From Classroom to Coding: A Journey of Professional Transformation and Self-Discovery
The path of a career is rarely linear, and my journey from university lecturer to tech industry professional is a testament to the unpredictable nature of personal and professional growth. What began as a passionate commitment to education evolved into a transformative exploration of innovation, self-advocacy, and personal resilience.
My Early Years in Academia: Passion and Precarity
As a university lecturer, I was driven by an unwavering passion for education. I dedicated eight years to teaching English, nurturing the minds of the next generation. However, this commitment came with a stark reality: persistent job insecurity and financial strain. My monthly earnings of $30,000 were a constant source of anxiety, a reminder of the economic challenges faced by many educators.
The turning point came dramatically—and quite literally—in a hospital bed. After developing pneumonia from extreme exhaustion, I received a callous reminder of my dispensability when my university inquired about my return date while I was in the intensive care unit. This moment crystallized a painful truth: the system I had devoted myself to did not reciprocate my dedication.
Pivoting to Tech: A Strategic Reinvention
Recognizing that my current trajectory offered limited growth, I made a bold decision. I invested in myself, attending a front-end coding boot camp at Thinkful and taking graphic design classes at the Academy of Art University. These were not just classes, but strategic investments in a new future.
My transition began with a contract position at Google in 2016—a moment that felt like a triumphant breakthrough. A recruiter recognized the unique value of my teaching background, particularly for a customer education role. My portfolio spoke volumes, bridging my past expertise with new technical skills.
The Reality of Big Tech: Challenging Preconceptions
My romanticized vision of tech—inspired by viral videos showcasing Google's seemingly utopian workplace—quickly confronted the complex reality. The industry moved at a pace fundamentally different from academia. Where academic projects might span months, allowing deep research and meticulous planning, tech demanded rapid execution and strategic agility.
From 2016 to 2021, I navigated roles at Google, Uber, YouTube, and Meta. Each transition was not just a job change but a profound learning experience about organizational dynamics, personal boundaries, and professional growth.
A Transformative Epiphany at Meta
The most significant revelation came during my time at Meta. I realized that workplace well-being is not determined by external factors like company prestige but by one's approach to challenges. I observed successful colleagues who strategically evaluated opportunities, weren't afraid to decline requests, and always connected their decisions to broader business metrics.
This insight prompted a radical shift in my professional persona. I transitioned from a people-pleaser working unsustainable 60-hour weeks to a strategic team player focused on meaningful impact. My salary had dramatically increased—now over $200,000 annually with substantial equity—but I recognized that financial success must be balanced with mental and emotional well-being.
Personal Impact and Broader Lessons
My journey represents more than a career transition. It's a narrative about understanding personal worth, developing strategic self-advocacy, and recognizing that professional growth is holistic. The skills I developed—adaptability, resilience, strategic thinking—were cultivated through challenging experiences across different professional environments.
Last February, I took another significant step by leaving Big Tech to focus on my career coaching company. This move wasn't an escape but a culmination of my experiences, allowing me to support hundreds of professionals navigating their own complex career journeys.
Key Insights for Career Transformation:
1. Your unique background is always an asset. The skills from one domain can be powerfully translated into another.
2. Prioritize your mental and physical health over any company's bottom line.
3. Learn to be strategic about your work, not just hardworking.
4. Continuous learning and adaptability are more valuable than staying in a comfortable but limiting environment.
A Continuous Journey
My story is not about a dramatic escape from teaching or a fairytale tech success. It's about continuous learning, strategic self-investment, and understanding that professional growth is a deeply personal journey. Every challenge, transition, and lesson has been integral to my development.
For anyone feeling stuck or contemplating a significant career shift, remember: that your potential is not defined by your current role but by your willingness to learn, adapt, and courageously pursue growth.