Reclaiming your confidence after a toxic job experience

Angela V.

I once left a job that looked amazing on the outside—but behind closed doors, it was chaotic, unkind, and eroding my self-worth. I questioned my judgment, second-guessed every decision, and carried a quiet shame about what had happened. Leaving was only the beginning of healing. I had to unpack what I experienced, untangle my identity from the toxic culture, and remind myself of who I really was. It wasn’t instant, but with reflection, support, and new opportunities, I began to feel strong again. If you’ve walked away from a painful work environment, you’re not alone—and it’s not your fault. Let’s talk about how to process what you’ve been through and rebuild your confidence moving forward.

Creating a job search plan that actually fits your life and goals

Carrie M.

I've been where you are—staring at job boards, feeling overwhelmed by endless applications, and wondering if I'm doing everything wrong. During my own career transitions, I thought job searching was just about submitting resumes and hoping for the best. I'd apply to dozens of positions online, rarely hearing back, and feeling more discouraged with each rejection or silence. The whole process felt like throwing darts in the dark. The turning point came when I realized I needed to approach job searching strategically, not desperately. Through trial and error—and yes, plenty of rejections—I discovered that finding the right opportunities isn't just about what you know, but who you know, how you present yourself, and where you actually look. I learned to leverage networking in ways that felt authentic, figured out how to make job boards work for me, and discovered the hidden job market that most people never tap into. The journey taught me that job searching is a skill set in itself—one that no one really teaches you. I went from dreading the process to feeling confident and strategic about it. Now I help others navigate their searches using the real-world tactics that actually work. If you're feeling stuck, sending applications into the void, or unsure where to start, I've been there. The good news? There's a better way, and you don't have to figure it out through trial and error like I did.

Job interview preparation

Carrie M.

I used to dread job interviews more than anything else in my career. My palms would sweat, my mind would go blank, and I'd walk out of interviews knowing I hadn't shown my best self. I'd replay every stumbled answer and awkward pause for days afterward. Despite having solid experience and qualifications, I felt like I was failing at the one thing that mattered most—actually getting the job. The breakthrough came when I realized that interviewing is a skill you can develop, not just a talent you're born with. I started treating interviews like conversations rather than interrogations. I learned to prepare stories that showcased my experience, developed techniques to manage my nerves, and discovered how to turn my anxiety into focused energy. Most importantly, I figured out how to be authentically myself while still being professional and polished. Through multiple interviews across different industries and roles, I've learned what actually works—and what doesn't. I've experienced everything from panel interviews to video calls to informal coffee chats, and each taught me something new about connecting with interviewers and presenting my value. Now I walk into interviews feeling prepared and confident, knowing I can handle whatever comes my way. If you're dreading your next interview or feeling like you're not showing up as your best self, I've been exactly where you are.

Navigating autism, identity, and life transitions with empathy and lived experience

Maya R.

My expertise comes from more than just training—it was forged by navigating a difficult path. I grew up in a traditional, homophobic Latin American household marked by poverty and domestic violence. As a queer person in that environment, I learned firsthand how to survive trauma, carve out my own identity, and fight for a better future on my own terms. That journey is why I’m so committed to this work. My lived experience informs how I help others through their own complex life transitions. It’s why I became a Behavior Interventionist for the autism community and completed 80 hours of Peer Support training—to turn my understanding into practical, effective support. I meet you with the profound empathy that only comes from having walked a similar road, ready to help you find your own path forward.

Surviving the job market and navigating career ups and downs

Micah L.

I graduated from college in May 2020, right into the pandemic-era job market. I felt lucky to land a job just a few months later, but it quickly revealed itself to be a toxic environment. I was laid off that October, and a long stretch of underemployment and instability began. I didn’t find consistent full-time work again until September 2021. That second job felt like a lifeline, but after about a year and a half, I was laid off again—only to be re-hired a week later when they realized they needed me back. In the brief window of that layoff, I had already started interviewing for a new role. I kept going with the process and, after multiple rounds, landed a better job: one that came with a raise and opportunities to grow. I was then able to leave the company that had laid off and re-hired me. Since 2020, I’ve experienced firsthand how chaotic and unpredictable the job market can be. I’ve learned what it takes to stay afloat through layoffs, rejections, and burnout, and have developed strategies for applications, interviews, and finding the confidence to keep going. If you’re feeling defeated by job searching, know that you’re not alone. I’m here to share practical advice and remind you that your worth is not defined by your employment status.

Breaking into the 9-to-5 world as a first-gen college and corporate worker

Micah L.

As a first-generation college student and first-generation corporate worker, I had to figure everything out on my own, from applying to schools and building a resume to opening a 401(k), choosing an HSA, and learning how to navigate the world of corporate benefits and workplace etiquette. Watching my parents hustle through the 2008 recession taught me early on that I deeply value stability—and for me, that has come from a 9-to-5 job. That stability has allowed me to take control of my finances and start building the kind of security I’ve envisioned for years. Now, at 26, I’m often the youngest person and only woman in the room, especially in my male-dominated corner of tech. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s pushed me to learn how to advocate for myself, make the most of every opportunity, and be proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve become the friend who loves to talk openly about jobs and money, and I’d love to help others just starting their own path (especially those going to college and trying to break into the 9-to-5 world with no roadmap!)

Job interview preparation as a neurodivergent individual

Solangel J.

Job interviews used to make me feel like I had to become someone else just to be taken seriously. I’d spend hours rehearsing ‘the right’ answers, trying to make perfect eye contact, overthinking every gesture, and wondering if I was saying too much—or not enough. I thought that if I could just play the part well enough, I might get through it. But the truth is, I wasn’t just nervous—I was masking. As someone with ADHD and autism, the traditional interview process wasn’t just uncomfortable, it was exhausting. I’d leave interviews feeling like I’d run a marathon… and not in a good way. It felt like I had to prove I was capable despite how my brain works, instead of because of it. Over time, I’ve learned how to prepare in ways that work for me. I’ve practiced advocating for my needs (even when it felt awkward), gotten better at recognizing which environments are actually a good fit, and started owning my strengths instead of trying to hide or over-explain them. Now, I approach interviews with a lot more self-trust and a lot less pressure to be someone I’m not. It doesn’t mean I don’t still get anxious—but I’ve got tools, scripts, and strategies that help me show up authentically and clearly. And you can too.