Charleen and James Weber smile through the pain. Drew’s decision to pursue an advertising career means their dream of retiring at a Ritz Carlton Retirement Community is now unlikely.
Yesterday was a dark day for James and Charleen Weber as their son Drew officially accepted his first job in advertising. Their hearts were heavy as he signed an employment contract with Division of Labor, a small creative shop in the San Francisco bay area.
Drew, a San Jose State University and Miami Ad School graduate, took the job at Division of Labor, after completing a six-month copywriting internship with the company. During this limbo period, the Webers hoped their son would come to his senses. “We hoped the vapid nature of the work would deter him, but apparently once the creative director dubbed him ‘head In and Out Burger instigator’ the power all kind of went to his head,” says Charleen.
And while the news wasn’t exactly a shock given his extended internship, the couple was still left reeling. “When we had him, we pinned our hopes on him becoming a heart surgeon, astronautical engineer or even a professional hockey player. You know, something where he could buy us a nice house and send us on vacations and stuff,” said Charleen.
But Drew had other plans. Instead of going after a lucrative job where he could give his parents a comfortable retirement in exchange for all they did for him, their youngest and most selfish child chose to pursue his passion for selling stuff people don’t need.
It’s not about the money for me,” said Drew, whose parents have already taken his name out of the will. “I wanted to make a difference in the world, and I thought using my writing skills to sell hockey tickets and courier services were my way to do it.”
Drew Weber is officially a copywriter much to the chagrin of his parents who’d have preferred their son become a cardiac surgeon.
In fairness to Drew, the 25-year-old’s journey into the world of digital marketing, social media, and creative writing developed only after his attempt to pursue a music career fell flat. In an effort to become the next Justin Timberlake, he applied to several schools as a music major. But once reality sunk in and he began to recognize he simply wasn’t hot enough the celebrity dream quickly withered. “You have to be at least a 9 to be a pop star. I’m maybe a 6 on a good day,” said Drew.
It goes without saying his parents were devastated by his decision and hoped things wouldn’t pan out for him as a writer. They prayed he would realize advertising wasn’t his calling and go back to chasing a seven-figure career.
But as Drew got closer to landing his first copywriting gig, their dreams of living a life of luxury via their son got thinner and thinner. And, of course, yesterday’s news was the final nail in the coffin.
“I can’t believe he would do this to us. We spent all that time raising him and this is what he’s become?” said James. “He might as well be a stripper.” When asked what they would do next, the married couple of 40 years suggested having another child and trying again.
“This kid didn’t work out. Maybe the next one will,” said James.
Drew seems happy with his decision and is living the life he wants to live with the career he wants to have. But, it’s going to take a long time for his parents to come to terms with the situation.
“We’re not mad. We’re disappointed.”
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The Small Agency Blog is produced by Division of Labor; a top San Francisco ad agency and digital marketing firm that’s been named Small Agency of the Year twice by Ad Age. The award-winning creative shop services clients on a retainer or project basis. They also offer brand consulting services and hourly engagements for startups and smaller brands. Click here for a free consultation.