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.

Ryan Self

When I first moved to Los Angeles, I would tout all the skills I learned in college — I could act, write, direct, edit, produce, etc. I just wanted any opportunity possible to help create film and TV. But then one friend (and future employer) gave me the best advice I’ve ever received. “Pick two,” he said. “Or one if you can.” Read more>>

Sara Makin, MSEd, LPC, NCC

Eight years ago, a pivotal experience during a meeting with the clinical director significantly impacted my professional journey. The context of this encounter revolved around a discussion regarding my tendency to forget tasks assigned by my clinical supervisor, shedding light on the critical issue of not following through on commitments. This outcome stemmed from my failure to write down these tasks and instead relying on the assumption that I could remember them. Read more>>

Steve Ehret

Luckily I got to experience a few gigs before going into a full on art career. My first ever job was a paperboy for the Canton Repository. When I was 10 until I got out of high school. That job taught me how to talk to people of any age. I got to know most of the people on that route over the years. I learned to stop and listen to whatever they wanted to tell me about that particular day. Read more>>

A’Dazia Ferrell

My previous employer was in business close to 50 years without employee resources. No training manuals, no training videos, no list of resources to get acquainted with the job description or role, and no one available to train new employees. Read more>>

Morgan Lynn

Before I started practicing as a birth and postpartum doula, and before I began cooking on a more professional level, I was farming and living in a Zen Buddhist temple in Marin County, just over the Golden Gate from San Francisco. The way the form of farm life and the schedule at temple shaped my daily rhythms has been an invaluable gift, on so many levels. Waking before sunrise for meditation, going to sleep with the sun, bringing presence and intention to simple daily tasks, like sweeping the floor or washing my hands really helped me experience a deeper practice of non-separation with nature, and helped cultivate gratitude and humility in me. It has been one of the greatest gifts in my life. Read more>>

Corrine Lewis

Being in the field of more holistic health, walking along side individual health journeys, I came to the realization that not everyone is as passionate about health and wellness as I am. Everyone is in their own place, mindset, emotionally and physically in their health journey. I had to let go and meet people where they were at, encourage them, while still holding them accountable to themselves. Read more>>

Jerris “QuickThePoet” Evans

The most important lesson & experience that I’ve learned as a business owner (Founder & CEO of FLO’etry FLO4me Ent., LLC, Quick2love Foundation, Inc [501c3], & MOM Special Needs Services, LLC) was to never take an opportunity for granted. Read more>>

Sheena Leigh Graves

One of the most important lessons I have learned at a prior job was that not only do you actually learn the most from your failures, but how you respond to your shortcomings can actually get you much further than never having made the mistake at all. I learned to get curious. I asked questions. I was lucky to have a boss who told me on my first day that no question was a dumb question and to be humble enough to know there was always more to learn. I made mistakes and I owned them and that led me to promotions, pay increases, and above all, being trusted. Read more>>

Dewey Vandenende

At Quantum Growth Labs, Connor and I gleaned a pivotal lesson from a past employer’s reluctance to embrace change. It was a firsthand observation of the pitfalls that awaited a business clinging to outdated practices, witnessing the erosion of employee loyalty and the consequential decline in overall business vitality. This profound experience underscored the imperative to remain at the forefront of industry standards. Read more>>

Derek Brawner

In my previous role at a nonprofit organization, I gained invaluable insights into the importance of building relationships and serving others. One particular experience stands out as a defining lesson in my professional career. Read more>>

Max Avery

Success often hinges on nurturing important connections. It’s not just about knowing people; it’s about understanding how you can offer them something extra beyond your initial interaction. Helping someone once doesn’t mean you can’t assist them again in the future with something else they may find valuable. Read more>>

Jaelyn Clay

Thinking back to the moments when I was working two jobs at a time I always had so many ideas for my business. But it seemed like never enough time to execute them. All of my time and energy was used working jobs for someone else’s businesses. I used to think I could tackle all three but overtime I quickly saw how I would always end up neglecting my business. My biggest lesson learned from this was to put myself first and not feel bad for doing so. Read more>>

Brittney McKinley

Prior to launching my business I worked remotely for Corporate America and I got to the point of truly disliking what I did for a living. My employees would call me in tears or in anger after dealing with low vibrational clients and it really began to impact my emotional and mental well-being. I started to understand because we worked and lived in the same environment it was important to protect and prioritize our energy. Read more>>

Bianca Vayna

That when one is growing or learning it can be uncomfortable. To get comfortable with the uncomfortable is a skill that I have embraced. To look at something you never have done before with curiosity and to let yourself not be perfect at first while you break it down to discover it . This is a gift for yourself. Read more>>

Melissa Rivera

When I think about how I conduct my business and creative pursuits, I definitely see my work history coming through. I learned to be on time, I learned discipline. I learned to be a leader. The nitty-gritty of making schedules and keeping as well as budgeting and providing customer service. Read more>>

Kimberly Verbeke

My very first job was working in a Nursing Home & Rehab Facility. I was in high school and really wanted to be a medical doctor. I started out working as a nurses aide and shortly after was given the opportunity to get my certification as Medication Assistant, meaning I gave medications & shots to patients. This job was so eye opening as to what I didn’t want. Read more>>

Vanessa Dunn

My first love and career in life is dance. Dance has shaped me and the trajectory of my life in more ways than anything, and probably everything else combined! As a professional ballet dancer my career started at a very young age. By the time I was 15 I was living on my own, dedicating every waking moment to the art form I loved so much. Read more>>

Ninaa Londyn

I have learned many important lessons from my previous jobs. Having many years of experience in costumer service has given me the opportunity to meet and interact with different types of people. I implement this skill when I am Networking. Knowing how to communicate and connected with others has helped me excel in this industry. Read more>>