This just in; you just made that next big step in your career. Congratulations!

That was what I said to myself when I finished the script for my two act play, "The Pearl", based on the novella of the same name by John Steinbeck. It was also what I said to myself when I reserved a room at my local library, printed posters, printed the scripts, and made the official casting call for a preliminary cold-reading, intended for further reflection and editing of the piece. And to be quite honest, nobody was excited for me. Not many people were as excited as I was, mostly my boyfriend, Jacob, was supportive and encouraged me to continue to grow.

But, I guess that makes sense. This isn't their work, people are often too concerned about their own work to care about the success of someone else. I don't love this play, I'm going to be honest. It isn't my baby, it isn't my best work. But it is what I have put the most effort in to because I love the story I want it to tell so much.

My advice to those out there taking their first "big" steps. Be excited, be proud of yourself. The gravity that this is the next big step in your career can and will only be felt fully by you. So be proud of it, even if the play or musical ends up being terrible. You put your work out there to be criticized and you put it out there to be loved.

What was it like when you first realized you were making big steps in your career? How did it feel when someone made you feel supported? How did it feel when you didn't feel supported? I'd love to hear your stories and experiences.