Finally where I want to be

That's my style guide flying over Michigan Avenue

When I was in college, I knew that I wanted to work in Chicago at a magazine. And I knew that given Chicago’s magazine market, chances were I’d end up at a trade publication.

Now, nearly three years since graduation, I finally got there. Last month, I started my new job as a copy editor for a group of trade publications in Chicago. However, my trip to this point was a little different than I expected (moving to Upstate New York rather than Chicago after graduation was a minor twist). I don’t regret any of my choices getting here. I loved my first job out of college as a reporter, then editor, at a weekly metropolitan newspaper. Leaving that job and moving to Chicago was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, even though I knew it was right for me.

My second job as a reporter for a group of bi-weeklies in the suburbs was a blast, but the long hours, commute and late meetings became too much to bear. Living with someone who’s an incredible cook, but never being home for dinner, is not fun.

Finally, I landed here. I can take public trans to the office. I’m working in my chosen field. I still get to write occasionally for publication. When I’m not writing for press, I have this blog. And most importantly, I’m home by 5:30. For the first time since graduation, I have a life outside my job.

All this, and the view from my desk ain’t too shabby either.