Today, I’m delving into the untold years of my professional journey — the ones that go beyond the confines of a traditional resume.
The reality is, we must condense our experiences into a snapshot, showcasing the last 10 years. Yet, the tapestry of my professional life extends far beyond that timeframe.
More than a decade ago, I ventured into entrepreneurship for the first time, trying my hand at crafting faux marble clocks. I tried again more recently, exploring the realm of print-on-demand products. The lessons from these ventures, though not reflected in recent job titles, are an integral part of my growth. Failure taught me the nuances of resilience, marketing, and promotion— skills that transcend any specific role or industry.
Paying the bills led me to diverse roles, including ghostwriting for an author writing a book on troubled business and teaching English at a learning center for individuals injured on the job. These experiences, although predating the last decade, have left an indelible mark on my professional identity.
My academic pursuits in Teaching English as a Second Language and Teaching Adults were complemented by a co-op placement where I taught English to vibrant young French teens. Volunteering as a literacy tutor and participating in Toastmasters, where I won Humorous Speech contests, were transformative chapters that shaped who I am today.
While my resume showcases the past 10 years, it only scratches the surface. The depth of experience and the lessons learned from ventures, setbacks, and diverse roles have sculpted a professional equipped with adaptability, creativity, and a profound understanding of the human aspect of work.
I’m eager to hear your stories too. What experiences have shaped your journey, even if they don’t make it to the resume? Let’s celebrate the wealth of untold lessons in the comments below!
