24 Carat Star Time

TheBoy had been having a rough go of things for awhile. He’s actually a bit past the point where he should be taking on (almost) full responsibility for his life, but he insists on clinging to the idea that he’s footloose and fancy free – with parents to do the dirty work. That attitude sometimes makes him poorly equipped to deal with life’s numerous barbs and thorns.

When he told me a few years ago that he wanted to study economic law I was both proud and confused. Pride took root because economic law sounds like something so substantial. The confusion set in, because – let’s face it – TheBoy has never been a particularly ardent student. He seems to have a much more artistic /creative bent, though he was unfortunately never disciplined enough to actually do anything with it or about it.

His first semester at university came after a year spent in a holding pattern. Because young people always know so much more than their elders (I know, I know….I was just as guilty of this transgression when I was a young’un), he ignored my entreaties to apply to more schools than the one he had his heart set on. Unfortunately, said school didn’t have its heart set on him as a student. Instead of heading off to lectures in Cologne in 2006, he headed off to late shift at the local Burger King. Although he enjoyed spending time outside an academic atmosphere (like I said, no ardent student, he) and having some money to spend, he was more than a bit jealous of his friends who were already firmly entrenched in academic life.

His first semester in Wiesbaden (not his first choice, but a favorite all the same) in 2007 ended abruptly for reasons that are only his business. He came back up to this neck of NRW and applied at several universities here. His first choice – Cologne – remained an impossible dream, though, and as rejection slips began to pile up, he became more and more frustrated and pessimistic. Finally, the light at the end of the tunnel seemed to glow brightly the day his letter of acceptance from Duesseldorf came.

But life never makes it too easy for you, does it? Though theBoy knew he needed to take more financial responsibility for his life, his personal wallet seems to open most often (and wide) when it comes to his own pleasure. That’s why there was no money worth mentioning left over from the Burger King salaries, and his weekend job barely paid enough to cover transportation costs and weekend partying. As far as he is concerned, it’s simply not possible to put anything aside.

As far as he’s concerned.

That’s why being turned down for a German government stipend came like a blow to his solar plexus. And ours, too.

All along The Ex and I have been telling him to consider all his options. Including working several days a week. Including saving more. Ok, The Ex has already gotten to a place where he just wishes TheBoy would finish something – anything – he starts.

Me? I simply cannot envisage TheBoy actually enjoying whatever job would come his way after spending four years studying business and/or business law. I’m a firm believer in following your heart where your (a)vocation is concerned! Although I enjoy money and material things as much as the next person, I would hate to be the accountant who – on her death bed – regretted all the poems she never bothered to actually write in lieu of doing something ‘respectable’.

TheBoy actually performed a small role in a local theater production in 2006. He went in to the audition with a friend – and walked off with a part himself! I have always thought that that sort of career would suit him much better. Alas, I couldn’t persuade him to actually sign up for any acting courses and – finally! – follow through on something that might bring him great pleasure and satisfaction. What’s with this younger generation anyway? They all want to be ’stars’ or ‘celebrities’, but no one wants to actually put in the sweat equity required to actually learn how to sing/dance/act, etc.?!?!

Imagine my surprise when TheBoy told me he had applied for an apprenticeship at a tv production company just for the fun of it – and had actually been called in for an interview. Having run an award-winning apprenticeship program in advertising for many years myself, I know just how popular those programs are, and how difficult they are to get in. Although the programs are just as much hard work as, say, a program for future insurance agents or bankers, working in advertising or film/tv production is simply infinitely more sexy to young people. Even if nine times out of ten the kids applying for the programs don’t really have any idea what goes on behind the scenes.

In TheBoy’s case, we’re talking about one of (if not THE) largest tv production company in the country, and the show he would be working on is one of the most popular daytime soaps: ‘Verbotene Liebe‘ (or: ‘Forbidden Love’)

To make a long story short, TheBoy not only had a great interview, they are very eager to have him come on board! That means he’ll finish up this semester in Duesseldorf, then be off to Cologne (!) in the fall to begin his apprenticeship there. Who know? Maybe he’ll be able to move down there instead of commuting…

Congrats, honey…and enjoy!!!!