Okay, so you know how life sometimes throws you a curveball? Well, I just got beaned by a whole dang baseball team. Let me tell you the story of how my online friend turned out to be my actual, for-real boss.
It all started a few months ago. I'm a huge fan of indie fantasy novels and spend a fair amount of time online discussing them. I found this really cool forum dedicated to lesser-known authors, and that's where I met someone with the username 'WanderingBard'. We instantly clicked. We had the same taste in books, the same quirky sense of humor, and could spend hours debating the merits of different magic systems.
'WanderingBard' and I chatted almost daily. We swapped recommendations, beta-read each other's writing (I aspire to be an author, they were already published!), and generally just became really good friends. I knew they were busy, and they never really talked about their day job, just vaguely mentioning it was "in the publishing industry." I figured they were maybe an editor or something. Seemed plausible, right?
Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I'd been searching for a new job for a while. My current role was...unfulfilling, to say the least. I'd applied to a bunch of places, but hadn't heard back from anyone. Then, out of the blue, I got an email from 'Starlight Publishing', offering me an interview for a junior marketing position. I was thrilled! It sounded like a great opportunity, and the company seemed really cool and innovative.
The interview went great! The team seemed friendly and enthusiastic, and the role sounded exactly like what I was looking for. I felt a good connection with the hiring manager, Ms. Eleanor Vance. She was sharp, insightful, and had a really great sense of humor. We talked for over an hour, and by the end, I was convinced this was the job for me. A week later, I got the offer! I accepted immediately.
My first day was yesterday. I was a nervous wreck, as you can imagine. New job jitters are a real thing. I got there early, found my desk, and started setting up. Then, Ms. Vance came over to welcome me. She smiled and said, "So glad to have you on board! I think you'll fit in perfectly."
And then...she said something that made my jaw drop. "By the way," she said with a twinkle in her eye, "you can call me Eleanor, or 'WanderingBard', whichever you prefer."
Cue the record scratch.
I stared at her, dumbfounded. My online friend...my boss...they were the same person?! My brain short-circuited for a good thirty seconds. I managed to stammer out something intelligent like, "Wait...you're...'WanderingBard'?"
She laughed. "Guilty as charged! I recognized your writing style from your cover letter, and then I saw your name and profile picture on LinkedIn. I figured I'd keep it a surprise."
I still can't quite believe it. The person I've been sharing memes and discussing plot twists with for months is now my direct supervisor. It's surreal, hilarious, and honestly, a little bit terrifying. What if I mess something up at work? Will she still want to be my friend? Will I accidentally reveal some embarrassing online confession during a team meeting?
But after the initial shock wore off, I realized this could actually be amazing. I already know I get along with her, and we share a lot of the same values and interests. Plus, she clearly believes in my potential, since she hired me! It's definitely going to be an interesting work dynamic, to say the least. I'm just hoping I can keep my professional and online personas separate. Wish me luck!
Navigating the New Reality
So, what's it like having your online friend as your boss? Well, it's only been a day, but so far it's been a mix of hilarious and slightly awkward. We had a team lunch, and I kept catching myself wanting to make inside jokes that no one else would understand. I also had to resist the urge to ask her about the cliffhanger ending of her latest book!
I think the key is going to be establishing clear boundaries. We've both agreed to keep our online friendship mostly separate from work. We'll still chat occasionally, but we'll try to avoid discussing work-related matters online. And, of course, I'll be treating her with the same respect and professionalism as any other boss.
The Benefits (and Potential Pitfalls)
There are definitely some potential benefits to this situation. I already know her communication style, her work ethic, and her sense of humor. This could make it easier for us to collaborate and work together effectively. Plus, it's always nice to have a friendly face in a new workplace.
However, there are also some potential pitfalls. I'm worried about favoritism, both real and perceived. I don't want my colleagues to think I'm getting special treatment because I'm friends with the boss. And I definitely don't want to let Eleanor down by not performing up to expectations. The pressure is on!
Ultimately, I think this whole situation is a testament to the power of online communities. You never know who you might meet, or where those connections might lead. In my case, it led to a dream job and a seriously unexpected twist in my career path.
Speaking of Books...
Since my boss/friend is a published author, I thought I'd take this opportunity to share a review of one of her books. This is one of the books written by WanderingBard, and I had the privilege of Beta reading for her.
Title: The Emerald Labyrinth
Publisher: Starlight Publishing
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Author(s): Eleanor Vance
The Emerald Labyrinth is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the journey of a young cartographer named Elara as she navigates a treacherous, magically-infused labyrinth in search of a lost artifact. Vance's writing is lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the labyrinth's shifting corridors, ancient traps, and the strange creatures that dwell within.
Elara is a compelling protagonist, intelligent, resourceful, and deeply flawed. Her struggles with self-doubt and her determination to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles make her a character that readers will root for. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each with their own unique motivations and secrets.
What sets The Emerald Labyrinth apart is its intricate world-building and its exploration of themes of identity, self-discovery, and the power of friendship. The magic system is unique and intriguing, and the plot is full of unexpected twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels with strong female leads, complex world-building, and thought-provoking themes.
