As a consultant helping my clients grow their body of work and tell their professional stories, I've seen my fair share of career pivots. But perhaps the most dramatic shift I've witnessed is my own—from faux aspiring doctor to professional dancer to career strategist.
My journey has been anything but linear, and along the way, I've picked up some valuable lessons about navigating career changes. So lean in as I move through the five key lessons I've learned about making bold career moves (which I also shared in this episode on the Werk Stories podcast).
Lesson 1: Your Calling Might Be Hiding in Plain Sight
Picture this: there I was, a recent psych/pre-med graduate from Spelman College, dutifully studying for the MCAT.
The problem? I absolutely loathed it.
My exact words: "If I'm going to do something for a living, I want to enjoy it."
Meanwhile, I’d spent every spare moment performing—cheering for Morehouse, joining step teams, and basically dancing my way through college.
It took me a while to realize that the thing I loved doing "on the side" could actually be my main gig.
The lesson? Pay attention to what lights you up, even if it's not what you originally planned.
Your true calling might be the thing you're doing for fun while you’re forcing your way through what you “should” be doing.
Lesson 2: Confidence Is Your Secret Weapon
When I first moved to LA to pursue dance professionally, I quickly learned that talent alone wasn't enough. The dancers booking big gigs had something extra—unwavering confidence. They walked into auditions like they already had the job, while I was still trying to figure out if I belonged there.
Here's the truth: in any career transition, you'll face moments of doubt.
But remember, you bring a unique blend of skills and experiences to the table, so own it. Confidence isn't about being the best; it's about believing you have something valuable to offer.
Lesson 3: Rejection Is Just Redirection
My first LA audition? Total disaster.
I knew the choreography, but when it came time to perform, it was like I'd never danced a day in my life. I cried the whole way home. But you know what? I went to the next audition. And the next.
In any career change, you'll face setbacks. Maybe your dream company won't call you back, or your first client project won't go as smoothly as you hoped.
Remember: rejection isn't a dead end; it's a detour. Keep moving.
Lesson 4: Your Past Experience Is Never Wasted
When I transitioned from dance to a corporate career in workforce development, I didn’t give in to the fear that I’d have to start from scratch.
Because here's the beautiful thing—nothing you've done is ever truly wasted.
Creative solution-ing, thinking quickly on my feet, building chemistry with my ensemble (read: team), resilience, and discipline are all skills from my dance career that I still use daily.
So, if you're considering a career change, don't discount your past experiences. Instead, get creative about how they might apply to your new field. You're not starting over; you're building on a foundation you've been laying all along.
Lesson 5: You Get What You Accept
This is perhaps the most important lesson I've learned: you get what you accept, 100% of the time.
In my dance career, in corporate roles, and even now as an entrepreneur, I've sometimes settled for less than I deserved—whether in pay, opportunities, or treatment.
As you navigate your career change, remember this: it's okay to want more.
It's okay to ask for what you're worth. And it's okay to walk away if a situation doesn't align with your values or goals. You set the standard for how others treat you and what opportunities come your way.
Making a career change can feel like learning a new dance—awkward at first, but powerful once you find your rhythm. Whether you're a creative looking to break free from the corporate world or simply someone feeling the itch for something new, remember: your next career move is just a step away. So, take a deep breath, trust your training, and step onto that stage. Your standing ovation awaits.
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