How To Believe In Yourself Enough To Quit Your Job & Follow Your Passion: Camille's Story
This blog post is part of a series where I am featuring trailblazers and Passion Possible coaching alumni.
The Trailblazer: Camille Talag
Location: Toronto, ON
Her Digital Pad: https://camillevt.wordpress.com/
Where were you before you started coaching with Anita?
I was in a weird transitional period between having quit a soul-sucking job and figuring out what to do next. I knew that the same old routine of looking at job postings would not work this time. I knew that I was meant to be doing something different, something daring. But I didn’t really know what to do. I had visited career counselors at my school, but their advice didn’t really stick. I tried to network on my own, but it didn’t feel right. I tried to map out what was most important to me, but I didn’t know where to start.
I had already bought her Zero to Network program and found it really helpful. However, I knew that I needed more one-on-one support with my career path and everything else. I wanted to take a leap of faith in becoming the best version of myself that I could be. This wasn’t a matter of just finding a job. I knew that I was looking for more than that. I was looking for a shift in perspective and a change in how I live, and I wanted results.
I’ve made small but deeply significant changes in my life that have culminated in my becoming a kinder, more patient, more accepting, more assertive, more ambitious, more sure of myself, more confident person. I find myself looking forward to networking events, to going to interviews, and meeting people in general. That’s because I’m not forcing myself to go to events I have little interest in. I’ve been able to find the people who I want to get to know, and feel inspired by sources that I feel connected to.
I have no problem with going for what I want, and I feel more courageous in doing so. That has made a world of difference in the relationships I’ve developed and maintained since I started Passion Possible.
After my first Passion Possible coaching session, I found out that I got a job that would lead me on the path to the career that I wanted! I’ve grown so much from that job and am making progress in my professional development. I’ve also grown my network by developing authentic relationships with people I can root for and connect with. I’ve been able to maintain my personal blog and continue with my writing, and have entrenched myself in a positive community of writers who support one another.
What hesitations did you have about signing up for coaching with Anita?
I was definitely hesitant about spending so much money on a service that I had no experience with. I didn’t know anybody who spent 4 figures on something that wasn’t for vacation or school, so I had no idea what I was in for. I was definitely afraid of the unknown with this coaching program: I was afraid of what would happen to me.
I think that this quote by Marianne Williamson perfectly captures my fear with trying new things and working towards my goals:
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
I knew deep down that Passion Possible would change me, and I didn’t feel prepared to go through that change. Once I did take the leap and invested in myself, I got to know myself on an intimate level. I did a bit of digging, and what I found was that I did feel ready – because I wanted to feel ready. Once you make the decision, consciously or not, to go for what you want, then you will find opportunities to make those dreams come alive.
How much has your network grown? How would you describe your networking skills now?
I’ve made dozens of contacts who I want to keep in touch with. I think it’s a matter of quality, not quantity, when it comes to your network; you want to actually like these people and be invested in them and their journey. Saying that your network has to be “just business” is just BS.
Anita taught me that networking authentically will flow to other parts of your life to the point that everything you do comes from a place of authenticity and you are yourself. That’s where my networking skills are right now. I would call networking just a conversation and people connecting with each other.
Do you feel that you found your passion or calling in life?
Definitely! Before, I thought that I had two passions and had kept them separate: I love working in the non-profit sector and empowering youth to be leaders in their communities, and I love writing. With Anita, I came to realize that I really had one calling, which was sharing stories to inspire empathy and kindness. I realized that my two passions were two paths or ways that I could live this calling. There really was no reason to keep these two separate since they were such important parts of my life.
How much has your network grown? How would you describe your networking skills now?
Before, I’d say I had a network of 20+ people, but with coaching, I realized that I had 75+ people. I’ve since connected with more people, bringing my network to well over 100.
As for my networking skills, I feel more like myself but braver and more compassionate towards others. I came to believe that networking is about sharing yourself with and helping others, and that’s the attitude that I try to bring to every interaction I have.
How would you describe your life now, compared to before you started coaching?
I’ve been in a perpetually happy state for the past several weeks. That is something I’d never thought I would experience prior to coaching. I didn’t realize just how much coaching would impact the parts of my life that I thought didn’t have anything to do with my career. Every day has potential and purpose, and I feel more productive now than I did when I was in school or working full-time. That’s probably because I feel more in tune with what I want and feel braver and more ambitious to go for what I want.
Was it worth the investment (and why)?
Yes! I’d never spent this amount of money on myself other than tuition, so I was hesitant to purchase the program at the beginning. But it felt right to take the leap and do something for myself, and I’m so glad that I did. Anita has pushed me to come to terms with who I truly am, what I want, what I’ve been doing to reach my goals, and what I can do to make them a reality – all in 4 months! I’ve experienced a huge change in perspective and how I can and should live my life – and these changes often happen gradually over time.
Would you recommend Anita as a coach to others?
Definitely! She has a way of gently coaxing your true self forward and helping you let go of any fears that you may have harboured toward living the life of your dreams. Her enthusiasm and investment in you as a person is genuine and she truly wants you to do well. She has helped to celebrate every one of my wins and motivate me more!
Check out Camille Talag's writing here: https://camillevt.wordpress.com/
Interested in Coaching with Anita Wing Lee?
Anita's method is a one-of-a-kind method, combining her expertise as a transformational life coach, spiritual counsellor, modern entrepreneur, networking guru and and globetrotter. Since landing travel gigs all around the world and turning her passion into her dream career, she has inspired thousands to launching fulfilling and meaningful careers. Book a complimentary 30-minute coaching consultation with Anita here.
