In today’s fast-paced world, one of the biggest challenges is finding a job—or better yet, a career—that truly reflects your personal values. We all need to make a living, and too often, we compromise our principles because we feel trapped by circumstance. But is that really our only option?
For many of you, the answer feels like a resounding “yes.” You’re juggling multiple jobs, barely making ends meet, and sometimes doing things that clash with your beliefs just to get by. I get it, I’ve been there, and understand the weight of that reality. But my story is proof that there’s another way—a path led by purpose, courage, and faith.
From Humble Beginnings to Corporate Success
My journey began in the shadow of sacrifice. As the daughter of Cuban exiles, I grew up watching my parents trying to rebuild their lives from scratch. They left their homeland and everything they knew, with little more than the shirts on their backs. My dad worked as a technician in an auto body shop, and my mom sewed clothes in a factory. When my dad passed away when I was 11, my mom had to work twice as hard to survive and provide for us. We didn’t have much in terms of material things, but we had love and resilience.
That backdrop fueled my drive. Against all odds, I went to college, while working multiple jobs, and was able to start my career as an intern in the broadcast production industry, the field that I loved! I worked hard and climbed that corporate ladder, slowly but surely, pouring my heart and soul into my work, filled with gratitude for the opportunity to live a dream most only imagine. By the peak of my career, I was a Senior Vice President of Marketing, leading a team of over 150 people at a major media corporation. I had the title, the salary, the status—everything I thought I wanted.
The Wake-Up Call: When Success Feels Empty
But here’s the irony: at the height of my career, I felt the most stuck. While I was having the “time of my life,” I was losing the time in my life. I was so caught up in the glamour of the industry that I stopped questioning my purpose. That changed when I was tasked with creating a presentation about my “value” to the company. My team was doing fantastic work, and yes, I was their “leader”, but what did I actually contribute?
The answer hit me like a ton of bricks: my role boiled down to “cost savings” by eliminating jobs—laying off real people with real lives. It was a gut-wrenching revelation. If you’ve ever been laid off or had to let someone go, you know how brutal it is. Both sides of that equation are painful, especially when you care. I realized my work no longer aligned with my values, but the allure of money, status, and power kept me chained to a job that was draining my soul.
A Divine Intervention
I powered through, ignoring the unease in my heart, until life forced me to stop. A breast cancer diagnosis—thankfully caught early —hit me like a divine pause button. During six weeks of medical leave, I slept like a hibernating bear, waking only to eat and reflect. In that stillness, I felt God speaking to me: “Don’t go back.” He planted a new vision in my heart—to create positive content, to “be the light,” and to live with purpose.
Although I knew God was right (He always is), I still ignored his call, and returned to work, hoping things might change. They didn’t. A series of incidents—subtle behaviors and workplace realities—confirmed what I already knew: it was time to leave. Two weeks later, I gave my notice. Two months after that, I walked away from a 28-year career that had defined me and my identity.
The Courage to Walk Away
Walking away was the hardest decision of my life. How did I find the courage to leave? Faith. I trusted that God had a greater plan for me, one that prioritized purpose over paycheck. Letting go of control and leaning into that belief gave me the courage to step into the unknown. Today, I’m committed to living intentionally, inspiring others, and making a positive impact in other’s lives.
A Dose of Wisdom to Align your Life with your Values
If you’re feeling stuck or yearning for a career that reflects who you are, here are four lessons I’ve learned along the way:
- Pause and Reflect: Step away from the hustle—social media, binge-watching, all of it. In the quiet, your soul will guide you toward your true purpose.
- Embrace Grace: Growth requires openness. Accept help, compliments, or unexpected opportunities. Let possibilities unfold naturally.
- Get Comfortable in the Discomfort: Transformation happens outside your comfort zone. When you’re too comfortable, you stop growing.
- You’re Never Alone: Even in your darkest moments, when no one else is around, God is there—whether you believe in Him or not, are angry at Him or just don’t feel His presence, HE IS THERE.
A New Chapter of Purpose
Leaving my career was a reset that changed everything. My faith is stronger, my heart is lighter, and I’m no longer trying to control every outcome. I’m living for something greater—spreading light, sharing hope, and helping others find their path.
If you’re wrestling with a job that doesn’t align with your values, know this: you have the power to choose differently. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. Take that first step, listen to your soul, and trust that a life of purpose is waiting for you.
What’s one small action you can take today to move toward a career that reflects your values? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!
