Transitioning to Big Tech: My Journey to Doubling My Income

At 36, I took a leap to shift careers entirely. I spent over a decade working as a copywriter, both at agencies and within corporate marketing teams in LA.

Despite earning $120,000 towards the end of my copywriting career, dissatisfaction consumed me. The work no longer inspired me.

In 2018, a clash with my supervisor led to my dismissal, driving me to re-evaluate my professional path.

Today, I thrive as a senior recruiter for Airbnb, earning more than double my previous salary in copywriting.

Determining a New Direction

Post-termination, I collected my thoughts and confronted a sobering query: Was it the job I detested or the entire career path?

Disliking a position due to management or a long commute can be resolved with a job change. However, when the career itself doesn't fit, a more significant shift is necessary.

Realizing I wouldn't thrive as a creative director and how much I'd fallen short sapped my confidence.

It was hard to acknowledge but necessary: the envisioned path was not for me.

Charting a New Career

The prospect of remaining in the same role was dispiriting. Imagining years of debates over minor details with younger digital managers wasn't appealing. A change was necessary.

I outlined three key objectives for my new direction: enhanced earning potential in the tech sector, avoiding further schooling, and stepping into an area where work outcomes are less subjective.

Recruitment in tech emerged as an ideal path: it demanded no formal courses, and success was measured by tangible hires, not subjective creative expertise.

Executing the Plan

Instead of leaving my options open, I honed in on recruitment. Many contemplating career shifts erroneously seek broad advice, but specificity is vital for progress.

I adapted my résumé to showcase skills like client management and working under pressure—capabilities relevant to recruiting.

By examining recruiters’ duties at admired companies on LinkedIn, I paralleled those responsibilities with my own experiences.

Reaching out to my network, I looked for opportunities as a trainee. I applied broadly, wrote cover letters after years, and engaged in direct communication with potential employers.

Starting Anew with Realistic Expectations

A critical lesson was acknowledging the need for potential income reduction and accepting initial roles not aligned with 'dream companies.'

With financial support at home and severance ease, I began at a tech-focused recruitment firm named Binc, earning $60,000—half my previous wage.

Building Trust and Gaining Momentum

Although I felt pressure to demonstrate success, my years in challenging client environments were an asset. My maturity and experience became significant advantages.

Working alongside much younger co-workers, I found my accrued skills in relationship-building effectively transitioned to tech recruitment.

A newfound excitement for daily learning and mastery of new concepts rejuvenated my professional life, despite the initial pay reduction.

Achieving Financial Success and Professional Growth

Two years into Binc, I surpassed my earlier earnings, reaching $100,000. The rapid ascent was remarkable.

Fortuitously, Binc's acquisition by Robinhood in 2021 transformed my role, with significant opportunities and compensation peaking at $200,000.

Participating in Robinhood's IPO and witnessing market phenomena reaffirmed my successful transition into tech.

Thriving at Airbnb

In 2022, I transitioned to Airbnb, achieving my goal of joining my ideal company. With experience spanning years, I've achieved over $250,000 in annual earnings.

Avoiding the path of returning to an unfulfilling career, I'm now living the professional life I envisioned through strategic direction and decisive change.