'The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance - and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning.'- Oprah Winfrey
Growing up I relied on television shows, movies and celebrities in the media as a sense of social realism which I couldn't experience due to a strict religious upbringing. I counteracted my shyness by getting lost pages deep in books and using the delicacy of words for escapism. So it only seemed fitting that bringing the two of those aspects together would be a career path I would excel in. But it's been tough. I graduated from university nearly five years ago. Since then I have been pursuing a career in showbiz journalism. I have interned, freelanced and assisted in print magazines, on-line publications, PR, social media, event management etc and the list goes on. I've made some great contacts, had some incredible experiences and built my confidence. My foot is in the door. However, getting the rest of my body through the door has proved to be tough. I can't tell you how upsetting it is to be currently working as a receptionist with people questioning my dedication to my goals. My career is my number one priority. I most certainly feel as if I've lost a few years to the hustle, but I will never take a step back in order to achieve it- Even if it means doing dissatisfying jobs here and there along the way. Never giving up (which I'm telling myself now) is the best advice I can give anyone out there in the same position. Whilst I work my way up to a respected job role on a magazine, newspaper or television show as a showbiz and entertainment journalist, I've listed four jobs I had that didn't quite make the cut on my CV. These are experiences I'll always remember to humble myself once I'm whole-heartedly happy doing the job of my dreams.