An ode to the ex
Because your ex doesn't have to be a jerk who broke your heart. It can also be one of your best friends, like mine (only costs you six steps). It's the boy who definitely also caused you a lot of heartache, but also the one who secretly gave you that necessary kick in the butt to make sure you really have the guts to step out of your comfort zone and take the step to do something you've secretly wanted to do for a long time. Did you know that I owe my job here at Amayzine a bit to my ex? It is indeed true. Well, wait, I need to explain this properly, because it's not like he wrote my application letter or anything.
The story is: I lived in the south of the country for a while. I went there to study and then stuck around a bit because this kid fell in love with a Brabo and decided to stay – all in the name of love. But as in love as I was, I was also not happy, because Breda and I were just not a match at all. Fast forward to the end of a relationship because he of course realized that I was anything but happy. He also thought I had so much more to offer than what I could achieve there in the sunny south. I needed a bigger city. And a kick in the butt.
‘Come on, Elke. And now you're going to go for it. I've even arranged a job for you.’ And so I went. Finally. Well, with heartache and a temporary place on the couch at my sister's and her boyfriend's house, but I was there. My job was medium, something with a terror boss, but I was willing to put up with that to stay in Amsterdam. That same ex, who helped me on my way to Amsterdam, who even helped me move when I finally got off my sister's couch, and that ex who, when he was on the other side of the world (he decided to travel around for nine months), also gave me a confidence boost to apply at Amayzine.
‘Come on, Elke. And now you're going to go for it. I've even arranged a job for you.’
Amayzine was kind of my neighbor. I worked before in Helicopterstraat and during a random afternoon walk, I walked through Pilotenstraat past the building. I knew the company well because my sister and one of my best friends were both loyal readers, so I secretly started reading the site during my working hours. Best of all: there was also an English version and I just preferred to read everything in English. But I could do those English translations better. Then doubt arose again because there was no vacancy at Amayzine and I didn't want to offend anyone by suggesting that the English site could be better. I also had a perfectly fine job that I had studied for. I drilled it into myself that when I start to doubt something, I should not do it. So I decided to just stay in my chair in Helicopterstraat.
Only there, Mr. was not in agreement. Again, I got a kick in my (Levi’s-) butt. This time from Chile or Argentina – which country it was exactly, I really don't remember anymore, but I had to and would apply. And so I applied. And I got the job.
And now, now I have been one of your newest editors for over half a year . Writing for a living. Maybe in Dutch instead of English, but secretly this has always been a dream job of mine. And what makes this even more beautiful is that I know my father, who is unfortunately no longer here, is looking down with a big smile because writing was his hobby. And now he has a daughter who has made a living from it.. So thank you, dearest ex of mine, never thought a break-up could be so.
