When I Lost my Virginity
On a breezy sunny morning in September 2016, a dog welcomed me with a couple of friendly barks. Through the whole glass door, the company’s HR smiled with enthusiasm but I wasn’t sure if it was for me or her dog. At least Maurice was glad to see this stranger.
The door was held by the manager and I was gladly welcomed and expected. Kind of a contrary to the manners and people in our city, she was a female version of a gentleman. Or was I so nice to her?
The transparent offices which were anything but that of a classical working atmosphere, with half painted walls and the left blank, construction-like ceiling, were filling the space with a tendency to feel eased and relaxed. Slogans decorated the walls, while uniquely designed lamps and minimalistic art forms, kept me excited while I waited for this graceful woman to be accompanied by the other friendly HR Lady.
I chose water.
Preparing for this interview in advance I knew it was hard to get a chance to start at the top — At least in Skopje, and especially in the creative industry.
Sitting on the office sofa, in the meeting room of Saatchi & Saatchi, I started to exchange meaningless sentences with the nice, firm, ladies. While keeping my attention on our body language, I was trying to mirror their gesticulations in order to establish a rapport of familiarity. We were forming a band — a trio. I was their new lead guitar.
Even though I deeply researched ”Publicis Groupe” and had more than 10 questions prepared in advance and ready to be asked, when was my turn to deliver them I had a memory lapse. I felt overly excited to be able to remember them. I was looking at the motionless tree with moving branches through the only window in the beautiful room. Trembling with uncertainty, I only said that I liked their surroundings, confused and misguided.
From that moment on, I felt like on a walk with my friends in Central Park every day, instead of a feeling in a working environment. The people were great. Wait?! What?! Stop reading. Watch out! A TIGER!!!
Anyway… Don’t get me wrong, they were all hard working individuals but there was something in the community that made you belong. A company of DJs, musicians, snowboarders, unconventional thinkers, and underground legends. Sleepy exciters, dreamy accountants, exceptionally amazing copywriters. Their team was epic and I was part of their story. I wouldn’t forget that.
I was ready to be shaped, like water in different appearances.
Be water my friends. :)
