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.

Marcus Carr

So before I was a DJ, I was a part-time cell phone salesman for AT&T. Even though I was part-time I would have as many sales and made as much as most full-time reps. I learned several lesson from the company but the most important one is going above and beyond for my customers. Read more>>

Paul Farahvar

I was a trial litigator before I was a comedian. Being a litigator, I learned to listen and be prepared for anything. As a comedian, these two traits are vital to being a comedian. Often times, lawyers and comedians focus on talking when you just need to listen. Listening to the audience, like listening to a judge or opposing counsel, helps you shape your response. Read more>>

Keir Dottie Bashmakov

I’ve learned a little bit from every job I’ve ever had. Working as a costume designer taught me how to put a set together, which led to editing jobs that taught me a skill I never thought I’d use again until I started creating content. There are the more obvious things like becoming a freelance writer, learning how to build websites and SEO blogging that have been incredibly useful along the way. Read more>>

Ashley Cabell

I can recall a job I held where I was a part of an executive representation team where I was expected to literally generate communications, briefings, presentations that not only was from the perspective of the leader but accomplished the input from his team of representatives. In doing this job I recall having to create a floorplan shift for a reorg/change in structure and placement of personnel. I was super excited when meeting with the leader to hear him mention he wanted a creative presentation that reminded him of Chutes and Ladders, something interactive that if changes needed to be made he could by hand just move and relocate. Read more>>

Shane Farmer

I spent 20 years working in the restaurant business. at least 75% of that was in some level of management with the last 8 years in an upper management role. Through those years it was not uncommon to work 60 hours a weeks. Sometimes even 7 days a week. It was just the nature of the job. The sacrifice of any personal life, health, friends, holidays, as well as significate other was something that became very common for me. I was willing to do what ever it took to do the job and get it done. Read more>>

Katsuya Sezaki

Before I ran my music studio and work as a producer, I was an instructor at the college. I consider myself to be a pretty good teacher, as I have won Instructor of the Year Award (voted by students) 5 times from 2 different programs while I taught there. I taught in this college for 12 years, I learned many lessons but the one of the biggest lesson I learned was that I have to continue to be curious and attentive what I am passionate about as I go through the journey. Read more>>

Norman Davis

In my previous employment I was a Project Manager. As such, I learned the importance of Time Management. This was one of the most important things I was able to take with me into the film business. By analyzing your work requirements and activities, you can get a sense of priorities and how it all comes together, Knowing these details about the project can direct you to available tools and resources that can be used to manage the project and help you complete the project on schedule. Read more>>