What a difference a year makes!

In January of 2025, I entered the job market for the first time in 25 years. Sure, there were times that I looked for other jobs inside and outside of the company that I was working for...but that was by my choice. This was different.

Cutbacks, layoffs, rumors of sell-off, and an obvious softening market left me with a "whisper-of-an-ending" to a long and stellar career. I loved my job. I was highly-rated. I was finally in the role that clicked with my capabilities. I worked hard to get there and lived through many "volun-told" moments to progress my career.

I was "retired" before I was ready and not really sure what to think, feel, or do about it. I knew one thing...inaction was not a possibility.

Out comes the flip chart paper and list-making began. Columns labeled "life," "work," and "dreams" at the top of the page. The columns filled up fast and on purpose. "Hold no thought captive, Tiffany" is what I would say to myself.

Standing back and looking at this list was like lighting a fire under me. My grandmother would have said that I showed "gumption" in that moment.

Real Estate. Insurance. Coach. Franchisee. Business Consultant. Blogger. Podcaster. And, of course, a W-2 job for a company. I picked apart each idea and visualized myself in each capacity. I'll admit, as a working mom, it had been a loooooonnnnngggg time since I had put myself center-stage. My grown children afforded me this new mindspace, having mostly fledged themselves last year.

I honed in on two truths:

1. I was incredibly well-rounded thanks to my versatile skill-set and the vast opportunities in my career. Not many people can boast that they had 10.5 jobs in 25 years...but I could. I have deep understanding outside of my functional area and have the case studies to prove it.

2. I had a lot of connections and I wasn't afraid to network. I have always treated life as an interview per the firm instruction of my father. (Thanks, dad!)

I got busy using both. People were so generous with 1:1s and referrals. Before I knew it, I was being paid for a consulting project. Next, I was asked to coach a business owner. She will forever be my #1 for believing in me.

On April 1, 2025, I "hung up my shingle," as they say in the biz, and invested time in giving Onward & Upward Growth Consulting an official start. People showed interest, and I have worked with some amazing companies, teams, and individuals.

What is worth more to me than anything? Using this time as an opportunity to learn and discover who I am and to regain joy about work. There's a big, wide world of work and industries that I didn't have time to explore in the past.

A recruiter asked me recently, "why did you open a company if you planned to work in a W-2 role?" Good question...and the answer came to me fast..."why shouldn't I have?" The reality is ...waiting around is horrible and I didn't feel like waiting around for someone to choose me was the only thing I could do with my time. I chose to develop myself while waiting for what comes next. Working is gratifying. Waiting is "meh" at best.

So here I am a year later with a growing skill-set AND a growing mindset. I am more equipped than ever to facilitate the transformation of individuals and teams and move them onward and upward!

I'm getting out my megaphone for those of you reading this that wonder about a side-hustle, have a business idea, or feel burned out by the same old, same old. I'm ready to cheer you on.

Onward & Upward,

Tiffany