Mikayla’s story is proof that the right support at the right time can change a lot more than your job title.

From Mortgage Work to Entrepreneurial Vision

When Mikayla joined the Career Clarity Accelerator, she was working in the mortgage industry. It offered financial stability, but not fulfillment.

“I was stuck in this endless cycle of going back into the same job situation over and over again. I’d think it was going to be great, and then it turned into something I didn’t want to be part of.”

Underneath that cycle, she had clear ambitions: launch a dog collar business, and relaunch her photography career, this time focused on pet photography. She just didn’t know how to connect her day-to-day work to either one.

Making the Leap: Investing in Herself

Mikayla had real hesitation about joining, especially around the financial commitment.

“My biggest concern was how I could afford it. But after talking through it with my husband, we saw it as an investment in my future.”

That conversation turned out to be the first of many pivotal steps. With her support system behind her, she took the leap.

The Unexpected Power of Group Coaching

Mikayla credits the group coaching format itself with creating a safe, supportive space that made a lasting impact.

“Being on those group calls with like-minded individuals in similar situations, maybe not the same circumstances, but the same big picture, it really helped me feel less alone. We were all striving to feel happy professionally and personally.”

It went both ways. She didn’t just gain insight from others, she saw how her own story helped the people around her too.

“I was surprised by how much I could relate to others and how my experiences helped them. That was really rewarding.”

Real Progress, Tangible Results

After a few months, Mikayla started seeing real change on three fronts.

A lateral career shift. She made a strategic move within her current company that aligned better with her goals. “I started making intentional choices about how this job could support the bigger picture of what I wanted.”

Integrating passion and career. She began reshaping her photography business around pet photography, combining her love of animals with her creative side. “I was able to harmonize my love for pets with my love for photography. That felt like a big win.”

Taking Action and Creating Change

As part of the program, Mikayla drafted a work-from-home proposal for her employer. When it wasn’t accepted, she read it as a sign.

“Their response gave me clarity. It showed me that staying wasn’t in alignment with what I wanted.”

She launched a focused job search, updated her resume, and started networking. An offer for a remote position followed quickly.

“It happened fast. I took action, and things started to fall into place.”

Her current employer countered, but Mikayla stood her ground and declined, choosing the offer that actually supported the life she wanted.

“There were other factors that made the new job a better fit, like better benefits and the ability to work from home right away.”

Growth Beyond the Job Title

Mikayla’s growth went well beyond a new job title.

“I learned to advocate for myself. When I gave notice, they showed a lot of respect. That was a first for me, leaving a job on good terms and feeling proud of how I showed up.”

Even her friends and family noticed the shift.

“They told me I seemed lighter. I wasn’t burnt out or drained anymore. I had a clear goal, and I think that energy showed.”

What’s Next

Mikayla is starting her new remote job with a renewed sense of purpose and the flexibility to relaunch her creative business.

“I’m working on the logistics of relaunching the photography business and getting everything ready. Now, I actually have the focus and the time to do it right.”

Her Advice to Others Considering Coaching

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure whether coaching is worth it, here’s Mikayla’s take:

“It’s something you don’t know you need until you try. It really impacts how you think, how you make decisions, and how you show up for yourself. Just take the leap and prioritize yourself.”

Common Questions

Is group coaching as effective as one-on-one career coaching?
For a lot of people, group coaching adds something one-on-one work doesn’t: the sense that you’re not the only one navigating this. Mikayla found the shared experience of the group calls made her feel less alone, and seeing her own story help other participants was part of what made the process stick.

How do I know if I should ask for a work-from-home arrangement or just look for a new job?
Sometimes asking is the clarifying step itself. Mikayla proposed working from home at her current job, and the response, not just the answer, told her whether staying was actually aligned with what she wanted.

Can you build a career around a personal passion without giving up financial stability?
Yes, though it often takes a bridge rather than a leap. Mikayla kept her day job while rebuilding her pet photography business on the side, using the stability of one to fund the growth of the other.

Ready to Break the Cycle?

If Mikayla’s story resonates with you and you’re ready for real change, let’s talk. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Book a free Career Alignment Audit™ to explore how coaching can help you align your work with your purpose, and finally move forward with clarity and confidence.

Watch Mikayla’s full interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7owl5iS9lo