Experience is often valued because of the lessons prior jobs have theoretically provided us with. While hearing about those lessons isn’t a replacement for actually experiencing it, we thought it would be very helpful to create a space where sharp and generous members of the community can come together to share stories and lessons learned at prior jobs for the benefit of others.

Beorht Lewinski

So long story short I’m a manager now – and I don’t think I wouldn’t even had the courage to go through the process if it wasn’t for my experience at my prior job. I work as a server at a restaurant well I started off as a sever and then became an expo, bartender, line cook, prep, take out person. There’s a quote I’ve heard that says every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for something that’s meant to come. Read more>>

Joseph Stewart

An important lesson my partner and I gathered from our previous positions at our jobs are that the experience you provide people are always what matters the most. We want to create an environment that we would love to enter so everyone can feel welcomed. Unbeknownst to us, we were able to secure an interview and sponsorship from hosts of a wonderful radio station at The Factory just by ensuring they felt completely comfortable entering our shop! Read more>>

Katherine Evans

Sometimes I think I was just a born natural entrepreneur, and other times I think my observing self, took in so much, that it caused me to long to grow up, well before necessary. I dove into work right away in elementary school, entering myself into Christmas craft fairs, and following my brother as we delivered newspapers in our little town, in the crack of dawn. Read more>>

Chelby Mendell

I had experience providing therapy in group settings early in my career, but it wasn’t until later on that I had experience consistently seeing individuals for therapy. I was excited and knew that was the direction I wanted to pursue. When helping others there are always new challenges that arise. I remember in one of my first group consultations bringing up concerns to my supervisor, that I didn’t feel I was doing enough for a client. Read more>>

Alice Valkyrie

My professional career has actually been this beautiful feedback loop of music, multimedia art, and people skills. I decided I wanted to dedicate my life to music at 14 years old, but before then I thought I was going to be an artist, specializing in portraits and life drawing. I’d spend a lot of time alone just working on art and the soundtrack to my work was as enjoyable as the artwork itself. Read more>>

Tara Van Dam

As a Wellness Coach, I enter into the space where humans’ vulnerability lives. I am asking my clients to trust me, to open up to me, and to show me the real and raw of themselves. This is a privileged space to be with someone in and it needs to be treated carefully and respectfully. Read more>>

Jacob Greenblat

The most important lesson I learned at my prior job was how to GROW. There are 4 key things we can all do to GROW – in your profession or personally. Gain Knowledge – never stop learning Reach out to others – check on your friends and family Open your world – sometimes it is OK to go out of your comfort zone Walk towards wisdom – find a mentor This acronym was shared with me by my former boss and it is a simple roadmap to use to ensure you are always moving forward! Read more>>

Emily Hemendinger

As a therapist, I got into this career because I wanted to help others. I wanted to provide space, support, and care for those in need. When you have a big heart and care about people, you obviously also would love to see them succeed and do well. One of the most important lessons I learned as a beginner therapist was that if you attach yourself to the positive outcomes, you have to attach yourself to the negative outcomes. Read more>>

Shannon Mulligan-Mayernik

Before starting Mayernik Kitchen, I worked for a higher-ed publishing company in their Customer Service department for 12 years. It was my first job out of college and while it was NOTHING I went to school for, it became a comfortable situation and it took me 12 years to realize that was NOT what I wanted for myself. One of the best things to come out that job though was the customer service skills I learned when dealing with clients. I was forced to go above and beyond on a daily basis and it is now instilled in me to always offer the best customer service I could provide. Read more>>

Stacey Henry-Carr

I grew up in the corporate culture. And when I say grew up I mean exactly that. I was 23 years old when I started with a company that I stayed for almost 21 years. During my years working in the corporate world I had wonderful experiences that shaped me to having deep connections with people, which in turn created a deep understanding of myself. However it was the challenging times that taught me the most. Read more>>

Kelli

One of the most important lessons I learned was when working in my corporate role. I was wanting to move up within the company and felt overlooked when getting denied opportunities. I remember getting feedback from an Interviewer saying that I was not branding myself. I didn’t know what that meant but what I did know was that those who were getting the job were networking and were well known. Read more>>

Ericka Moody

I learned to flexible like Gumby. Embrace change, conflict, challenges, and roll with the punches. In working under several bosses and many clients for three decades, I’ve been asked to rework, redo, and start from scratch. Sometimes I didn’t agree with the feedback, but I always happily made it happen. As a manager, I had to fire, demote and counsel coworkers I considered friends. Read more>>

Maurice Edwards

It has been an honor to serve the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office for the last 15 years. Throughout my career, I have received numerous awards and routinely traveled throughout the state of Florida to combat human trafficking, providing education and resources to law enforcement and civilians. However, my reputation and future in law enforcement have recently been called into question because of accusations made against me. Read more>>