I’ve been putting off writing what drives my career because I dislike nothing more than writing about why I do the things I do. However, I already spend 90% of my time absorbed in my own thoughts thinking about what I’m doing or want to do, that it really shouldn’t be that hard.
I graduated college in 2019 with a degree in IT — although I technically did a program under the IT umbrella that focused more on the communications aspect of technology. After two concussions and no careers piquing my interest, I just wanted to get out of school. My ICT major would allow me to do just that while keeping lots of doors open for job options.
I was absolutely lost after graduating.
On one side of the coin, I wanted nothing more than to do the opposite of what everyone else was doing because, why not? On the other side of the coin, I wanted to jump in the line behind my friends — the roads were well-paved and it seemed easier.
I chose the unpaved, alternative route.
I found myself in New Zealand working in construction.
Then, after saying that I’d never move back home, I was back in my childhood room by my 22nd birthday.
Back to the drawing board. Still very much lost. Still very much wanting to take my own path.
I applied for what I knew, which at the time was strength and conditioning. I landed a great internship at one of the most respected gyms in the nation. I chickened out a month before it was to start in January due to the intense intimidation I felt by the heavy science component of the program.
Back to the drawing board.
A great living opportunity in Atlanta presented itself, so down there I went. My short-term plan involved getting a job at a gym and a restaurant. My long-term plan was TBD but involved starting my podcast as a way to potentially find opportunities.
Back to the drawing board.
After being unemployed for 3 months, I eventually landed a gig writing SEO articles for a startup founder I had interviewed on my podcast. Through my podcast, I shortly found another startup that was looking for media and course creation help. To help supplement the passion jobs, I was also working the help desk at Home Depot.
Back to the drawing board.
Unemployed again. Cohort-based courses were all the rage and I wanted to get in on the action. Reached out to a small business owner on Twitter who ran one and he let me start helping. Began to do some media work for him in addition. Landed my first “corporate job” in customer success. I had an itch to teach and explore edtech more so I found a non-profit that allows me to provide career support to people of color.
You might be thinking, “holy sh!t Taylor, you’re crazy!” Aren’t we all?
My biggest driver for anything I do is curiosity.
“How does this work?”
“Why did you do this?”
“What happens if you do this?”
At the time, I didn’t have the words to explain what I wanted or how I could help people. I had to go off into the world and find the words my way.
I think a lot of people live their whole lives never knowing what they want or why they want it. I also think a lot of people never explore what possibilities exist in the world (PSA — there’s so much!!!!).
During this whole journey, I’ve learned that I love being a connector (and I’m pretty good at it).
What do I want to do? I want to help others get from point A to point B.
I don’t care if that’s through resources, connecting them to someone else, or just having a conversation. I’ve found that the intersection of education and technology allows me to do that in a way that I feel most fulfilled.
As Drake says, “More Life” — what I’m trying to help people get, but one that’s fulfilling for them.