Embracing Change: My Journey from Higher Ed to Whole Foods
The Unexpected Layoff
Getting laid off is rarely a shock—especially when you see signs that the end is near. This was my reality in 2010 when I found my career at a community college in Washington, DC, crumbling around me. As an academic counselor, I had poured my heart into developing a tutoring center, believing it was my dream role.
For over a decade, I had dedicated myself to community education, working as a GED writing teacher, tech training program manager, and ESL teacher. My approach was always personal; I didn’t merely assist students in selecting majors; I guided them to connect their studies to their aspirations in life.
However, the lack of budget and support stretched me thin, leading to long hours and low pay. By the end of my contract, complaints about my one-woman tutoring show had reached the upper echelons of leadership. The decision to not renew my contract felt like a weight lifting from my shoulders, granting me a crucial breathing space.
A New Direction: Food as a Healing Tool
With a modest safety net of unemployment benefits, I decided to indulge a long-lingering curiosity about food—something that had always fascinated me. Cooking became my therapy, especially amid the stress from my past job, the loss of my mother, and the turmoil of a failing marriage.
My desire for healing was twofold: I wanted to reclaim my health and explore my passion for culinary arts. Pursuing culinary school was not an option due to my existing student loans, but I pursued the ServSafe food handler certification as my gateway into the food world.
Taking A Leap of Faith
Driven by my culinary curiosity, I applied for a kitchen job at Whole Foods, where I had always been drawn to the homemade-looking offerings at their hot bar. To my delight, they took a chance on me, hiring me as a cook at just $12 an hour. The drastic pay cut necessitated significant lifestyle adjustments, but the excitement of working in a professional kitchen reignited my passion for food.
I learned invaluable skills: how to filet a 30-inch salmon, create beautifully grilled steaks, and present the deli displays with visual flair. The physical demands of the job transformed my body—achey muscles replaced the numbness of my desk job—and most importantly, I felt alive and creatively fulfilled.
Finding My Creative Rhythm
After six months at Whole Foods, I realized the food service pace wasn’t sustainable for me. However, I discovered a newfound passion for teaching. I began conducting healthy cooking classes, witnessing the thrill of students recreating recipes that filled their homes with joy.
This spark led me to document my culinary adventures on my health blog and pitch stories to various publications. I also had the chance to teach children how to cook nutritious meals while exploring STEM concepts, which deepened my connection to food, culture, and community.
Transitioning to a New Life Abroad
By 2013, armed with a wealth of experience and a craving for growth, I made another significant leap. I relocated to Orlando, where I built a freelance writing career centered on food and wellness. After years of mentoring through my cooking classes, I transitioned to writing blogs, ebooks, and case studies for wellness and tech brands.
Inspired by fellow freelance writers, I booked a one-way ticket to Thailand in search of affordable living and traditional healers to assist my weight loss journey. This adventure saw me shedding 60 pounds while exploring vibrant local cuisines.
A New Home in Playa del Carmen
Currently, I reside in Playa del Carmen, immersing myself in the local culinary traditions while deepening my understanding of healing herbs and indigenous flavors. In January 2025, I completed my first half-marathon, a milestone that reflects my wellness journey thus far.
Looking back, I realize that losing my job in higher education was not a failure, but rather a freeing of my spirit. It was a pivotal moment that allowed me to reassess who I wanted to be and what I wanted from life.
Many individuals move through life without questioning whether their paths still align with their aspirations. I was gifted that chance, and it transformed my entire trajectory.
Conclusion
Life is indeed a journey of twists and turns. Whether you’re transitioning from one career to another or exploring a new passion like cooking, it’s crucial to embrace change. What will your leap of faith be?
For more insights on career transitions and exploring culinary passions, check out resources from Business Insider.
