My barista gave me career advice that actually stuck with me

I was grabbing my usual coffee last Tuesday at this little shop downtown, and the barista (her name is Maya) asked what I do. I told her I've been stuck in data entry for 3 years and hate it, and she just said "you know, I started making coffee here because I was scared to try graphic design." She's been designing their menu boards and social media posts for fun, and now she's got 3 freelance clients on the side. It hit me that I've been waiting for permission to try something new, like I need a sign from the universe. But she just started doing the thing she liked, even though it was scary. Has anyone else gotten random advice from a stranger that totally shifted how you see your own career?

3 comments

3 Comments

wilson.olivia12d ago

Did you ask her how she found those first clients without a portfolio?

the_sean12d ago

3 freelance clients already? That's wild. She's running a whole side business while pulling espresso shots.

charles72012d ago

Hang on a minute, is getting coffee career advice really some big life-changing moment? She's got a couple freelance gigs, that's great for her, but that doesn't mean you need to quit your job tomorrow. Just seems like people overthink a casual conversation way too much.