Career Reflections on Turning Points

A traumatic experience in school was holding back my career. It was the very first period on the first day of school, and I asked my teacher if I could go to use the restroom. They permitted me and I exited the classroom. When I got out, I realized that I had to cross the playground to get to the restroom as my school was under construction. On my way back, I heard a voice: “You, YOU, STOP!” It was our vice principal. He thought I was just showing up to school, and started yelling at me. I tried my best to explain my side of the story. But he didn’t listen and instead slapped me - so hard that my ear started bleeding. My whole uniform was covered in blood. I was filled with fear and anger. That day, I decided that: - Authorities meant nothing but trouble. - The only way to protect myself was to revolt against them. This mindset stuck with me, even into my career. Any colleague who seemed smarter or had their own opinions became an authority in my eyes and so I'd treat them like the enemy. I’d either stay silent or oppose them no matter what. But one day during a meditation session, something clicked: I realized I was letting this pattern control me, turning me into a slave to my own rebellion. Resisting it was difficult. But I got the right help and kept working on myself. Soon, the changes started to show: - I became more open, willing to collaborate and even empathetic when needed. - I understood how to communicate more effectively, no matter who it was with. - Authorities no longer scared me or held me back from living a productive life. Getting over this was a turning point, and allowed me to reach new heights in my career. If you find yourself stuck in a cycle of rebellion like I was, remember this: True strength comes from working together. Embrace collaboration, and you'll find freedom and growth beyond your wildest dreams. Have you ever had a bad experience with authority? #career #entrepreneurship #founder

Your career path doesn't always have to be linear. I took a step "backwards" for a 37% salary increase. Sometimes you make lateral moves or seemingly "backwards" moves in order to grow in the direction you want. It's okay if you don't get that lead or director title you want as long as you're moving in a direction where you'll be happy and set yourself up for the future. Here's my career path: Predictive Analytics Intern Data Analytics Intern Data Analyst Senior Analyst Data Analytics Manager Senior Risk Analyst Senior Data Analyst To many, it may look like moving "back" from a manager position was a step back for my career. But for me, it was a big step forward in my personal growth (and salary!). As a manager of a small team at a startup, I realized I wasn't ready to jump to another manager position and give up all of my technical work to be in meetings all day. I chose to go back to an IC role (individual contributor)-- but it was really a huge step forward for me to grow my technical skills and learn new skills at another company. Plus, I got a 37% salary increase without having to manager anyone. Many people believe that you have to climb the management ladder for higher salaries, but becoming a technical expert is extremely valuable as well. IC is where I'm happy now-- who knows where I'll go later on in my career? There may be more lateral and seemingly "backwards" moves in my future. As long as I'm growing my skills and salary, that's what really matters to me! Have you ever taken a lateral or "backwards" move to spring yourself forward?

Halfway through college, I saw a fighter jet takeoff up close for the first time. That single moment remapped my entire career path: As a criminal justice major, my sights were set on the FBI, with a four-year military stint simply as a way to help pay for college. But watching those jets roaring ascent spoke to me. It led me to 13 years in the Air Force, piloting the F-16, where I discovered my true calling wasn't just flying and inspiring others. That realization has shaped my journey, teaching me the power of listening to my instincts and embracing unexpected turns. Life's most transformative moments often come when we least expect them. It's about staying open, curious, and ready to pivot. 𝗔𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝘂𝘁 - 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲! I'm on version 3.0 of my professional goals :). How about you? Has there been a defining moment that redirected your professional goals? Share your story in the comments! ------------------------ 𝗽.𝘀 Thanks for reading! If you found this helpful, consider reposting ♻️

🤔How can asking the right questions shift perspective? Yesterday, I shared how, early in my career, I let fear win and lost focus, wanting to be accepted by the school community. When I hit that turning point, it dawned on me: I was asking the wrong questions. Instead of wondering how to win the community's approval, I began to filter every decision through a simple yet powerful lens – "How does this impact our students?" This question became my north star, guiding my actions and decisions. This shift wasn't just about changing a question; it was about realigning with my values and the reason I stepped into this role. It was about focusing on making a real difference in the lives of the students we serve. By centering our leadership on the impact of our decisions on students, we navigate our roles with more clarity and purpose, moving beyond the fear of success that can often paralyze us. What was your turning point? Share below⬇️

Reflecting on a pivotal moment: In 2008, amidst an economic downturn, I unexpectedly lost my job. Just months before, I had a clear career plan leading to an executive role. Suddenly facing unemployment was tough, especially as an introvert, making networking difficult. It took me 10 months to find my next job—a tough time that taught me resilience and the importance of community. Since then, I've focused on building relationships and helping others facing similar challenges. Tough times can lead to growth. What key events have influenced your career path? #PersonalJourney #Resilience #MadeInAmerica