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.

Rebekah Allen

Before launching Glass Transactions, I had been working since the age of 15. My children often joke that I’ve tried my hand at just about everything. Here’s a quick look at my previous jobs: I’ve worked at a snowball stand, tanning salons, as a cashier at a large garden and Christmas shop, for a mulch company, during the US census, as an admin for a prominent real estate team, and even as a massage therapist, among many other roles. Once I turned 18, I typically juggled two jobs at once, often working 60 hours a week just to make ends meet. Through these experiences, I learned how to navigate challenging interactions with co-workers and customers, as well as how to effectively manage my time to maintain a work-life balance. I encountered fantastic managers at some jobs and truly terrible ones at others. As I lead my business, I strive to be transparent and honest with my clients, aiming to under-promise and over-deliver. When issues arise, I take a proactive approach to address them while keeping my clients informed to avoid any unpleasant surprises. I also ensure that I treat my team with respect and dignity, recognizing that we work to enhance our lives—not the other way around. Read more>>

Jo Loveday

As a registered nurse, the most relevant experiences I had came from my years working in ICU. A nurse’s job is to be the patient’s advocate. In intensive care I was afforded the opportunity to learn everything about my patient’s physical and mental health. This parlayed into not only keeping them alive minute to minute at times, but also anticipating communication and mental health needs when they were unable to speak for themselves. I learned a lot about watching for the slightest change in every system of a person’s physical being and sharpened my radar for upcoming problems. The absolute need required by my ICU patients ramped up the level of compassion I had to figure out and resolve that was needed by them as well as their loved ones. In our world of virtual experiences, it’s a challenge to be able to see skin color change or breathing that quickens, but if we approach our virtual conversations with the intent of being observant and compassionate, we can anticipate what our friends, family or clients needs are and be more effective. If we can think of ourselves as the advocate for the cranky old aunt at the holiday dinner table or an unhappy client, we can better help them with their uncommunicated needs. Read more>>

Susi Vine

I’d had many different careers, and each one shaped me for the next one, but my previous work as a senior move manager, managing moves for senior clients as they transitioned from their family home into senior living communities, really lit the spark that led me to where I am today. Most adults imagine living out their days at home, and believe a retirement community indicates their loss of independence and autonomy. Fortunately, here in San Diego retirement living is a lot closer to resort living! But time after time I would meet a potential client to discuss their move and learn how devastated they were that, after receiving a health diagnosis or losing a spouse, either their adult children or a doctor had informed them that they couldn’t remain at home. One client in particular comes to mind who was so devastated by these changes that she just couldn’t believe she would ever be happy in the community that we were hired to move her into. I knew that in time, she would meet her new neighbors and become engaged in the activities that were available there, and discover that she had a whole new world of possibilities awaiting. Fortunately, about a year later I saw her again and she glowed as she told me how much she had embraced her new lifestyle, and was so grateful for my support through that heartbreaking time. I was always grateful to be able to ease those difficult transitions, but also knew that as a rebellious Gen X’er, my contemporaries and I would be putting up the same fight ourselves unless we took action to stop chronic disease before it had the chance to take root and take away our choices. I left that career and dove into holistic health and biology studies, knowing that I had to bring this message to everyone who’s ready to hear it, that we can reclaim control of our health and happiness. Read more>>

Diana Pimienta

About eight years ago, I worked at a studio that significantly shifted my perspective on my creative career. This upscale studio initially captivated me with its impressive aesthetic and career opportunities. Although what was required of me went against my nature, I viewed it as an opportunity to advance my career. For two years, I attempted to conform to the company’s expectations, but I ultimately felt exhausted and unfulfilled. The limitations placed on my creativity conflicted with my sense of self. This experience taught me the importance of honoring my individuality and recognizing that personal growth and creative expansion are interconnected. I have since realized that if a job does not contribute to my development, then it may not be the right fit. We are all meant to grow and evolve; including in our professional lives. Read more>>

Meghan Gallagher

Working in support taught me a valuable lesson I bring to my embroidery business: create a product and experience people love while staying true to my creative vision. In my previous role at Whereby, we often had customers requesting features that didn’t align with our brand or benefit our target market. Our job in support was to uncover the “why” behind their requests and find the right solution. By diving deeper, I could offer more fitting alternatives—even if that meant recommending another platform. In my bespoke embroidery work, I apply the same approach. I love collaborating with clients to uncover the story behind their special place, creating a piece that commemorates it in a meaningful, personal way. Read more>>

Princess Onums

My last job completely changed my routine and mindset. I wasn’t a morning person, but the job pushed me to wake up earlier and be more disciplined. At first, it felt like too much, but I soon realized that waking up early gave me more control over my day. I learned that the only real limits are the ones I set for myself. It wasn’t just about getting things done, it was about creating space for creativity and focus. That shift has stuck with me, helping me manage my time better and work smarter, as a creative. Read more>>

Jessica Barkley

I have been in the trenches many times over the course of decades as a brick and mortar business owner and the same lessons are utilized now that I am in the travel design industry. Namely, jumping from task to task successfully, keeping organized, allowing yourself the grace and space to operate both effectively and creatively. It’s important to create and uphold your own set of standards, especially in flooded industries. It’s hard to know what to prioritize, so keeping those standards tight to your heart will lead you to a consistent flow and hopefully successful outcomes! Having a strong identity truly sets you apart. The right clients will gravitate towards you in an authentic way, then behind the scenes you work your butt off. Maintaining your sense of self and drive is pivotal, even when your outcomes involve scrapping a project, idea, or work relationship, which can feel painful. It’s crucial to return to your own ethos to remain grounded. Read more>>

Karsten Tuttle

I recently went back to my previous company, the Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI), but this time it was as a consultant. We were working to get their hydroponic systems back up and running, to grow more food that will feed and benefit the community. The culmination was a fundraiser, showcasing the work we had accomplished, and demonstrating the opportunities for the non-profit and the community as a whole. The most impactful part of the experience was the open mic panel hosted by SJLI’s Health Equity team, of which I had been a member from 2014-2016. It became an open dialogue between the team members and the members of the community, where they were able to examine and reflect upon the work they were doing, the struggles and obstacles still in the way, and the goals still remaining. They were the same goals as when I worked there, with an even greater vision. The dedication and drive everyone demonstrated was inspiring. At SBTG Seedlings (Seedwyze), we want to grow plants to help others start gardens, to give back to schools and non-profits, to teach about gardening and the benefits of nutritious, healthy food. The biggest lesson back then, as it is now, is to always remember the impact and benefit of working together for a common goal, and that we get the most out of things when we help each other. That’s what we want to do: to help educate, grow, thrive. Read more>>