Career Lesson From a Reading Implementation Manager at Learning Ally
Danielle's most significant career lesson was learning "not to be afraid to walk away from something even if I'm successful at it," a realization that came after a successful nine-year teaching career. This led Danielle to pursue other opportunities, demonstrating the importance of prioritizing personal fulfillment over comfortable success.
Career Change, Overcoming Challenges, Following Passion, Self-Awareness, Risk Taking
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Danielle Scott
Manager, Reading Implementation Success
Learning Ally Audiobook
Loyola Marymount university
Loyola Marymount University/ Early childhood development
Education
Education
Education
Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Danielle's career shift from teaching highlights the importance of listening to your heart and pursuing what truly fulfills you, even if it means leaving a successful position.
2. Her experience shows that success in one field doesn't define your entire career path; there's always potential for growth and new challenges.
3. Danielle emphasizes the value of embracing change and not being afraid to step outside your comfort zone to pursue new opportunities that align with your passions and goals.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
I've learned not to be afraid to walk away from something, even if I'm successful at it. This means not being afraid that I won't find success again if something isn't currently working for me.
As a teacher, I was good at it; I feel I was great at teaching. After nine years in teaching, earning my Master's Degree and going as far as I wanted, I never saw myself in administration.
I did have an administrative role for a year, but I never thought vice principal or principal was something I wanted. So, I focused on the classroom, achieving high test scores, increasing engagement, and really pushing technology. I encouraged collaborative and creative learning in my curriculum, and in teaching my students life skills that I wasn't exposed to until college.
With my students, parents, and at my school, the biggest thing I've learned in my career is this: I felt I was good at teaching and could have continued for a long time, but my heart was no longer in it. It was just comfortable.
The biggest lesson I've learned in changing careers is really listening to myself. Just because I'm successful at something doesn't mean it's all I can do, or all I'm being called to do.
This wasn't the end of the road for me. Being successful at one thing doesn't mean it's the only thing I can be successful at, or that it's the final thing for me. I'm always open to the possibility that there's something more.