I've always been a bit of a risk averse person. I always imagined working for someone, getting a paycheck, climbing the corporate ranks to the uppermost role possible, always realizing there is a ceiling threshold that couldn't be surpassed. At the time, I was quite content with the career track.

I met Jason at a time when I was working at a job where I had reached the top of my possibilities. I was working as a director, managing a team, had a stable career and paycheck, but I was missing something that I couldn't quite define. At this time, I was searching Upwork for freelance graphic design roles to scratch that creative itch. Enter Jason. He interviewed me for a freelance role of a lifetime. I did something that was unfathomable just a few months prior, which was, ask for a month's leave of employment to pursue this once-in-a-lifetime experience. There was a possibility that I wouldn't have the role when I returned, but Jason convinced me that this was a fantastic opportunity and I was up for the challenge. I was taking a gigantic leap from my comfort zone. The project turned out to be one of the most pivotal months of my life as it propelled me forward as a designer and introduced me to the possibility that a career shift was possible.

Taking on and completing the project was one of the biggest turning points of my career. Jason was integral in making sure every step of the way, even when things got challenging, to stick with it and that the rewards would be worth it. He was 100% right. Not only did he provide the doorway to step through, but he provided the connections to support that big leap. Jason is a mentor and a connector. When I think about the people in my life that opened and changed my trajectory with new networks of people and possibilities, Jason is one of them. Without him, I wouldn't currently be the successful full-time freelancer I am today. I am forever grateful for his guidance and encouragement throughout this growth process. When I look back, I am stunned at how far my journey has diverted from what I always considered my steadfast path. I never thought I would be working for myself and it's an incredibly liberating feeling. My father had always told me that you never understand pure freedom until you work for yourself and I never understood that (or ever thought it was possible) until now.

It's never too late to change your frame of mind and push the boundaries. It sometimes just takes a gentle nudge in the right direction. It's always helpful to have a coach or a cheerleader along the way who has walked that path themselves. For me, that person was Jason, who helped me take an unrealized dream and make it a reality. Keep at it, it's never going to be an easy road. Take one step at a time, and create small milestones that you can celebrate along the way to even the most far-fetched dreams. Along the way, help and uplift others and dream big.

Tina Hoffman

https://www.monticosolutions.com/