204. From Passion to Profession: Finding Your Career Path with Coach Cheryl Polk

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Welcome to Passion for Dance. I'm your host, Dr. Chelsea, and my mission is to create happier, more successful dancers through positive mental skills. And today I wanna talk about choosing a career in the performing arts. Choosing the right career can feel very scary, and there's even many of us who change careers somewhere along the way as adults, which is just as daunting.

So how do you know what career is right for you? If you have a passion for dance, should you make it your career? Well, today I'm joined by guest Cheryl Polk, a master certified life and career coach, who shares her holistic approach to helping clients find their most fulfilling careers. And she provides some practical advice for overcoming limiting beliefs and pursuing a passion.

We talk about how pain can lead to your purpose, the importance of self-discovery and your support systems. Mentoring and the continuous reassessment of your own career path. So if you're wondering what your career should look like, maybe as a dancer, maybe as [00:01:00] something completely different, I hope you listen in today.

Let's talk about how to discover the career you love.

Welcome to Passion for Dance. I'm Dr. Chelsea, a former professional dancer, turn sport psychologist, and this podcast is for everyone in the dance industry who want to learn actionable strategies and new mindsets to build happier, more successful dancers. I. I know what it feels like to push through the pain, take on all the criticism, and do whatever it takes to make sure the show will go on.

But I also know that we understand more about mental health and resilience than ever before, and it's time to change the industry for the better. This podcast is for all of us to connect, learn, and share our passion for dance with the world.

Dr Chelsea: Hi Cheryl. Thank you for being here.

Cheryl: Hi Dr. Chelsea. Thanks for having me.

Dr Chelsea: Will you share a little about yourself and the work that you do?

Cheryl: Absolutely. So I am a master certified life and career coach, certified [00:02:00] professional resume writer and recruiter, and I specialize in career identification, skills development, career transitions, interview preparation, and uh, resumes and other personal branding documents. And I started, my first exposure to dance um, in fourth grade, I had a teacher actually who, um, I'm assuming was a former dancer because she held a dance class after school. And so I went to her dance class and she taught us modern dance and I was so excited and that's why I first developed a passion for dance. And then, um, also first.

Discovered that I could dance. And then later, um, when I was about 12 or 13, my mom put me in an arts camp and it was held at a, at Spelman College. That was a local university, a Historically Black College and University in Atlanta. And, um, there I took [00:03:00] jazz and tap. I love those as well. And then in high school, that's when hip hop music was becoming popular and I started hip hop dancing with my church, uh, going to traveling to different churches, doing routines, , to Christian music.

So it's interesting. I had exposure to modern dances, jazz, uh, tap and hip hop. So a lot of different genres

Dr Chelsea: What a fun evolution of like, what, just as you grow and you're, you take dance with you, it becomes a part of it. Yeah.

Cheryl: Absolutely. Absolutely. But I, I was only four 11. I am still only four 11 and, you know, kind of curvy in the, you know, in the buttocks area. And so. Something that I thought I could do and not something that, um, was encouraged or necessarily, I won't say it was unsupported because I never really articulated the desire, but I did kind of deep down have the desire, but thought it was something that really [00:04:00] wasn't for me, for my body type, for my height and that type of thing.

So I ended up looking at other strengths, uh, like accounting and math, and I ended up majoring in accounting and then later on became a recruiter and certified career coach.

Dr Chelsea: On one hand, I'm so sorry that, that you felt that way. I also sympathize and I felt it too, and just were. In such an artistic field of dance, many of us feel like, oh, well I can't pursue that career. Um, whether it's a physical body type thing or it's just, I'm not good enough, you know, or I couldn't choreograph like these top people.

I wouldn't ever make it on those companies. And so we decide that's a career I couldn't do. So I definitely wanna get into choosing a career that you love and pursuing that. Uh, but before we get there, will you share about how you got into being a life coach and a career coach?

Cheryl: Yes, absolutely. So I worked as a recruiter and there were so many qualified candidates that I could not pass [00:05:00] along because their resumes were unprofessional or had spelling errors or formatting errors, and I just could not pass 'em along. So I started kind of doing it on the side and then I decided to, uh, pursue.

Uh, you know, the education and training required and became a certified professional resume writer. And I started working with not only the largest company in the country, but also the world. And I really enjoyed it, but I saw the limitations that they had because they were so, so large. Uh, they really weren't able to strategize and come up with different ways to do the resumes and, and I just had a belief that I could do it better. So I opened up my own company and became a certified career coach and, and then a master certified career coach. I, you know, I wanted to, um, perfect my skills and so I've been doing it and I've helped over 3000 clients find careers that they enjoy, and I, and I've loved every moment of it.

Dr Chelsea: That's wonderful. I love the bringing it, I don't wanna say down a level, but [00:06:00] bringing it out of like the larger corporate to working more one-on-one with people being able to have that connection. And I feel similarly, I think that's some of the favorite of what I get to do is being able to, you know, talk directly to dancers, work one-on-one with coaches and teams, and that part is so rewarding. So when you are helping your clients and supporting them one-on-one, will you share what that looks like as a career coach? Like what is a career coach? What is a life coach? If you bring that into your work?

Cheryl: Absolutely. So a life coach is a professional who helps people set and achieve their life goals. And career coaching is just a specialty of life coaching, and some people, um, don't really know the difference between, uh, coaching versus therapy and positive psychology. And so basically, uh, therapist works on healing you know, helping people to heal from their past.

[00:07:00] And a life coach focuses more on the present. And setting goals for the future. And positive psychology is really a tool that's used by both life coaches and um, therapists to help transform mindsets into a healthier mindset. And so, um, I enjoy career coaching and I do help people, um, make career transitions and just find careers that, help them have, overall better health and wellbeing because, I specialize in holistic career coaching, which means, um, I make sure that their physical, mental, emotional, social, financial, and spiritual goals are, uh, met through career alignment. So just making, helping them choose careers to help them meet their other life goals as well.

Dr Chelsea: I love that. Okay. I definitely wanna focus on that career coaching and career side. 'cause I [00:08:00] think there's a, maybe it's old advice now or not, but like you have, find a career that makes you money, find a career, you know, find a career that's, or a hobby that brings you joy and like, and I've always. I'm like, can't, can't my career be the thing that I love doing, that I'm passionate about rather than like, just the thing that makes money and then just the thing that brings me joy outside.

So will you talk about that, uh, finding a career that you love and maybe, you know, I know we have a lot of young dancers or dance teachers, but it's not just about performing arts, right. But being able to find a career that you love. How can you, how do you discover that?

Cheryl: Yes, absolutely. So we have a four step process. So we start with, the first process is the discovery phase, and so that's when we really work on the who. As far as who you are, we do start off with personality and career assessments. Um, find out how you give and receive information, how you view life. [00:09:00] And then we move on to the investigative phase.

And we look at things like your passions, your strengths, your natural talents, your natural abilities, and then also we explore your past as well. Um, you know, what, what did you want to do when you were growing up? Um, because a lot of those times, those things are an indicator of what we really wanted to do deep down but when we grew up, we kind of filtered it out based on societal expectations. And then also too, we look at pain. What have you overcome? Because a lot of times some of the challenges lead to, um, what we want to do. So I often say our pain can lead to our purpose. And so we definitely wanna look at those challenges as well.

Then next we help to set goals and develop an action plan and next steps. And then lastly, we start the implementation phase where we go out there, we, you know, test some of the hypothesis that we've, [00:10:00] um, had in the coaching sessions and we reassess if needed.

Dr Chelsea: I love the process. That makes sense. I wanna dig into the discovery part 'cause I think that's the part that people skip. Or like you said, yeah, I wanted to do that when I was five, or that's what I said in kindergarten, but that's not realistic or, uh, what I see in my college students is a lot of them saying, oh, this is what I've been working towards.

Like this is the path I'm on. I can't. Change that, right? They're like, the, the freight train's going, I can't change directions. And I'm like, you're, you're 22. Yes, you can, you can, you know, change your path. And so, uh, will you share a little more about that discovery phase? Like either questions that might help people discover what works for them, or, a client story, something from your own life about how that discovery process works.

Cheryl: Absolutely. So, uh, it is funny you mentioned, um, a 22-year-old or a college student or someone leaving high school because what I like to tell parents [00:11:00] is. Take the pressure off, you know? Now we have kids choosing as early as 14 career paths, like when you go into high school, they want you to choose whether you're going on a vocation, career path or artistic career path, or a college career path.

And that's a lot to choose at 14. So, you know, it's great to take the pressure off and let people know they have a lot of different options. Because the way I look at it is, it's not that you're choosing one lifetime career, you're just choosing what you're doing first. So that's how we look at it.

For people who are just leaving high school or in the, the early, you know, college years and help them to see. The world is, is yours. And so most people change careers at least four to five times. So it's okay if you want to choose one career and then change later. But some things to ask yourself would be, you know, what have I always wanted to do that I filtered [00:12:00] out?

And then also, what are some passions that I have? Uh, and also what am I good at? Then we mentioned earlier some pains and challenges I've overcome. 'cause oftentimes those things will help. Like once I went to a, a mental health conference and a lot of the speakers were giving their stories about challenges they've overcome as far as depression and anxiety and, and other, uh, mental health issues.

The interesting thing is I noticed that a lot of them had the goal of becoming a therapist or a psychiatric nurse or things that were related to challenges that they had and that they were overcoming. And so we really can't, um, deny those things and, and the presence and the impact that they had on our lives and just being able to take that pain and make it your path is, is really powerful. 

And then definitely, you know, make sure you look at things that [00:13:00] you're naturally good at. Also ask, it's okay to ask family and friends, what do you think I'm good at? Because my mom used to always say, um, you're really good at saving money and at budgeting.

And that really planted that seed and made me think, Hmm, well maybe I could be a good accountant. And so that's what I end up getting my degree in and becoming. An accountant, so all information is valuable.

Dr Chelsea: Fair. And I think we often feel like the thing we're good at, it comes more naturally. So we don't realize it doesn't come naturally to other people. Like maybe, I don't know, I'm presuming, but for you, you're like, well, if budgeting is not that big of a deal to me, so you don't think about it as something that is, uh, an excellent skill that others could use.

And I felt the same way where, you know, teaching was, it wasn't scary for me to stand up in front of a bunch of people, or I love building those relationships. And I didn't know that it was like not comfortable to a lot of people, you know, didn't realize that that was, that was unique. And so [00:14:00] asking friends and family, asking teachers.

What you think you're good at. I love that. I had, it was a teacher of mine that said, you should be an educator. And I was like, what? Like, I have, that was not my path. That was not what I thought. And it was that, you know, outside perspective making me realize, oh no, this is, this is unique compared to a lot of people.

Like lean into that. Uh, so I think that's great advice and. Like you said, that discovery of what used to be a passion and your pain, I so resonate with that. I think a lot of my work now is what I wish I had. And you know, no fault to my past teachers and dance educators, our whole field has changed. But being able to bring that back to what I wish I had, and it took me probably 10 years after high school to find the mix. Like I had two passions that I was wanting to pursue, like one being psychology and academia and one being, uh, that the sports side, the dance side, and I didn't realize there was a mix. I [00:15:00] didn't realize you could do both and that I could do sports psychology. You know, it took years to figure that out.

And so it's also opening those doors to. Like what is possible and maybe it's a career you never even thought was a thing. I feel like that happens a lot. I dunno if you see that too, where people are like, oh, I didn't even realize that was a job. And when you start looking at your true passions

Cheryl: Yes, absolutely. Absolutely. Because a lot of times, especially with dancers, they look at, um, what I call, uh, field adjacent careers, right? So the first thing I usually think about is, oh, being a dance teacher or being a choreographer. But the thing is, yes, I like to ask those challenging questions, and it's great to be able to combine two strengths into one, right?

Like being a physical therapist who specializes in working with dancers, or being a licensed professional counselor who specializes, uh, in working with dancers, because a lot of times. You know, the mindset, you know, the [00:16:00] struggles that people have when they have to leave due to injury or other reasons when they don't, don't feel like they're ready to leave, or they feel like they aren't equipped to do anything else.

And they know about the challenges that come with the mindset of saying, you know, with the doubt that sets in and with, you know, all of, all of the limiting beliefs that, that we, we can all have when it's time to make a career transition. So, yes, that, that is very true. I.

Dr Chelsea: Yeah, and there's those jobs that are, maybe they're technically careers that could be in any field, but you could use them in dance. So, you know, we think of people that are, like you were talking about accountants and you know, that business side of things we need, there's businesses within this field and working for them and being able to do, I think of people that are a project manager, like really good at, or like events.

I'm like we, that's what the dance industry does is host big complicated events and being somebody who could be a solid project manager. That works for a dance company. Like there's just so many ideas [00:17:00] outside of, like you said, that traditional, I'm gonna dance or I'm gonna teach, or I'm gonna choreograph.

And those are valid careers. But then there's so much more outside of that. 

And maybe that leads to this idea of pursuing, uh, a job that society has decided is worthy or not. And that I think jobs in the arts are not always supported. Maybe from parents, maybe from teachers. Like it's always, not always, for many people it's like, well that's your backup or what's your backup plan?

Like, okay, you can go, you can go train, you know, major in, in dance, or you can go try to be a choreographer, but what's your backup plan? So you speak a little bit about that of either advice or your own perspective on pursuing jobs that are not, deemed as worthy in our current society.

Cheryl: Absolutely. So yes, it's interesting because children pick up, even, even when, you know, when you're little, you pick up on [00:18:00] what people value and what they don't value. And when someone says, oh, what do you wanna be when you grow up and, and you say, oh, I wanna be a doctor. It's easy to notice that the response is a little different from when you say a doctor, people, oh, it seems impressive.

And oh, she must be smart. And all the things that come along with you saying that. And then as opposed to when you say, I wanna be a dancer, then they go, oh, okay. That's nice. And you, you know, you get a kind of a, okay, that's cute, and she'll grow out of that trans type response. So, uh, yes, a absolutely those things are imposed, uh, from, from very early on.

But I would say, uh, basically yes, any career, number one is do your research. Find out the different things, the different paths that you can take, the different careers that are out there. And then also make sure you develop a support system because it's really hard. It can be hard. It can really be hard to pursue your [00:19:00] passion or to transition from one thing to another.

So you definitely wanna make sure you have that support system out there. Um, and then lastly, definitely make sure you network with professionals who are already doing what you want to do. And a lot of times they can save you time because they can tell you about some of the, the, the challenges that they had in their journey. And so just being able to reach out to them. And also too, they can help you see a different perspective and they can also serve as a mentor. So having a mentor is very important because you're able to, um, you know that that's, that saying, if you can, can see it, you can be it. And so just being able to have access to someone who can help you, um, know that it's possible is very important.

Dr Chelsea: Yeah, I saw it on both sides. Now I am always happy to talk to my, either my college students or dancers because I love my job. So of course [00:20:00] I'm happy to talk about it and share and help them see if it may or may not be a good fit. But I did it. I. Actually after my master's, so I'm mid twenties, I have a graduate degree, and I was still like, I don't know what the heck to do with this and went and basically just. Asked people in a couple different careers that I was considering, can I come, you know, buy you a cup of coffee and talk to you? And they all said yes. And I left some of them going, okay, this could be good. And I left others going, Nope, not for me. And you know, that's, there's so much value in those conversations and it takes some courage to put yourself out there and ask uh, but most people, if they truly love their job, I think in my experience, they're happy to talk about it. They wanna share. And they were like, Ooh, somebody thinks what I do is interesting. And so. Yeah, ask the people, ask the questions. I like that advice. . 

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Dr Chelsea: So sticking with this idea that dance is often deemed unworthy or not something you should pursue. I of course wanna encourage dancers and dance teachers if you love the arts to stay here, but also it can be unique and [00:22:00] different from maybe your peers who are pursuing what we would call a more traditional job.

And you know, there are internships that they know they can go find and you can go look it up on LinkedIn and it feels different in the arts. So what do you think is unique about pursuing a career in the arts compared to more traditional, professions?

Cheryl: Well, Dr. Chelsea, I would say two main things. Um, it would be the lack of support and then the limited scholarship opportunities. So a lot of times when, when you choose more academic career, so to speak, um. You do have more support from school counselors, from friends, from family members, and then also there are a lot more scholarship opportunities.

Now, of course, we have lots of, you know, organizations that offer scholarships and a lot of colleges offer scholarships as well, but they still don't compare to the vast amount of scholarships that are, are being offered out in the, [00:23:00] the general workplace and throughout academia. So those would be the two main challenges.

Now, I would say that the things that they, um, someone pursuing a career in the arts would have in common with, uh, a more traditional path would be the need to change jobs. Because most people change jobs four to five times throughout their career. So we all have share that sometimes having the need to change jobs, self-doubt, imposter syndrome, uncertainty about what's next.

So, so yes, there are some things that are different, but we do also share a lot of things that are alike as well.

Dr Chelsea: I agree. And I think a lot of dancers and anybody in the arts, yes, there are things that are unique and may be more challenging. Like you said, that lack of support or opportunities, but it doesn't mean don't do it. It just means go into it with your eyes open and know what you're looking for. And I think there are people who are building careers now on [00:24:00] mentoring and advising young dancers who are looking for this career.

So now there are people available to be that mentor to learn from, that we didn't used to have. And that's really amazing and powerful. So it's like the people are there. They may just be, it may take a little more research, like you said, like do the work and find the people that could answer those questions for you.

And, and it is challenging, but it's so worth it when you get there, when you find that path that was meant for you or you find the career you love. So yes, it may not be traditional, but if it fits you, you keep going. But I think you're also right that those limiting beliefs, those self doubts, especially if you don't necessarily have the support system at at home, or you have people telling you like, okay, that's cute, but what are you actually gonna do?

Right? Those, those negative thoughts can come in. So following up on that, I think people. Considering a career in the arts might have that flood of negative self-talk of, I'll never make it. I'm not good enough, or I'll never be able to support myself. Uh, will you talk about limiting beliefs [00:25:00] that you see in your clients or how you help overcome them?

Cheryl: Yes. So first I would say the first thing is to identify your limiting beliefs, because sometimes we've had these thought patterns for so long that we don't recognize it, and that's when having a life coach can really be helpful. Um, asking you those challenging questions, exposing those limiting beliefs.

So identifying that you have them as the, the first step. Then next would be questioning the validity of it. You know, asking yourself, are these beliefs truly accurate? And if there's evidence to, to support them. And then next we reframe your thinking. Actively replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts.

Now, a lot of times, uh, we do the opposite. Our brain cannot hold two thoughts at one time, but a lot of times we have them so quickly back to back. It feels that way. So a lot of times we may think something positive and then, [00:26:00] oh, the doubt comes in right after it. So we have to learn how to flip that whenever we're doing the negative self-talk, we have to learn how to Okay.

Immediately counteract that with a positive affirmation or with, uh, thinking about a win that we've had in the past. And so that's when we really kinda work on mindset, because I believe mindset determines movement. So if you are having a positive mindset, then you're moving more in a positive direction and then developing an action plan.

And that's what we help to do as well, developing an action plan, because yes, intentions are great, but having a plan is even better. You want to be able to, to have a plan to get where you want to go, and then definitely having, having that support. Then taking small steps, reassessing and making sure you have that friend, that life coach, that mentor, someone to walk alongside side you, to be that cheerleader, to say, Hey, you, you can do this.

Dr Chelsea: [00:27:00] Yeah. Oh, I so agree, and I think one of my favorite things to tell athletes along what you were saying with that, replacing the negative or the limiting beliefs is. Not every thought you have is true, and yet somehow when our thoughts come in and we think, oh, I'm, I'm not good enough, or I would never make it, and being able to pause, I'm like, says who?

Like, is that true? We take that thought to be, the absolute truth, but we think things that are untrue. All the time. And it's learning to kind of have that, that separation from that was an unhelpful thought. Where do I actually wanna go? Like I said, what's my intention, what I need to think about that's helpful? Uh, and. Being able to not just automatically assume every thought is true and we're doomed. And easier said than done though. Right? This takes practice and like you said, why having that coach or mentor to guide you through it matters Because it's, it's easy to say, oh, I'll just recognize the untruth and, and move on.

It's like, no, it takes a lot of work to figure out how to redo those thought [00:28:00] patterns. For any listeners that are struggling with those limiting beliefs, maybe feeling the social pressure to choose something else. Uh, any practical advice you should give or where people should start if they're considering a, that early career in dance or maybe thinking about a change.

Cheryl: Yes, I would say look at all of your passions, your strengths and your, your gifts, and also your background and see how you could bring those together. Uh, think of the lifestyle you want. Think about, you know, the time that you want to spend with your family , have big goals.

Think about how you want your life to look in one year, in five years, in 10 years. And then, uh, develop a list of potential careers and think about the pros and the cons. Uh, will this help me get toward the lifestyle I want? Then make sure you do your research. Find out if you need to go back to school, if you need to get certification, if you need to get special training, find out what's involved and how much money is [00:29:00] involved, look at your budget, look at, uh, resources and scholarships and that type of thing. Anything that can help you get there. And then also seek multiple perspectives is great also to job shadow a lot of times. We think of all these wonderful things and all these wonderful careers, and, um, a lot of times we, we fantasize things in our mind and think they're a little different or better than what we have now.

So I love job shadowing. And then also too, uh, YouTube has these videos. It's called A Day in the Life of a, of a nurse or engineer, or a dancer, or, you know, a graphic artist. So. Look at some of those videos, talk to people, look at influencers who are already in the field, connect with other professionals.

So then yes, weigh those pros and cons and, and come up with a plan and decide, and also pray and meditate on it. And to, to see, you know, what, what's really resonating with you. Um, [00:30:00] that brings all those things together that you want, that you believe will help bring you joy and help you meet your life goals at the same time.

Dr Chelsea: Yeah. Well, and I think that's an important part of gather all the information and then pause and reflect on it and think about, not every advice is gonna be aligned with you and what you need, but all information is helpful. But then taking the time to pause and , whether that's praying, that's meditating, that's journaling something to decide what you actually feel and think outside of what other people, especially if advice is coming from someone you love and trust, sometimes we'll attach like, okay, that has to be the right thing. And it, it might not be the right thing for you, even if it is coming from someone who knows you well and you trust and taking the time to pause and reflect, say, okay, I've gathered all this information, how do I actually feel when I think about this career or this transition or pursuing this and, turning in I think is such a valuable thing that people miss of.

Cheryl: [00:31:00] yes.

Dr Chelsea: Just gather the advice and do the next thing that this person told me to do without pausing to say, how do I actually feel?

What do I want? And, and I think, like you said, coaches can be a big part of helping you do that. Uh, but pausing to look inside can be so, so important. Mm-hmm.

Cheryl: so busy that we don't take that moment to get still, to block out the noise and really hear. What's coming to mind and really feel what's coming to mind and to really consider all the options. So yes, that's, that's very important. Blocking out the noise, whether it's internal noise or external noise.

Very

Dr Chelsea: Absolutely. And more than just when you're considering a big life change, I think so valuable in that place, but. All the time to just pause and even when you've been, I'll use that train metaphor again. It's like, I've been on this train for 10 years pursuing this thing, and it, it's still okay to pause and be like, [00:32:00] am I good with where this is going?

And how, how has my life changed? What do I want? I think there's lots of like mid-career people in the arts as well. I'm like, but I've been doing this for so long, it doesn't make sense to change, but haven't also paused and said, is this still what I want? I dunno if you feel like there's something unique to that, like transition in midlife or once you've been doing something for a long time, if you're thinking about, uh, maybe leaving the arts or, you know, selling a studio or buying a studio, like there's these huge life transitions in midlife that feel different from discovering what you want at 20.

Cheryl: Yes. So much so, so much so. And there's so many people. Yes. They reach that, that midlife point and they go, hmm. I think it's time to do something else. Like, for example, I had one client, he was actually in management. He had done it for 10, 10 year, over 10 years, and we did his resume [00:33:00] and he ended up getting tons of interviews and he was so excited.

But then through the interview process, he realized, this isn't what I wanna do anymore.

Dr Chelsea: Yeah.

Cheryl: and so he came back and he said, okay, let's, let's rethink this. And so he saw, he had a lot of training and development in his background, and he said, I think I wanna wanna train people. I want to, to, you know, to do that.

And so we, we rebranded him, pulled out those things, highlighted those things, and he found something in that field. So, yes, it, it is never too late to make that change to reconsider. And it's okay, even if you are in the middle of the process. Sometimes during the process things are revealed and we can't be afraid to, to just put the brakes on and say, let me take a couple of steps back and reflect, and, uh, regroup and move forward from there.

It's, it is totally okay.

Dr Chelsea: I think that's so important to pay attention to how you feel during the process. Like if [00:34:00] you walk out of an interview or you're shadowing somebody, like sit with those emotions, sit with how you're feeling, how does your body right now and, and notice it. And especially those midseason. I was lucky, I think, uh, my mom actually was very high powered lawyer and then right about 50 she was like, I don't. I wanna do this anymore. And like very strategically transitioned out of it. Had a whole other career that was not in law at all, but utilized her skills and just found something new. And she was doing that as I was trying, you know, coming out of college and grad school and trying to figure out my life.

And it was this really interesting parallel of like, you can pause and reflect and change paths at any point with the goal of pursuing something you love. And I think that's just such valuable piece of advice that you're sharing, and I just think I, I feel lucky that I got to see that as well to pursue your passion at any age, no matter where you are.

Cheryl: Yes,

Dr Chelsea: Absolutely. Any, never too late. All right. [00:35:00] Well, Cheryl, thank you so much for sharing your expertise today. Where can people find you and find out more about your work?

Cheryl: So my website is excel resumes.com, so that's E-X-C-E-L, and then a little dash for hyphen R-E-S-U-M-E s.com. And then on Instagram, I'm under US, A job search coach. And then on LinkedIn, I'm career coach Cheryl P.

Dr Chelsea: Thank you. I'll make sure it's all linked in the show notes. If you're listening and you're looking for that career advice and support, , I know Cheryl will be happy to help. Thank you for being here today and sharing with me. I appreciate your time.

Cheryl: Absolutely. Thank you for having me, Dr. Chelsea. I've enjoyed it.

Dr Chelsea: Thank you.

Thank you for listening to Passion for Dance. You can find all episode resources at passion for dance podcast.com and be sure to follow me on Instagram for more high performance tips at Doctor Chelsea dot Otti. That's P-I-E-R-O-T-T-I. This podcast is for passionate [00:36:00] dancers and dance educators who are ready to change our industry by creating happier, more successful dancers.

I'm Dr. Chelsea and keep sharing your passion for dance with the world.