hundred other women in attendance. They appeared to be equally captivated. I guessed most of the women, who ranged in age from twentysomething, like me, to late fifties, were either current or prospective members of Ceiling Crashers.

Rosaria concluded her speech by inviting us to join her online community to get started. “Thank you all so much for coming. I’ll stick around for a few minutes in case anyone has questions.”

After a rowdy round of applause, there was a scramble to the podium. In no rush, I took my time, simultaneously checking my emails, returning texts from Esther and Nicole, and listening to what those ahead of me in line said to Rosaria. A few asked for more specifics about the various membership tiers. Unsurprisingly, I was the only recruiter. A few minutes later, I was at the front, eye-to-chin with Rosaria—the woman had height.

“Your speech was so inspiring,” I said, with complete sincerity. She’d described the anxiety of her first career as a financial analyst for a global consulting firm—the lack of personal fulfillment, pressure to perform, and near constant ache in her gut—and how she was unable to enjoy her weekends knowing that Monday morning was looming. It was all so relatable! When her health and personal life suffered as a result, she finally stepped off the path she was on and worked with a coach to forge a new road, ultimately launching her own coaching company.

Rosaria smiled warmly. “I’m so glad to hear that. I hope you’ll consider joining the community.”

I licked my lips. “When you spoke of turning your passion into a career? The thing is…whatyoudo is my passion.”

She cocked her head of silky honey brown hair.

I took it as a silent urge to continue. “I’m not looking to join the community. I’m actually a legal recruiter, but I take a very personal approach with my candidates. I’m sure you’re really busy, but I’d love to take you to lunch one day and pick your brain. Your questionnaires, especially, speak to me.”

I’d already jotted down a few questions in the notes app on my phone to include in my own questionnaire:What sounds better to you: working extra hours each week for more money to spend at holiday time or getting home to eat dinner with your family at six? Do you prefer working independently or a more collaborative approach?Presently, I asked these questions during my interviews, but it would be more efficient to have candidates answer them in advance. They might be more honest with more time and without me sitting across from them.

Rosaria’s mouth opened, but I kept going before she could shoot me down. “Although you obviously work within a broader range of careers”—her alumni included CEOs, teachers, florists, flight attendants, and more—“and mine is limited to legal work, my strategy is very focused on job satisfaction and matching employee to employer to the optimal satisfaction of both parties. My manager says I’m supposed to focus on employer needs first, and he’s correct on one level, but it’s not enough for me.”

Realizing I was meandering, I changed direction. “Although there isn’t total overlap between what we do, I genuinely think I can learn from you, if you can spare the time and are willing, of course. I have thoughts on Ceiling Crashers as well, assuming you have any desire to hear them.”

I’d spent two hours the night before reading everything I could about the company. I came up with a two-page list of marketing suggestions designed to expand their reach. I would never offer advice unsolicited, but if I was going to ask Rosaria for hers, it was only fair to have something to give in exchange besides a free lunch. The truth was, once I started scrolling their IG feeds, I didn’t stop until I’d read all five thousand posts.

Rosaria glanced over my shoulder and held up a finger.

I turned around and saw there were more women waiting. I adjusted the strap of my purse. “I don’t mean to monopolize your time. I just…I’m super inspired by you and your company and—”

She handed me her business card. “Call me tomorrow. We’ll set something up.”

My eyes widened. “Really?” I’d planned a backup argument in case the first one failed to convince her.

She laughed. “It’s always nice to talk to someone like-minded. And my interest is piqued over these ideas of yours.”

Happiness bubbled up inside me. “Tomorrow. Thank you!”

I headed toward the exit, stepped outside, and bounced up and down in excitement. I hadn’t been this exhilarated about my job since before my first one-on-one with Michael more than a month earlier.

I was dying to tell someone. Unfortunately, the onlyonewho knew about Ceiling Crashers was Jude, and he’d probably ping back a snarky retort like, “Is there a reason you’re telling me this?” Or “Get some friends, Mole.” A safer recipient of my good news would be Esther or even Timothy, who I barely knew yet…just about anyone other than Jude. But I lacked the patience to go through the entire story. I wanted to race right to the ending, and only Jude knew the beginning. That was, for sure, the only reason.Oh, what the hell.

Molly:I went to the seminar and I don’t regret it!

Send.

I chewed my lip and kept writing.

Molly:You’re probably drafting a clever way to insult me right now. But I’m too high on life to care.

I dropped the phone in my bag. It didn’t matter how he responded…ifheresponded. He was just a vessel through which to express my delight. Done.

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