We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Poiab Vue. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Poiab below.

Poiab, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

I started my professional career as a new social worker with a Masters Degree in Social Work in 2008. This was a tough year economic wise for many new graduates getting out of school. However, I was lucky that I had received a job offer at the end of August to start my first professional job in October at the Veterans Affair (VA) hospital. I had interned at the VA hospital which helped me receive my job offer. Back then and even now, many new social workers dream of getting a job with the federal government due to the pay, benefits, stability, and working hours. I thought that I would be a lifer at the VA and have many opportunities to move up. However, that was not the case. I was overworked, covered multiple roles, and did not receive the proper training. Many of my colleagues were older and had been working there for years and were literally counting the days when they could retire;  thus, they were no longer invested or cared to put any effort into their work and  to the patients they were serving. The morale of our department was low due to management, bad leadership, and a slow system that was not open to change. This made me realize that I could not languish at a toxic place like this. I lasted there 16 months before moving onto my next job.

Throughout my professional career, I had a total of eight jobs before I started my own business in 2022. I have received all sorts of comments from friends, family, and hiring managers about my work history. Most of it was shame and constant questioning why I couldn’t stay at one place and just be “happy.” Before starting my business, I was looking for my “perfect” workplace. I wanted to find a job that I enjoyed going to, where I could thrive, be listened to, have room to move up and grow. Sadly, none of those jobs offered me that. At the beginning, there were lots of promises from my bosses for potential and that if I worked hard, showed initiative, take on extra work and projects, I would stand out and be reliable. Unfortunately, I found myself with more work, being resentful, and passed for promotions. I learned that putting myself out there had no return of investment for myself.

Poiab, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

When I worked in my previous roles, I did not have control or a say in the clientele I took. Often, they were not a good fit for me which made me dread seeing certain clients, emotionally exhausted me, and made me question why I was doing this job. However, when I worked with clients who were a great fit, I was energized and looked forward to seeing them.

As I was planning and coming up with my brand, I re-assessed all the clients that I enjoyed talking to, the ones that made it feel like I wasn’t working, the sessions that called out to me, and I realized that they were mainly women who felt that stuck, unfulfilled, and felt that they couldn’t be who they were due to society’s restrictions on them. Many felt that they had to follow a path that was safe, made other people happy and fulfilled the the status quo of society. The clients I worked with had dreams, passions, and hopes but were told not to follow them as it was unrealistic. I thought about how often I was told this, often from the people closest to me who shot down my ideas, my thoughts, and advised me not to dream and just accept my life circumstances.

Luckily, as my mother pointed out to me, I was never one to listen and always did what I wanted. This was a strength and a hindrance to her as good girls and daughters don’t challenge, they listened, and did what they were told. But my intuition told me to keep going, follow my dreams, and to never give up. Thus, I followed my own path and I wanted to help other people follow their own path and to reinforce that there Is Not One Path. There Is Only Your Path. Only you as a person can decide and choose your own path.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

As a young business owner, one of the things that I learned early on is the ability to pivot and be adaptable. It’s going to be a constant learning curve, with lots of first, second, and third attempts. To be in business, you have to learn to be kind to yourself, have self-compassion, and be willing to get out of your comfort zone. Since the beginning of 2024, I have had several moments where I had to pivot for my business, let go of things that were no longer working for me, eliminate safe and comfortable jobs that were stalling my growth. When I opened my business in September of 2022, I had an office to meet clients. I LOVED my space. I put my heart, soul, and sweat into making this a safe, comfortable space for me and for my clients. It was everything that I wanted. The space and my partners were fabulous. However, in the spring of 2023, we received news from the owner that they needed our space and we needed to be out by the end of 2023. This news hit my partners and I hard. We held zoom meetings, looked at several new office locations that were either too expensive or not a good fit, and couldn’t find the right place that could meet all of our needs. It was hard but we all had to be honest and ask if it was time to go our own separate ways. When we couldn’t find a place that fit our price range along with the necessities, my partners and I had to an honest conversation and concluded that we all had to do what was best for us. We would no longer be office mates/partners. I felt a great sense of loss as I grieved this place that became my home away from home.

Around late fall (November), our landlord informed my partners and I that they will be delaying their business plans and we could stay in our office until the spring of 2024. When I first heard the news, I was elated! But as I really reflected on it, I came to several conclusions. First, the result will still be the same. I would still need to move out and spring just delayed the process. Secondly, many of my clients were now asking to meet virtually and the ones that wanted to meet in the office had terminated therapy with me. Thirdly, I had already done my grieving and accepted the outcome. I couldn’t go through these emotions again as the end result would be the same. I took time to reflect, write down what I wanted, what I no longer wanted, my new visions and realized that all of that had change since I first started my business. I knew that it was okay to pivot. I made the decision not to renew my lease and wrote to the owner about my decision.

On December 29th, 2023, I went and cleaned my office. As I turned and looked at my office one last time, I was filled with so many emotions. I cried, I grieved, and yet, I also felt a sense of relief. Here is what I learned about pivoting:

-How it’s okay to pivot in business, life, and to allow ourselves to transform even though we thought we had a specific plan.

-Pivoting is a chance for all of us to say it worked, it was great, I tried, and you know what, maybe it wasn’t for me.

-Pivoting is growth, learning curves, and giving ourselves permission to make adjustments as we learn about ourselves. 

-Pivoting is an essential if you want to continue growing and learning. It’s okay to switch your mind; nothing is ever a finale.

I’ve learned to embrace pivoting. Not everyone is brave enough to pivot in life and business and to have to an opportunity to do this is a blessing!

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

It’s so interesting how I am answering this question compared to when I first answered this question from last year. Last year, when this question was presented to me, I focused on just being mental health therapist and didn’t allow myself to think outside of the box. I was taught and believed that I had to stay in my lane and all I could do was see clients one on one.

This year, I’ve had a total shift in my mindset by embracing my creativity, allowing myself to dream big, and no longer be boxed about my professional work. I am using my training, skills, and knowledge to transfer them in other areas and settings that can benefit and help people in non-traditional settings but the purpose is still the same: to help people and companies thrive emotionally so they can both be the best they can be. I’m excited about the numerous opportunities that have been presented to me and the things I have done to have my work and brand be recognized. I’m no longer just a Mental Health Therapist. I am a business woman who has embraced the various roles and identities that I want. I no longer box myself and I’m so happy that I have kicked those boxes to the curb! So yes, I would choose this path all over again. My unique journey has allowed me to use my voice in various ways and has empowered me to use it for change not only for me but for those who resonate with my message.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yourownpathwaytherapy.com
• Instagram: @poiabvue
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086277793686&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/poiab-vue-msw-licsw-0295ba184
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRBwGgoenyjR874QmKC8CpQ