When Opportunities Fade Naturally

2010 May 19
by Grace Boyle

Blogging opens up a lot of new opportunities. It’s as though you’re constantly “out” there, without really putting yourself out there. People find you; agencies, public relations professionals, editors for other publications, etc. It’s exciting, always interesting and at the same time, humbles me because I forget (sometimes) that this blog is entirely public and oh yeah, that people actually read it.

Recently, as 2010 rolled around I’ve had a few opportunities arise to contribute and write for other publications, online magazines and blogs. I never planned this but when the opportunity presented itself, I was pleasantly surprised and it hit me, “Yes, I love writing! I always have. Blogging is my medium, but I can contribute to other publications and continue my lifelong learning quest.”

Photo Credit

Over the past few months I was negotiating a few writing opportunities that came my way – I pitched articles, negotiated and signed contracts and then sat to wait.

I will be honest, it was nerve-racking. I’m not a freelance writer, I work full-time, but I like to challenge myself. I’m almost always busy and I loved the people who had reached out. I even thought to myself, “Do I have it in me?” or “What if I fail?”

Ironically, in time, those few contacts were back in touch and it turned out, they realized they couldn’t accept any new writers or their program was changing.

I didn’t know if I should feel disappointed or laugh that they both had proactively helped create and ask for this opportunity then simultaneously weren’t able to progress forward (for a few different reasons, out of their control and to their disappointment, as well).

I then realized, these opportunities faded naturally and I was actually completely okay with that. I learned something in the process, learned what I was capable of, my fears and what I most likely, will continue to dive into for the future.

When opportunities fade naturally, it’s the best way to move on. It’s a shrug-your-shoulders situation, smile, other opportunities will come, so move on and keep in touch…

…and that’s just what I did.

Have you ever had an opportunity present itself then naturally fade away? How did you feel? How do you handle this?

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from → Blogging, Branding, Business, Career, Change, Social Media

  • http://twentyorsomething.com Susan Pogorzelski

    Grace: First, I love the new look! You're absolutely adorable and that reflects in your blog :)

    I can really relate to this post, especially in regards to my own freelance writing. Last year I was psyched to start freelancing with a local arts publication by reviewing restaurants and their menus. It was a lot of fun, I enjoyed it, and I got to stretch my writing skills. But after I took my present full-time job and dove into interests and projects here and dealing with an illness, that writing took a backseat. And I realized I was ok with that.

    It's funny you say that you're not a freelance writer because I decidely am not either. That lifestyle just doesn't work for me, and that's ok. It was an opportunity, a chance to grow and learn and see what I could do and I succeeded. But it wasn't what I wanted to do always, and so I let that fade, cherishing having had the opportunity in the first place.

    I'm a huge believer that everything happens for a reason and, with that, we learn from absolutely everything in life. You learned from your opportunities — what you were capable of, what you wanted, and what you didn't want. There's a lot to be said for that. And we'll all take these experiences and build upon them when that next opportunity comes along. That's really what's so fascinating…Maybe there's nothing so senseless about life after all.

    Great post!

  • jrmoreau

    Sometimes something seems like the most “right” thing to do in the world, it's exciting, challenging and nothing else really seems to hold a candle to it. Then the next thing you know you realize that first thing pales in comparison to something else that you've found to be more important. I absolutely love this juxtaposition in life. A shift in perspective is something that sometimes can't be forced, but when it happens, it's like “wow, why did I ever think that way originally?”

    I'm the type who stays up late at night because I'm always afraid I'll miss something. Sometimes it's nice to just cut my losses, go to bed and see what tomorrow brings. It could change everything, ya know?

  • http://www.lauriesteiner.com Laurie Steiner

    Great post, Grace. It's not always easy to “roll with the punches” or just “go with the flow.” Heck, lord knows I have the hardest time doing that (hence why I needed to just breathe and start going to yoga–but I digress). Sometimes it's simply a blessing in disguise. You never know what opportunity may arise that you will be able to jump on as a result of another one naturally fading away beforehand. Good for you for keeping your head up and looking forward. Your life is filled with so many great, awesome, fabulous and amazing things and I'm sure additional projects just as wonderful will present themselves very soon.

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.blogspot.com Grace Boyle

    @Susan Thank you! I loved hearing your parallel story about freelance writing while also working and how that all unfolded. Things do really happen for a reason, so it's a good feeling to be able to accept that (because acceptance is hard sometimes). Thanks for your kind words, Susan :)

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.blogspot.com Grace Boyle

    @Laurie YES to Yoga, helps me roll with the punches that's for sure. I love the notion of a blessing in disguise…often we can never see / realize it until afterwards but it's important to note. Thanks for sharing and your support, dear :)

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.blogspot.com Grace Boyle

    @James You're absolutely right, this juxtaposition is what makes life so beautifully sweet. It tickles me to think about the right turn I accidentally took instead of the left and where that right turn took me, gave me and offered me.

    I know you understand that :)

  • http://www.solitarypanda.com floreta

    Can I even call myself a freelance writer when I do it verrry part time at the moment but it's the only thing that's funding my year abroad? But I haven't even thought about pitching ideas to people before.. It hadn't even crossed my mind! Now I think that should be my next step as a “freelance writer”.

    Those types of opportunities missed don't make me feel bad. It's the abrupt ones that I have a harder time with. To me its like the rising and ceasing of a wave. There will be more to catch. :)

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.blogspot.com Grace Boyle

    @Floreta Ah, screw labels, right? I sort of put that out there but mostly because I meet a lot of people and when asked what they do, they simply say “I freelance,” or “I'm a freelance writer.” I suppose technically, anyone who writes is a a writer right?

    You're very right that those abrupt missed opportunities are hard to stomach. I was looking forward to these two (they came to me naturally, but I had to pitch an article to finalize it) both ended though. Sometimes the 'catch' is a good learning curve in life :)

  • http://chelseatalkssmack.blogspot.com/ Chelsea Talks Smack

    I am sooo waiting and open for certain opportunities of mine to fade out naturally…I'm ready for a change, so I'm putting that out there. I couldn't agree more with this whole post.

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.com Grace Boyle

    @Chels Totally and it's the best feeling when they fade and you accept it. Yes, USE the SECRET :)