DAYS I HAVEN’T MET CHARLIE BROOKER
The Two Meetings
Outside World
- Fatherly Advice -
Day 254
37. INT. DAY. ROOM
I’m at home, Skyping with my father about my two meetings. I often go for him for advice. I don’t feel at all like going to the second place, as mentioned before, and I’m trying to convince the old man my point.
ME
So anyway, I’m really not sure about going for that second one. I don’t want to sound as the spoiled brat I am, since I’m willing to clean elephant shit to support my own self, but I don’t feel like getting an advertising job that’s getting me nowhere.
FATHER
What the hell are you talking about? Why would you do that?!… Here’s what you should do, go to the first meeting, the one you want a job so bad but there’s no real offer, and if he somehow offers you something, you still go to the second one just out of politeness. If he doesn’t, you get the second job!!! You don’t have anything yet, nothing at your hand, you can’t refuse a job like that! Go there! Cleaning elephant shit…what’s that about?
ME
Well, what’s it about me working with advertising? It’s not gonna take me anywhere here, concerning where I want to get. I mean, there’s nothing wrong with it if that’s what I wanted for my career, but since we all know why I’m here, why working the long hours and taking the crazy stress out of something I don’t give a crap about? That’s what I’m saying, there’s no point in busting my ass for something, wasting all energy and time I could use developing myself and trying to get near what I want… advertising and TV shows I don’t care about, they’re a lot more time and soul consuming - not to mention meaningless - than a daily regular job that would allow me to have a proper human schedule, you know?
FATHER
Then what was all your studying for? Why getting degrees, going to good schools, working in all sorts of places…what was that for if you’re planning on being a waiter or whatever? If you don’t get your dream job, get the other one and stay there until you manage to find the kind of job you want, that’s all I’m saying! I’m not asking you to give up your dreams, I’m just saying you shouldn’t settle for less than what you’re worth.
ME
Dad, I know how you feel, and I get that, but I don’t see any difference between jobs, besides doing what I truly want and that is working for one of the big production companies here! That’s the point, you know? Being a lawyer or a janitor, that wouldn’t be any different from my point of view. And since I don’t care about what I’d be doing at all until I reach my goals, what’s the point on fooling a place that’s looking for someone they can trust? I don’t like that.
FATHER
You’re a complicated person. You know that, right? Why do you think anyone would care about you like that? It’s business. They’re thinking about themselves and you need to think about yourself. If what you both want combines, great. If it doesn’t, too bad. If it fits for whatever time if fits, so be it. It’s business, son, you need to get over that and grow up about it.
ME
I guess… It’s just complicated, you know? I mean, I’m so close now and yet I have nothing! And it’s the perfect place, you know? It’s so perfect for me. Fuck! I just want to get in there so I don’t have to worry about looking for an opening door, for once at least! It’s too much at times…
FATHER
Calm down, dude. What comes after the 2? The 3. And after that? The 4. Things have their order of working. They will pick up and you’ve already accomplished a lot in the short time you’re there. Be patient and focus as you always do.
ME
I will. I will.
FATHER
And go to that interview!
ME
You’re right. I will.
Day 254, Charlie. I cancelled the second interview. I couldn’t tell my dad.
