Once upon a time (really it was about ten years ago), I was working as a special effects artist for feature film. I was creating smoke, fire, rain, and minor explosions for big screen movies, and I was feeling pretty good about it. I had always wanted to work on Harry Potter movies, and I am proud to say I did!

Then, in 2007, I got laid off from the best job I’d ever had — Walt Disney Animation. I was crushed. I cried all day and even blew off the hot date I was supposed to have that evening. I felt like my career was over and that no other company could measure up to Disney.

At first, I moved laterally within the industry. But the industry was changing, and I got tired of it. I burned out from high production demands and long work hours in front of a computer in a dark room. Over the years, my passion dried up.

That’s when I discovered coaching. I fell in love. I instantly knew that’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. So, I got my life coach certificate and started my passion practice — on the side. My visual effects career still felt like part of my identity, security, and survival.

Then I got laid off again in August of 2013. This time, I knew it was coming, and I did not feel the same sense of devastation. It was time to take my giant leap.

My bold leap into career transition coaching…

The next few months were not easy for me. I decided to pursue coaching as my primary career in a new city that I loved — and was trying to find the ground beneath my feet.

By sheer luck and tenacity, I got to try my hand as an outplacement career coach at a major tech firm going through massive layoffs. Because of my passion for coaching and my own experience of being laid off, I was brought on board to help people affected by the layoffs to find new jobs. I was coaching up to six or seven people per day on resume writing, career direction, interviewing, and other relevant skills.

I was natural at it — and I loved it! But most importantly, I learned a great deal. I was able to identify the Six Pillars of a Thriving Career, which have become the mission and purpose for my career coaching business.

I started Blossom Career because I believe that everyone deserves to be happy with what they do for a living. I am here to create more happiness, joy, and satisfaction in the workplace, and look forward to every opportunity to help others transform a devastating job loss into a fulfilling career transition.

• Certified Empowerment Coach – Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC)
• Certified Money Coach – Money Coaching Institute