Hot Girl Burnout
Written by Marion Johnson
I often toe the line between optimism and bad advice. Someone asks me if they should move to New York? Absolutely. Apply to grad school? Hell yeah. Start their micro-influencing career? Why not?! You can do anything! You’re a hot girl!!! As poorly researched, but well-intentioned, my encouragement might be, I truly think it is so important for people to follow their dreams.
I believe that dreams can come true. I lead with my heart, and always pursue my passions. I’m drawn to low acceptance rates and a high cost of living. Maybe I’m too idealistic. Actually, I know that I’m idealistic, but I think we could all benefit from some idealism. If for nothing else, then at least as a little treat.
There are people who roam this Earth thinking that everything is made for them. Some people's privileges function at a level so high that they have only goals, not dreams. And while I acknowledge the privilege in taking risks, and the privilege I have to even be writing this, I still think that the world belongs to all of us. I do not believe so uncritically, however. I believe so by necessity, because there are systems of oppression and limitations by circumstance that have the power to make dreams impossible. But, dear reader, the next time you see a door crack open for a new opportunity, and your eyes light up, and your heart starts racing, if no one else– I will be there on your shoulder, cheering you on. Even though those applications for apartments or internships will put you through the wringer, nobody tells you that sometimes the hardest part comes after your dreams do come true.
You think that you’ve made it. You think that you’re going to be the next Carrie Bradshaw, and your only problem will be Mr. Big. But sometimes the hard part comes after your acceptance, promotion, or huge win. Even though dreams can come true, dreams are hard work. And the bigger the dream, the harder the work.
In small ways, I have felt this firsthand, and it unfolded exactly like this. At one moment, I was over the moon, elated with the opportunities on the horizon. I got into grad school, moved to a new state, and landed a new internship! But as the night fell, things got real. All of a sudden, I had new responsibilities: deadlines, travel, and making new friends. Then, everything hit at once. I had to get an outfit for some conference, I was working on three different papers, I broke my microwave, and I applied for a job. But the most challenging part was during the climax of the hard work, where everything had to come together. This is when optimism started to feel like a mistake. I was face-to-face with term papers, job interviews, and my 3 unread emails became 30. I had come so far, but I was limping to the finish line. This is hot girl burnout.
And even worse than the culmination of the responsibilities being the scariest part, it is the most necessary for the grand payoff. But the point is, I did it, and I continue to follow my heart because the payoff will always be worth it. When the dust is settled and your dreams have been fully realized, you can thank your past self for following your passions. Believing in yourself is one of the best feelings in the world. When one leap of faith comes through for you, it can feel like everything else will fall into place, and it gives you the confidence to try again. That feeling is worth the burnout. If banking on a feeling is idealistic, then so be it. They always say,“ the worst thing they can say is no.” But I think the worst thing is to never even try.
