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.

Justin Cooper

As I began my entertainment career years ago, it often resulted in “paying dues” for little to no pay. To earn a living, I worked an array of jobs in the customer service sector. Specifically, I worked as a customer service representative for one of the nation’s leading cell phone carriers. The company’s then internal mantra was “first call resolution,” meaning that as a representative, it was my duty to resolve the customer’s issue on one call so that they wouldn’t need to call back; they could trust me to resolve their issue. Read more>>

Kimberly Williamson

The most important lesson I learned at a job is that you do not have to accept being overlooked and under appreciated. I once worked at an establishment that I let work me to death, under value me, let other people berate me with no support from management, they even gave promotions to others without giving me the opportunity, when I was just as qualified as my coworker. Read more>>

Brittney Tucker

I started my career as a therapist working at a methadone clinic on the west side of Chicago, known for its poverty and community violence. My clients were faced with multiple stigmas against them. They were stigmatized for being poor, Black, and “violent.” However, historical and systematic racism have contributed to the lack of resources and accessibility in the community that created tension for violence and continued poverty. Read more>>

Derrica Webb

The most important lesson I learned in a job is to be flexible and adaptable. I had to learn that the decisions being made were never personal always business to continue the success and growth of that company. The company always made changes like job functions in my positions, departments closing, etc. Read more>>

Ernie Steiner

I have always had a studio or some type of space dedicated to making art, but until about four years ago I also had a full time job in the real estate industry as a commercial property manager. Initially I didn’t think there was too much information/knowledge transitioning between careers but as my art career progressed I began to notice a lot of similarities and benefits I had obtained from past experience in a different industry. Read more>>

Christopher Rice

After graduating from college and seeking opportunities in my field of study, I started freelancing and filming projects such as baby showers, birthdays, interviews, and any other event that will need video service. If the client were paying, I would be there if available. I was trying to survive while keeping the dream alive during those times. Read more>>

Loretta Turner

I got my career started within nonprofit organizations and wellness and health companies. Working in these spaces required that I was deeply involved in my community on a programmatic level–from teaching regular yoga classes to working in historically disadvantaged communities. Read more>>

Joshua Horkey

prior to starting my career as an artist, i had enjoyed 20+ years designing clothes in the apparel/fashion industry. it was/is a true passion of mine and i was able to do some amazing things over that time. having worked in a creative industry prior to fine art really shaped myself and my work, as one would suspect… Read more>>

Justin McLaughlin

What was the most important lesson/experience I had in a job that has helped me as a business owner? That’s a loaded question. There are lessons from pretty much every job I’ve had that have helped me as a business owner; a lot of the assistance comes from looking at jobs as learning opportunities. Read more>>