Fifteen years ago today, I took a leap that completely reshaped my life and career. I walked away from corporate America, a place where, on paper, everything was perfect. I loved my job, my team, my clients, and even the leaders I reported to. I was thriving financially and professionally. If I stayed, I would have reached the C-Suite level.
But there was one thing I couldn’t ignore: stress. The constant pressure was slowly taking a toll on my health and my well-being. Deep down, I knew that no amount of money or accolades was worth sacrificing my life.
So, I made a conscious and terrifying decision, I left it all behind to start something of my own. That decision led to the creation of Career Thinker, a new industry and business model for me. What began as a leap into the unknown has evolved into 15 years of helping people discover their value, share their story, and secure careers that align with their goals and lives.
The First 18 Months: Humbling and Transformative
Making that leap was both exhilarating and humbling. I possessed extensive business knowledge, having run divisions, led large teams, and developed strategies in sales, operations, HR, and marketing. I had strong leadership and people skills, and I thought those would carry me through. And they did help. But when it’s your own business, it’s different. Suddenly, every decision, every dollar, every risk rests on you.
The first 18 months were the real test. They were exciting, overwhelming, and full of lessons I didn’t even know I needed to learn. Some things I picked up quickly because I had no choice. Others took trial and error, along with a bit of humility. I had to figure out how to market my own business, not just someone else’s. I had to learn how to choose the right web designer, determine which certifications were relevant, and experiment with pricing in a market that was new to me.
And then there was the most challenging part, finding the people who needed me and learning how to reach them and earn their trust. Not just when they were already job searching, but how to show them I could be a resource before they even realized they needed one. That was an entirely different kind of communication than anything I had done in corporate life.
But every challenge shaped me and Career Thinker.
- How do you market yourself when you’re the brand?
- How do you set pricing in a new market?
- Who do you trust to design your website or help shape your message?
- Which technologies should you invest in to help build your business?
- And most importantly, how do you reach people before they even know they need you?
From Me to We
I also realized I couldn’t do it alone. To grow, I had to hire the right people, resume writers, career coaches, recruiters, and marketing support who shared my vision. That was another leap inside the leap, in an industry I was still learning.
Today, I’m proud to say 80% of my team has been with me for over 10 years. That loyalty is a reflection of leadership, culture, and shared purpose.
15 Years Later: What I Know Now
Looking back, it’s easy to say I wouldn’t change a thing, though there are plenty of things I might have done differently. But I’m proud of what I’ve built, my team, and grateful for the challenges that forced me to grow.
I still work long hours. I still face stress and challenges. But it feels different when it’s your own business, your own creation. For me, the formula for career happiness is simple: excitement, challenge, giving back, teaching, coaching, and helping people see their value.
My Advice to You
If you hear that voice in your head, whether it’s about your health, your happiness, or your future, don’t ignore it. Make a plan. Take the leap.
It may be a leap of faith into starting your own business. It may be finding the right company, the right role, or even a whole new career path.
Whatever it looks like for you, remember this: We have one life, one career. Live it to the best.
THANK YOU
A heartfelt thank you to my husband, Roberto Torres, for his unwavering support, respect, advice, and encouragement. Your belief in me gave me the strength to take this leap and build a better career and a better life. Together, we are stronger for the journey we’ve shared.
🔵 Don’t enter this job market alone, or think Gen AI can replace the skill set of a career professional with years of experience and strategies; Team up with your favorite career coach to help you navigate this uncertain job market.
🧿 Book your complimentary job search review session.
Tom Powner
✅ NCOPE (National Certified Online Profile Expert) Course Instructor & Creator
✅ CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer)
✅ CCMC (Certified Career Management Coach)
✅ CEIP (Certified Employment Interview Professional)
✅ CDCC (Certified DISCstyles™ Communication Consultant)
✅ JANG (Just A Nice Guy)
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