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.

Laura Homsey

Prior to starting my small business, I worked for an agency that supported students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Not only did this position teach me patience, but it also shaped me creatively (which was unanticipated!). One student in particular inspired me so much. He didn’t speak traditionally, so he would rely on ASL, speech apps and pointing to communicate. Read more>>

Jacqui Sim

As an actor, one of the key things I have learned (among many others!) is how acting is not just about the craft, but having knowledge of technical aspects is also key. Read more>>

WAYNE BRAIN

Embarking on a PhD in atmospheric physics was a four-year commitment into the unknown. I’d wanted to try my hand at scientific research since I began studying physics at university, and now I’d finally reached the door to that goal, but I didn’t know what was waiting for me on the other side. I’d had glimpses through the windows of that door during my undergraduate and masters degrees, but this was a different level, this was the real deal. Read more>>

Aimi Medina

Little did I know that when I gave my second-grade art student Jaelyn an assignment, it would be me that learned a lesson. Read more>>

Kim Hallquist

I have learned many lessons from my past as a graphic designer, but one of the most significant life lessons for me was dealing with burnout in the design industry. I ended up working myself into a dark and uncreative hole, where I lost sight of a part of myself and my passion for creating. Read more>>

Srimanju Katragadda

As I reflect on my journey as a healer over the past 14 years, I am reminded of the many valuable lessons I have learned. One of the most crucial lessons is the importance of being grounded. Sometimes, in the midst of our busy lives and racing thoughts, it can be easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Read more>>

Yolanda Carrasquillo

One of the most important lessons I learned from my previous jobs is the value of taking calculated risks to maximize my personal gifts and talents, the power of networking, and not getting caught up in the ups and downs of my current position. Allow me to share the backstory of how these lessons shaped my professional career. Read more>>

Kris Bell

Something I learned before working for myself, not only as a creative, but also owning a handyman business with my best friend is if you’re willing to work as hard as you do for other people, you should be willing to work twice as hard for yourself. Take a chance on yourself, instead of working yourself to death to make someone else rich, find what you love to do and go for it! Read more>>

Leslie Dill

The most important lesson I learned, as a new professional, is that not all of the feedback you receive from a supervisor is constructive, beneficial, or requires change on your part. Read more>>

Michelle Diamond

Before I formed Shuffle Furnishings, I owned a commercial painting business. This prepared me in multiple ways for my new adventure. The most important lesson I learned was how to deal with clients. I sometimes see projects in “Shuffle” vision. I can see the results before I even start. So I’m confident in my design process. Clients sometimes struggle to see the end result. So it’s a very slow and balanced dance we begin together. Read more>>

Megan Rosselot

Wow, if this question isn’t the most pertinent in this season of my life. I recently left the job I was at for just over five years. I would say that this was the Harvard graduate equivalent of character building, it was in these five years that my character was refined through a Boot Camp of Communication, person centered experiences. Read more>>

Laura Mazanec

Oh gosh, that’s a hard question; I have two that tie for the most important in my eyes. When I was in college studying photography and computer science, I worked a very small, family owned janitorial and office supply company that supplied most of the hospital systems, municipalities and civil structures like courthouses and jails, all of the local school districts, and military bases in San Antonio. Read more>>

Jennifer Alvarado

I used to work for a Fortune 500 company before going into full time music. I thought being successful meant constantly chasing the dollar. I was in a luxury hotel room overlooking Central Park several years ago for a work event. I had just gotten back to the room from a nice dinner and all my co-workers living it up in a hotel bar downstairs. I was missing my wedding anniversary for this business trip. Read more>>

Kelly Sullivan

Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey? Read more>>

Torianna Turnbow

This isn’t one specific job, but the biggest thing I learned while I was in college. Read more>>

Steve Buchanan

Lesson learned: Break down bigger problems to make them more manageable. What may appear impossible at first always has a solution. Take action. Read more>>

Shawntravion Moore

THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON I LEARNED WORKING AT A JOB IS FOLLOW YOUR OWN DREAMS. WHILE YOU’R GOING TO WORK MAKE SURE WHEN YOUR OFF WORK ON YOUR CRAFT AND FOCUS ON YOUR GOALS. NEVER GIVE ALL YOUR TIME OR OVER WORK YOURSELF. IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO YOU THEY ARE JUST GOING TO REPLACE YOU AND SEND YOUR FAMILY A POST CARD AND FLOWERS. Read more>>

Chris Allen

Transparency, respect, and relatable. Demonstrating this level of honesty and respect towards your team, partners, clients and stakeholders is undoubtedly a hallmark of effective leadership in my opinion. By providing clear explanations for your decisions, you not only build trust but also foster a culture of open dialogue and mutual understanding. This approach will undoubtedly contribute to the success and longevity of your company. Read more>>

Elijah Markel

I’ve learned to always maintain my character, integerety, and to always stand up for myself. Read more>>

Katie Morone

My past job had a huge impact on my business – it’s one of the reasons I started it! I danced with a regional ballet company in San Diego, CA for about 10 years while also freelance designing. In both dance and design, you’re bringing someone else’s vision to life. While that is rewarding, and you do get some creative liberties, at the end of the day it’s not entirely yours; which in some cases is a benefit but not always! Read more>>

Cornisha Cunningham

One of the most important lessons/experiences I had in my professional career was finding my voice. The ability to assert yourself while remaining respectful at the same time is vital. I learned that standing up for myself and expressing my views in a positive way was the best way to reach a resolution. Growing up, my mother always taught me that “it’s not only what you say, but it’s how you say it” and I live by that daily. Read more>>

Erin Dill

The experience which completely shifted my perspective while working a 9-5 that motivated me to work as a full time entrepreneur. Read more>>

Carlos Serrano

I believe the most important lesson I learned was always providing an amazing customer service to my customers. Read more>>