Tag: help others

“I can tell you’re not professional.” The Words Said to Me This Week

Mikayla Olivia OrrsonLeave a comment

“I can tell you’re not professional.”

A real statement made to me while I was directing my first play (well, staged reading). When they said it, I nervous laughed and changed the subject but it really has been bothering me. The statement came from someone who doesn’t know me and had literally just met me.

So, I began thinking, what would make me a professional and more importantly, what about me isn’t professional.

The rehearsal this was said at was located at a beautiful facility.

The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts

The cast were all trained professionals, and incredibly talented.

Ari Veach, Gaia Visnar, Sabastian Zeqharr, Broghanne Jessamine

The reading was being held at a highly sought after location.

It was being produced by Elemental Women Productions, and full fledged production company (shout out to my homegirl, Broghanne Jessamine).

We had an incredible turn out. And not only that, they we’re a super supportive crowd.

Sabastian Zeqharr, Broghanne Jessamine

The crowd even asked questions at the talk back after the show!

Broghanne Jessamine, Charlotte Giles, Me

I had done my work as a directing in and out of rehearsal.

So, how could I be not professional? This person also asked what I did besides this and I said “bartender.” And that was it, the label that stuck to me. As if bartending is bad job, or the people who do it aren’t serious. Some of the hardest working people I know are bartenders, the hours are long, guests are rude, and overall all customer service jobs are emotionally exhausting.

It’s been a little over a week since I was told I’m not professional and I think I finally know how I feel about it.

F*** that.

Being a professional isn’t about how much money you make or time you can give, its about passion. If you are an artist, and make art, guess what? You’re a professional.

Professionalism is an attitude. And I’ve got plenty of attitude! So, it doesn’t matter if you have a ‘survival job’ or you can work in your desired field all the time, you are still a professional.

Moral of The Story: don’t let other people’s negativity make you feel down or put you in a box. No one can label you without your permission. So, make your own labels! Here are mine right now!

Mikayla Labels As Defined by the Only Person’s Opinion that Matters (Her Own):

    Strong
    Witty
    Creative
    Rebellious
    Opinionated
    Smart
    Accepting
    PROFESSIONAL

A Love Letter to All My Co-Workers (Past and Present)

Mikayla Olivia Orrson

There’s something magic and tragic about coworkers. You spend 40 hours a week with them. You form these intense bonds. And then life steps in and before you know it, you’re practically strangers again.

It’s the most pure relationship out there because (for the most part) the reason your friendship ends isn’t because of anything malicious, it’s just life. It’s like the most mutual breakup.

Co-workers see you through your day to day life. They listen to you complain about your dating life, or when you tell funny stories about what your cat did that morning.

They take you out for drinks to commiserate and celebrate.

They make your annoying work life, bearable (and fun sometimes.) We all have that work friend (or friends) that we get excited to see on the schedule.

Moral of the story: Here’s to work friends! Here’s to the laughs, tears, drama, drinks, and love! I love you all from past to present. If you’re an old coworker of mine, feel free to hit me up, let’s grab a beer and reconnect. If you’re not a former coworker of mine, I suggest you reach out to your old work friends. Make the connection, it’s worth it.

-Mikayla Olivia Orrson