Brianna's Open Book:
Finding My Way
Dreams give us life, purpose, and a vision for the future. But finding the perfect job, partner, and friends is never easy—it comes with contemplations and pivots. Brianna’s weighing her options, thinking deeply about what truly makes her happy. This journey is ongoing, but Brianna’s committed to finding her path and creating a life that feels authentically right for her.
Open Book is a series shining a light on the work, lives, and thoughts of the interesting people we cross paths with. You never know, you may make a new friend in the space one day.
This interview has been edited for clarity and concision.
Interview by Michelene Wilkerson; Edited by Branda Ayo; Photography by Katherine Pekala.
Looking For A New Foundation
I’m really at a crossroads right now, trying to figure out what the next chapter of my career looks like. It’s a tough spot to be in because, on one hand, I’ve built a solid foundation in my current field. I’ve learned a lot, honed my skills, and even had opportunities to travel, which is something I genuinely enjoy. But lately, I’ve been questioning if this is really where my heart lies. There’s this part of me that’s wondering if it’s time to explore something new, something that might ignite a different kind of passion in me.
The thought of pivoting into a new field is exciting but also a bit overwhelming. The market right now is challenging, to say the least, and the idea of starting over or making a big change is intimidating. I keep thinking about what I’m good at; my attention to detail, my ability to manage projects and see things through and how those skills could translate into something like event planning or even the hospitality industry. It’s a bit of a leap, but it’s one I’m seriously considering.
At the same time, I’m also thinking about the practical side of things. My current job supports my lifestyle, and there’s a comfort in that stability. But I’m starting to realize that comfort doesn’t always equate to fulfillment. I want to wake up excited about what I’m doing, to feel like my work is not just paying the bills but also feeding my soul in some way.
So here I am, weighing my options, trying to figure out what will bring me closer to that sense of joy I’m looking for. It’s a journey, and I know there’s no easy answer, but I’m determined to find a path that feels right for me. Whether that means advancing where I am or stepping into something completely new, I’m ready to take the next step, whatever that might be.
Navigating These Dating Streets
On a personal level, I’m trying to figure out my love life, and let me tell you, it is rough out here in these streets! I’ve been single for almost seven years now, and I’m definitely a relationship girly through and through. But the dating scene in New York City is a whole challenge. I’m not into hookup culture, and I feel like so many people here aren’t really willing to commit or even take the time to really get to know someone. There’s just so much accessibility to different people that the moment someone feels even a little disinterested or isn’t getting enough attention, they disconnect. Figuring out where I can meet people and where I actually want to be connecting with them is something I’m still trying to work out. I’m not really a fan of the dating apps, but I’m also not the kind of person who’s at the bar every weekend. And honestly, I’m not sure if a bar is even where I want to meet someone. And don’t get me started on run clubs, everyone’s out here joining them to find a husband, but I’m just not that girl. Running through the streets to meet someone is way too much for me.
Searching For Community
I just read this article the other day about how one room in American homes is slowly disappearing, the dining room. It’s wild to think about, but when you look at how we live today, it makes sense. We’re not hosting dinners or gathering around the table like we used to. Now, meals happen in the kitchen, the living room, or even in front of a screen in our bedrooms. It’s all so solitary. We’re moving away from those communal moments and drifting into a more individualistic way of life. It’s like we’ve forgotten how to connect with each other in meaningful ways.
For me, community is something I’m actively seeking out right now. I’ve noticed that when you’re focused on finding something like community, it starts to show up in your life more. But I can’t help but feel like our society isn’t really set up to support that sense of togetherness anymore. We’re all so wrapped up in our own little worlds, especially with our phones and social media, that we miss out on real connections. I mean, just the other day, I was visiting my parents, and we were all in the living room, but instead of talking or sharing a moment together, we were each on our phones, doing our own thing. We were together, but it didn’t feel like quality time.
And it’s not just in personal life, it’s in the corporate world too. Unless I’m intentional about surrounding myself with people who are open-minded and ready to engage in real conversations, it’s easy to feel isolated. We’re in such a polarized time where even basic communication feels like a challenge. If someone says they see purple and another person sees green, suddenly it’s like we can’t even be in the same room together. It’s dissolving our ability to communicate and connect authentically.
What Really Matters
What keeps me grounded through all of this is my family, my core five: my mom, dad, sister, and brother. They’ve been my anchor, especially since I’ve moved to the city, which has been its own challenge. I’ve moved a lot throughout my life, so I’ve gotten used to feeling disconnected in some ways. But no matter where I am or how disconnected I might feel, staying connected to my family is crucial. They’re the ones I can always lean on, no matter what. A quick call, a visit home, or just knowing they’re there for me helps keep me rooted and reminds me of what really matters. Even when life gets hectic and I start feeling like I’m being pulled in a million different directions, I know I can always come back to them. They remind me of what really matters, and they help me stay grounded in my values and in who I want to be. No matter how much I move or how many changes I go through, my family is the one thing that stays constant, and that’s something I hold onto tightly.
I’ve also realized how crucial it is to be intentional about building friendships. I went through a time where I felt really sad because I didn’t have the quality of friendships I was looking for. It’s not that I didn’t have friends, but they weren’t the kind of deep, meaningful connections I needed. I wanted friends who would reach out to me, not just the other way around. Friends who I could have real, challenging conversations with and who would be there through the highs and lows. Over time, I’ve started to build those relationships, but it’s taken a lot of intention and effort. And when I wasn’t being intentional about it, I felt the emptiness more.
Practicing Patience
When I think about what I hope for myself, the first thing that comes to mind is patience, patience with myself, with my timeline, and with the things that are unfolding in my life. I’m incredibly indecisive, as you might guess from my life mantra: I don’t know what I like, but I’m willing to try it. It’s a wide-open, indecisive motto, and I often find myself scattered in all different directions. What I really crave is clarity, clarity in my movements, in my aspirations. I’m pretty calculated in my choices, but when it comes to my goals and where I want to go, I sometimes feel lost.
I’m a type A perfectionist, so I want things done now, and I want them done right. But with my indecisiveness, it’s hard to know which way to go. It’s like wanting all my clothes folded and put away the moment they come out of the laundry, but not having the patience to deal with the chaos of sorting them out. Learning to sit in that chaos, to be patient with myself as I figure things out, is something I’m working on.