What comes first- Friendships or internships?
Competition is a natural part of life. We find ourselves fighting for our place in society and more importantly in the work force. But, when it comes to competition between friends and loved ones, where can we draw the line between our personal lives and our professional endeavors?
As a college senior I will be starting my second internship of my college career. I landed my dream position as an intern by searching through the career center database for journalism internships. After a grueling interview and application process, I was selected! Now I have the opportunity to work for my university’s magazine, which includes writing, reporting, interviewing, and anchoring for a sports show on cable TV.
Now, instead of feeling overwhelmed with excitement, I feel guilty. My boyfriend and most of my friends that are journalism majors are envious of my newly appointed position as head anchor of my own show, along with the other luxurious responsibilities. Even though they claim to be happy for me, they also admit to being jealous. I don’t want my new success to cause a rift in my personal relationships. But, I’m coming to the conclusion that I have to take the opportunities that are best for me, and hope that it won’t be demise of my personal relationships.
Any so-called friend that is jealous of your success is not someone that you want to have as a friend. A true friend would be happy for you...unconditionally. Remember the difference between envy and jealousy. Envy isn't near as bad because it just means that you want the same thing that someone else has yet you also want them to have it. Jealousy is where you want to take something away from someone else. Why would anyone want friends who are jealous?
What I'm hoping is that your boyfriend and your friends are using the word "jealous" in the form that usually goes with its use. What they really mean is that they're really happy for you and wish they were *also* experiencing the same good fortune. Remind them of the fortunate circumstances they presently have that you are very glad of their having. Then also ask them what all of you can do to celebrate your mutual successes.
If you start seeing signs of actual jealousy, intentional acts that tend to ruin opportunities and so on, you may need to reconsider the relationships and will need to start restructuring how you interact with your associates.