Business

Her Resume Was The Career Kiss Of Death. Here's How She Turned It Around

Freelance writer Melissa Petro used to teach elementary school in New York City. She truly, madly, and deeply loved her work. Then, the press got hold of her work history in the sex industry. After a headline about her read: 'Bronx Teacher Admits: I'm An Ex-Hooker," she was fired. But according to Business Insider, Petro took that painful, humiliating experience and turned it into what she wanted all along: life as a writer. To deal with such a forced career pivot, Petro says it's important to stop knocking on the same doors that have already closed on you. After continuing to apply for teaching jobs, she eventually gave up and began interviewing for writing jobs and pitching stories. She also cut her expenses drastically, and contacted everyone she knew--even vaguely--for help, ideas, referrals, and contacts. Finally, she learned to learn again, but outside formal degree programs. Ten years into life as a freelancer, she's gone from $20,000 a year to $60,000 a year!