Missed my Maven workshop on personal branding last week? Watch it here!

I also have two 1:1 coaching spots available for April. If you’re feeling a bit stuck or unfulfilled, let’s set up some time to chat where I’ll share my thoughts on how you can design your portfolio career.

Back in 2022, I had reached my low point. I felt like each day was a new quarter life crisis, and I didn’t know how it would unfold.

I had no idea what I wanted to do next after a 10 year career in consulting and product marketing. I was burned out but not from the work itself. It was from convincing everyone, including myself, that I belonged.

But when I really listened to what I needed, more money or a new job didn’t feel like it was going to fix that.

So, I got to work. Instead of searching for validation through promotions, I paused and thought about what would help me lead a fulfilling life.

And just two years later, I built up the courage to leave my 6-figure tech job.

During this “messy middle”, I felt stuck between an old version of myself and the new version I couldn’t quite visualize yet.

And while I thought the messy middle part of my life was over, I’m going through another phase right now.

But here’s the good news: since I’ve been here before, I know how to get through it, and I thought I’d share a few ways that you can, too.

If two years ago, I was questioning my career choices then right now I’m questioning my life choices.

I’m 32, and I’ve never lived outside of the US for longer than a month long trip.

When I was in my 20s, I always envied the backpackers that had just quit their job and were staying in South America for a minimum of 3 months, but I never did it myself. And in college, I chose not to study abroad because I convinced myself it was too expensive. 🫠

But now after a decade of work and almost exactly 5 years in New York at the time of writing this, I want to take the plunge and experience what it’s like moving abroad.

So, I’m diving into the world of gathering documents to apply for a UK visa, while navigating fractional work, launching a new 1-day workshop on Maven, and working out/eating healthy/socializing.

It feels like I’m in the messy middle again, waiting for my US life to end and (hopefully) my UK life to begin.

During my first messy middle phase, I told myself that I felt stuck, which caused me to feel even more stuck. Whenever I tried to look for a new job, I’d see the latest news of a company announcing layoffs, convincing me why it was better to stay put.

We oftentimes create self-fulfilling prophecies without even realizing it.

Instead, stop yourself when you notice a thought and start to challenge if it’s helping you reach your goals. I wrote about this in one of my first articles for this newsletter here.

Pride stories are short essays that describe a time that you were most proud in your life. This could be a challenge you’ve overcome or a goal you didn’t think you could obtain but were able to through perseverance.

I did this with my first coach, and when you write these, you feel how you felt when you accomplished it. I wrote about getting my internship at Deloitte, moving to NYC, climbing Machu Picchu, and the first time I traveled solo internationally.

Questions to answer in your pride stories:

Expanders are people doing the thing you want to do. These are the people who have been in the thick of it but have made it through to the other side.

Hearing other people’s stories have been wildly helpful for me, especially when most of my existing network was still working full-time. I know that it is going to be helpful as I navigate a move to the UK, too!

How to connect with expanders:

Close your eyes and imagine the version of you who has the thing you want right now—the fulfilling career, the personal brand, the new city.

Things to notice:

Now, for the hard part. Try to embody her as much as possible. Karol G has a tattoo of Rihanna and herself on her arm! While you don’t have to go that extreme, think about ways you can remind yourself of the version of you that is strong, capable, resilient, etc.

The messy middle always feels never-ending, but it’s temporary. It’s also a gift. It means you’re stretching yourself outside of your comfort zone, growing in new ways, and stepping a little closer to the life you’re meant to live.

Take things one step at a time!

Are you in the messy middle right now? Hit reply and let me know! I read all of the responses.

Because there is lots going on, I make it a priority to schedule in self-care activities. This weekend, I went to Kove Studio in Williamsburg and hopped into the Sauna and Red Light room. Looking forward to going back!

Virtual: Build Your First AI Automation with Cowork | Tues, April 21
​Moxie is hosting a hands-on workshop where you're going to build your first AI automation. Connect your inbox, connect your calendar, and walk out with something that'll make your life easier. RSVP here >

NYC: Morning Magic Picnic by Generalist World, Taylor Harrington | Thurs, April 23
This is a curated group, but if you feel like you fit the vibe, you can mention your name when RSVPing, and if they have space, they’ll extend the invite! RSVP here >

SF: Build After Dark | Wed, April 29
​Build After Dark is a 4-week evening series for women in non-technical roles who are ready to build something and finally have the support system to do it. You'll learn to build and ship a real AI project, using tools like Claude Code or Codex, with expert support the whole way through. RSVP here >

SF: Corporate & Ex-Corporate SF Coffee Meetup | Fri, May 1
I’m coming to San Francisco in a few weeks, and I’d love to meet up with anyone who is interested in grabbing coffee. Whether you’re in corporate or looking to build a portfolio career, hope you’ll join! RSVP here >

Unblock Strategy Sprint
Get 60 minutes of strategic support on Zoom, personalized strengths mapping with an Enneagram assessment, and 2 weeks of async support to help unblock your goals and come up with a concrete action plan.

Reimagine 1:1 Coaching - 2 spots left for April
Reimagine is a highly personalized 1:1 coaching program for multi-passionate women ready to build their portfolio career. Book a free career strategy call with me to learn more.