Change is inevitable. In fact, the only thing that ever stays the same in life is change itself. But rather than fearing it, I’ve learned to embrace it. My career journey has been nothing short of a transformation, one that shows how embracing change—whether by choice or circumstance—can lead you to discover new passions, unlock hidden skills, and ultimately find your true purpose.
As a young adult, I didn’t immediately seek higher education. My primary focus was on becoming a wife and mom, roles I cherished deeply. But life has a way of nudging you toward growth when you least expect it.
After becoming a single mother, I realized I needed more to secure a better future for myself and my children. However, instead of enrolling in a traditional college, I chose a more hands-on path by attending technical school to become an optician.
For the next several years, I worked in a variety of roles: as a certified optician, real estate agent, logistics agent for a cargo airline, bartender, and even as an uncertified teacher at a private school. Each role taught me valuable lessons, but they also gave me a sense of restlessness. No matter how much I enjoyed each job, I eventually found myself craving something more—something that aligned with my long-term vision.
It was during my time as an art and theater arts teacher at the private school that I realized my true calling: teaching. I’d always played the role of teacher as a child, but it took years of exploring other careers to see that the best version of myself was someone who inspired and educated others.
At 40, I took a leap of faith and enrolled in college, determined to transition into education. This shift wasn’t just about a job change—it was a full reinvention of my career. I began my journey as an educator and quickly found myself passionate about helping others learn, grow, and reach their full potential. It was this experience that set me on the path to instructional design.
Today, as I embark on my next reinvention—transitioning into the world of freelance instructional design—I realize that each step of my journey was leading me to this point. My entrepreneurial spirit, combined with my love for teaching, has guided me toward this new path, and it feels like the culmination of years of growth.
But the transition didn’t stop there. I’ve learned that reinvention doesn’t have to be dramatic—it can be an ongoing process of discovery, growth, and adaptation. As I explore the world of instructional design, I realize that I’m still reinventing myself every day, learning new tools, techniques, and strategies to help others thrive.
In the next post, I’ll dive into how embracing change has become one of my most powerful tools for growth and success. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. Stay tuned for more on how to thrive in life’s transitions and make the most of the opportunities that change presents.
Hey! I'm Laura
Laura Smith is an instructional designer, educator, and entrepreneur who is passionate about helping individuals discover their true potential. Her diverse journey has shaped a unique perspective on growth and reinvention. Laura is dedicated to creating impactful learning experiences and guiding others, particularly in instructional design and freelancing. When she’s not designing engaging content, she enjoys exploring new opportunities and sharing her experiences to inspire others.
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Laura Smith is an instructional designer, educator, and entrepreneur. With a diverse background, she is passionate about helping others navigate career transitions and build successful learning experiences.
laura@edgytechieconsulting.com
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