When my 3rd layoff was announced there was only ONE thing ☝️ I wanted

When my 3rd layoff was announced
there was only ONE thing ☝️ I wanted

>> out <<

yep

I almost gave up on medical sales -- completely.

But what's worse?

I almost gave up on *myself*.

I thought:
>> I'm a fraud
>> Everything I touch turns to dust
>> How had I possibly "tricked" people into hiring me?

>> 3 layoffs'll do that to you <<

So, after I hung up the phone after the news that the impending acquisition meant a downsizing of the sales department (that I just brought $3M in MRI's for) ... I was lost.

Driving around Norcal in a stupor, lost.
But then...

One day, I saw a sign.
(as in, a literal sign) for...

>> Layers of Color <<

an art studio.

I swerved into the parking lot downtown and there it was -- my 'out'.

Now you may not know this about me but I've been doing art since I could walk -- so I thought maybe, just maybe, I won't mess this up.

And RIGHT THERE began my professional painting life.

Right out of a cozy little yellow bungalow-turned-office/art studio in downtown Roseville.

We sat at Kelly's 10x10 design table and she took me on.

Even after I click-clacked my MK stilettos and skirt suit into her cozy, paint-and-samples-everywhere, "overalls > everything" art studio.

In that time, Kelly taught me all I know about high-end faux finishing:

>> picking the right glaze
>> how to strip and prep cabinets thoroughly
>> ways to turn a stump of wood into gorgeous marble

And in the process, I helped her with marketing, sales, and lead gen. (Not that she needed much -- Kelly is one of the most wonderful, magical, contagious personalities around).

And what I found?

1. I can learn just about anything (and so can you)
2. Joy is all about who you're working with
3. Confidence can be rebuilt

After this journey, I found myself back in medical sales -- but this time with the courage that I wasn't my nametag.

There were other roads if I wanted them.

And that sometimes,
it's worth stepping >> out <<
to get your confidence locked back >> in << place.

______

Has a side hustle or unusual job ever shown YOU who you are?
Tell me in the comments!
______

Hi -- I'm Claire Davis (owner of Traction Resume)

And after 5 layoffs and a career in sales, marketing, and recruiting -- you get really, really, REALLY good at starting over -- and showing others how to do the same.

I help medical sales executives lock in the roles they want with resumes, linkedin profiles, and career coaching.

And yes -- this is me on a ladder doing something that I LOVE when I'm not helping people land those 6-figure jobs faster than they think they can. ;)