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.

Hayley Gjertsen

During my first job out of college, I was in a marketing role at company in Seattle. Outside of work, I was in the midst of learning all I could about photography and videography. One day my boss sat me down in front of the whiteboard and we laid out all of our marketing plans for the next quarter. She then asked me “Okay – where can we save some money here?” I looked at the list and saw ‘promo video’ and said “We could skip hiring someone external to do the promo video and I could shoot and edit it.” Read more>>

Mee Huh

In my previous jobs, I learned a lot of lessons, and they mostly came from people I worked with. The biggest lesson was a really simple thing, but one that has always been difficult for me as a very introverted person: the importance of making friends, and learning from them what you need to do. It’s been an only a year since I started work as a professional so I think I have lot to learn and room to grow. When I did internships at first, I didn’t socialize enough, and found myself being passive towards my coworkers, which kept me from having strong connections with them. Read more>>

Kelsey Swann

I was an elementary school teacher for many years before leaving to stay home with my boys, and then jumping into the dual roll of Homeschool Mom and Photographer/Small Business Owner. Being a teacher taught me endless patience, and also a joy of working with kids of all ages. I tell the parents of the children I’m photographing – “I’ve seen it all, nothing phases me, we will just roll with it and meet them where they’re at”. Read more>>

Abigail Ellis

Years ago I started off as a teacher in a toddler classroom. I had 2 lead teachers as my mentor (Lorraine Diaz and Lorena Rodriguez) they allowed me to make mistakes without feeling ashamed of not knowing. They pushed me to become better and do more. It’s because of them that I learned to embrace new employees and always show them better ways while allowing them to make mistakes. Prior to working with them, supervisors wouldn’t really show you how to move up, the talk was always about being afraid of someone taking their job. Read more>>

Ashley Luck

This is a loaded question for me. I have learned many lessons in previous jobs, but I think the most beneficial I have learned is how NOT to treat patients. I previously worked at a pediatric medical practice where the doctor often times prioritized money over the patient and their needs. This mindset is completely inappropriate for the profession we are in. I would argue 99% of physicians, nurse practitioners, and PAs go into this field because they want to serve the community and help others, NOT for money. Read more>>

Cachia Lewis

The most important experience that I had at a job that helped me in my professional career dealt with customer service. In a previous position there was a service that was being provided to a client that was subpar and did not give them all that would have helped them with their issue. I was the third representative that they had spoken to that day, and it was my responsibility to determine the problem and ensure that they received the service that would benefit them while providing amazing customer service. Read more>>

Chaz Weaver

Honestly my last job taught me that it’s best to work for yourself and never depend on a company to treat you like you’re not valuable. Operating in a environment like that fueled my mind and my hustle to get out here and work for myself with no limitations. Read more>>

Tahirah Cornwall

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned at a previous job is NEVER let anyone TELL you WHO YOU ARE !!!! I use to work for a private preschool in Atlanta and I just knew I hit the jackpot of jobs. I was a salaried employee making good money, had amazing benefits, and even my own office. If you asked me I had it all and no one could take it from me. After COVID-19 hit, My role at this job changed drastically and I was given a million more things to do and no pay raise. I carried that school on my back for two years when I was just a simple teacher and I did it with a smile and great poise. Read more>>

Didi Rio

Just a little after I started creating comedy videos on the internet, I got a small gig filming monthly short videos for a company. After a few months of doing it I started to feel like I wasn’t enjoying the job as much because I felt pushed to come up with ideas when I always prefer to create when I think of them naturally. Since I wasn’t honest about how I felt to the people I was working for, or even myself, I ended up loosing that opportunity and closing that bridge with the company. Ever since then I’ve been super sincere with everyone and super commutative about what I want from a gig and what motivates me creatively. Read more>>

Kayla Whitley

Prior to relaunching my skincare line this year and getting into content creation on social media, I worked for a popular shipping and logistics company. The entire year of 2021, I put my business and my aspirations on the back burner because I got caught up in what I like to call the “3D” world, which is essentially everyday mundane life. Wake up, go to work, take care of my son, pay bills, and it was literally an ongoing cycle that I quickly grew tired of. One thing about me: if my heart isn’t in it, I’m not going to do it no matter what it may be. Since being an adult my dream has always consisted of me being my own boss and using my personality and things I’ve learned in life to teach people. Read more>>

veronica riedel

Al of my stories in film production are very interesting and they all lead me to the person i am now. I used to navigate with a purpose driven by success, and now i still have a personality that wishes to accomplish great things, but i base it on the right intention. that is why i have developed a tool in my mentoring and life coaching, so i can follow it as a GPS and also help other people navigate their lives with peace and regulating each moment. Read more>>