What does it take to leave a job you love, even when you know it’s no longer the right fit for your health? In today’s episode, we chat with Cat Cheng from New York—who you might know from Netflix’s "Blue Ribbon Baking Championship". Cat made the bold switch from being a music teacher to becoming a successful home baker and content creator. She opens up about the challenges of her career change, including how COVID-19 impacted her journey and the struggles she faced with narcolepsy. Cat also shares how essential support from her loved ones has been, what it’s like to find your identity beyond your career, and how competing on Netflix was a game changer. She’s got solid advice for anyone thinking about a career flip, emphasizing the power of community and self-acceptance in the creative process.

Episode Takeaways

• Cat's baking journey began with a simple apple pie. 
• She emphasizes the importance of identity beyond one's profession.
• Cat experienced imposter syndrome while competing on Netflix.
• Consistency in content creation is key to success.
• She encourages others to embrace their unique journeys.
• Community support is vital during career transitions.
• Time management is essential for balancing multiple roles.

Connect with Cat

• Follow her personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscatcheng
• In NY? Order from her drool-worthy bakery: https://www.instagram.com/catsbakesny
• See what tasty food she’s enjoying: https://www.instagram.com/catzeatz
• Check out her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCii1s41Xzf_VadAMTIN6ABQ

Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!

If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

💌 Share it with a friend
⭐ Subscribe or follow wherever you listen
💬 Leave a quick review! It helps other career flippers find our little corner of the internet.

Let’s stay connected:

📲 Instagram: @thecareerflipperpod for all things podcast

💼 LinkedIn: The Career Flipper Podcast

🪑 And if you want to see my career flip furniture flips in real life, follow me at @sandiegofurnitureflipper

Submit your story:

Have a career flip story? Whether you’re in the messy middle or celebrating the other side, I’d love to hear it and maybe even feature you on the show. Submit your story here: thecareerflipper.com.

Want to support the show or work together?

Book me to speak about career change at your next event, collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates or got another idea? Drop me a note at [email protected]

Bonus: If you’re in customer experience or building your own business, check out my online courses. Before I started flipping my life and furniture, I led CX teams and created training that’s helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.

🎵 Music Credits

Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com

Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio

And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫

What if you took something really tough you went through and turned it into a way to help others going through the same thing? That’s exactly what Jason did. He went from dreaming of a baseball career to working as director of sales in the SaaS world, and then made a huge shift to becoming a men's divorce therapist. After facing his own difficult divorce, Jason realized he wanted to support others navigating similar challenges. He talks about how important it is to seek help during hard times and stay true to yourself in your work. If you're thinking about a career flip, Jason’s advice is to start small and pursue your passions on the side. He even shares a cool story about a golf caddy who turned his love for the game into a successful podcast and book, all while keeping his day job.

Episode Takeaways

• Don't wait to pursue a career flip; start taking steps towards your passion now.
• Seek support and professional help during challenging times.
• Authenticity and personal experience are valuable assets in coaching.
• You can start pursuing your passion on the side while still working your day job.

Connect with Jason

• https://www.scrivenprogram.com/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thejasonscriven
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorce101_
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonscriven/

Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!

If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

💌 Share it with a friend
⭐ Subscribe or follow wherever you listen
💬 Leave a quick review! It helps other career flippers find our little corner of the internet.

Let’s stay connected:

📲 Instagram: @thecareerflipperpod for all things podcast

💼 LinkedIn: The Career Flipper Podcast

🪑 And if you want to see my career flip furniture flips in real life, follow me at @sandiegofurnitureflipper

Submit your story:

Have a career flip story? Whether you’re in the messy middle or celebrating the other side, I’d love to hear it and maybe even feature you on the show. Submit your story here: thecareerflipper.com.

Want to support the show or work together?

Book me to speak about career change at your next event, collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates or got another idea? Drop me a note at [email protected]

Bonus: If you’re in customer experience or building your own business, check out my online courses. Before I started flipping my life and furniture, I led CX teams and created training that’s helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.

🎵 Music Credits

Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com

Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio

And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫

Ever wondered what it’s like to go from customer service to becoming a licensed electrician in Spain? Join me as I chat with Jeff Watkin about his inspiring journey from California to Barcelona, where he traded in screen time for hands-on work. We dive into the challenges he faced, his motivation for making the leap, and how he worked through imposter syndrome and childhood trauma. We’ll also talk about staying true to your values, facing fears of failure, and finding real fulfillment by following your passion.

Episode Takeaways

• Making a career flip involves personal growth and self-discovery.
• Following one's values and passions is essential for finding fulfillment in a career.
• Imposter syndrome and fear of failure can be overcome by taking action and seeking support.
• Embracing creativity and pursuing new interests can lead to personal and professional growth.

Connect with Jeff

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-watkin-220aa8196/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countryliving_catalunya

Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!

If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

💌 Share it with a friend
⭐ Subscribe or follow wherever you listen
💬 Leave a quick review! It helps other career flippers find our little corner of the internet.

Let’s stay connected:

📲 Instagram: @thecareerflipperpod for all things podcast

💼 LinkedIn: The Career Flipper Podcast

🪑 And if you want to see my career flip furniture flips in real life, follow me at @sandiegofurnitureflipper

Submit your story:

Have a career flip story? Whether you’re in the messy middle or celebrating the other side, I’d love to hear it and maybe even feature you on the show. Submit your story here: thecareerflipper.com.

Want to support the show or work together?

Book me to speak about career change at your next event, collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates or got another idea? Drop me a note at [email protected]

Bonus: If you’re in customer experience or building your own business, check out my online courses. Before I started flipping my life and furniture, I led CX teams and created training that’s helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.

🎵 Music Credits

Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com

Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio

And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫

Ever wondered what it’s like to swap a high-pressure corporate job for running a dive shop on a remote island? 

Natalie Shuman’s journey takes us from the hustle world of marketing to the clear blue waters of Roatan. She opens up about the pressures, recognition, and burnout from her previous career, and how she and her husband followed their dream to own a dive shop. Discover how taking smart risks, setting boundaries, and pursuing passion led her to a fulfilling new life that blends diving with conservation. Dive into her inspiring story and see how she turned her dream into reality!

Episode Takeaways

• Flipping your career takes guts and a knack for smart risks.
• Setting boundaries is key to keeping your work-life balance in check and avoiding burnout.
• Chasing a career that matches your passions can lead to real joy and fulfillment.
• Mixing your work with a bigger purpose, like conservation, makes it feel less like work and more like a meaningful adventure.

Connect with Natalie

• Get some virtual vitamin C, follow Sun Divers Roatan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sundiversroatan/
• Go scuba diving in Roatan: https://sundiversroatan.com/

Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!

If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

💌 Share it with a friend
⭐ Subscribe or follow wherever you listen
💬 Leave a quick review! It helps other career flippers find our little corner of the internet.

Let’s stay connected:

📲 Instagram: @thecareerflipperpod for all things podcast

💼 LinkedIn: The Career Flipper Podcast

🪑 And if you want to see my career flip furniture flips in real life, follow me at @sandiegofurnitureflipper

Submit your story:

Have a career flip story? Whether you’re in the messy middle or celebrating the other side, I’d love to hear it and maybe even feature you on the show. Submit your story here: thecareerflipper.com.

Want to support the show or work together?

Book me to speak about career change at your next event, collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates or got another idea? Drop me a note at [email protected]

Bonus: If you’re in customer experience or building your own business, check out my online courses. Before I started flipping my life and furniture, I led CX teams and created training that’s helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.

🎵 Music Credits

Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com

Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio

And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫

Ever wondered how to take your scattered creative ideas and turn them into a focused, intentional career? G.T. Karber has cracked the code! From juggling various creative projects to becoming a successful mystery writer and creator of the Murdle, an award winning mystery puzzle book series, G.T. shares his journey of honing in on a niche. He talks about the power of intentional branding and rebranding, connecting with a specific audience, and the importance of feedback from those who resonate with your work. Greg also highlights how crafting a public persona and using professional visuals can make your transformation feel real. His key message? Seize the opportunities for change and make intentional choices to reshape your life!

Episode Takeaways

• Hone in on a niche and rebrand yourself to align with a specific audience
• Create a persona and use photographs to combat imposter syndrome
• Be intentional with feedback and seek input from those who align with your niche

Connect with G.T. Karber

• Play Murdle online
• Order your copy of Murdle

Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!

If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

💌 Share it with a friend
⭐ Subscribe or follow wherever you listen
💬 Leave a quick review! It helps other career flippers find our little corner of the internet.

Let’s stay connected:

📲 Instagram: @thecareerflipperpod for all things podcast

💼 LinkedIn: The Career Flipper Podcast

🪑 And if you want to see my career flip furniture flips in real life, follow me at @sandiegofurnitureflipper

Submit your story:

Have a career flip story? Whether you’re in the messy middle or celebrating the other side, I’d love to hear it and maybe even feature you on the show. Submit your story here: thecareerflipper.com.

Want to support the show or work together?

Book me to speak about career change at your next event, collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates or got another idea? Drop me a note at [email protected]

Bonus: If you’re in customer experience or building your own business, check out my online courses. Before I started flipping my life and furniture, I led CX teams and created training that’s helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.

🎵 Music Credits

Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com

Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio

And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫

Have you ever been stuck in traffic on your long commute home, wondering if there's more to life than this?

In this episode, Ethan Orenstein takes us through his incredible journey from journalism to content writing, SEO, and digital marketing. Along the way, he discovered his passion for surfboard design and art, which led him to create Wave Arcade, a business selling bamboo surfboard fins. Despite setbacks like the COVID-19 pandemic and algorithm changes, Ethan adapted by refocusing on his art, producing stunning surf and coastal-inspired artwork. He emphasizes the importance of seeing failure and setbacks as chances for growth and reinvention.

Episode Takeaways

• Career paths are not always linear, and it's okay to make multiple transitions and evolutions.
• Failure and setbacks are valuable learning experiences that can lead to growth and adaptation.
• Finding a balance between passion, freedom, and financial stability is crucial in creating a fulfilling career.
• Embracing creativity and exploring different interests can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• Creating your own path and following your passions can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Connect with Ethan

Listeners can use code: FLIPPER for 15% off an order on both wavearcade.com & https://wavearcadeart.etsy.com

• Check out Wave Arcade Art
• Wave Arcade Etsy Store
• Wave Arcade Instagram
• Wave Arcade TikTok

Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!

If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

💌 Share it with a friend
⭐ Subscribe or follow wherever you listen
💬 Leave a quick review! It helps other career flippers find our little corner of the internet.

Let’s stay connected:

📲 Instagram: @thecareerflipperpod for all things podcast

💼 LinkedIn: The Career Flipper Podcast

🪑 And if you want to see my career flip furniture flips in real life, follow me at @sandiegofurnitureflipper

Submit your story:

Have a career flip story? Whether you’re in the messy middle or celebrating the other side, I’d love to hear it and maybe even feature you on the show. Submit your story here: thecareerflipper.com.

Want to support the show or work together?

Book me to speak about career change at your next event, collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates or got another idea? Drop me a note at [email protected]

Bonus: If you’re in customer experience or building your own business, check out my online courses. Before I started flipping my life and furniture, I led CX teams and created training that’s helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.

🎵 Music Credits

Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com

Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio

And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫

Imagine going to school for your dream career, only to have a friend's dinner conversation open your eyes to a new path you never considered. Suddenly, you want to shift your whole journey!

In this episode, meet Kimberly Masiello, a career flipper who’s transitioned from studying art history and curating museum exhibits to teaching, becoming a principal, and now virtually teaching ESL  with her own small business.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Kimberly emphasizes the power of listening and problem-solving. She discusses the importance of creating stability through remote work, which also offers the flexibility to travel and explore new opportunities.

Episode Takeaways

• Embrace career changes and create your own path
• Remote work provides flexibility and the ability to travel
• Listening and problem-solving through listening can lead to success
• Create stability for yourself through remote work

Connect with Kim

Kim’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-masiello/

Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!

If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

💌 Share it with a friend
⭐ Subscribe or follow wherever you listen
💬 Leave a quick review! It helps other career flippers find our little corner of the internet.

Let’s stay connected:

📲 Instagram: @thecareerflipperpod for all things podcast

💼 LinkedIn: The Career Flipper Podcast

🪑 And if you want to see my career flip furniture flips in real life, follow me at @sandiegofurnitureflipper

Submit your story:

Have a career flip story? Whether you’re in the messy middle or celebrating the other side, I’d love to hear it and maybe even feature you on the show. Submit your story here: thecareerflipper.com.

Want to support the show or work together?

Book me to speak about career change at your next event, collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates or got another idea? Drop me a note at [email protected]

Bonus: If you’re in customer experience or building your own business, check out my online courses. Before I started flipping my life and furniture, I led CX teams and created training that’s helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.

🎵 Music Credits

Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com

Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio

And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫

Ever wondered what it takes to leap from one career to another, chasing dreams and overcoming doubts along the way? Meet Jeff Wozer! 

Jeff's career flip story starts with a dream of being a hockey play-by-play announcer, pivots into stand-up comedy, and then transitions into a fulfilling career as a speaker. In this episode, Jeff opens up about the challenges he faced and the doubts that tried to hold him back, all while emphasizing the power of believing in yourself and following your true passion.

Jeff’s insights will inspire you to embrace discomfort, take that leap, and move confidently towards your dreams. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

Episode Takeaways

• Believe in yourself and have faith in your abilities when making a career change.
• Embrace discomfort and vulnerability as part of the learning process.
• Connect the dots in your life and trust that everything will work out.
• Follow your true passion and purpose, even if others doubt you.
• Making a career flip can lead to personal growth, confidence, and fulfillment.

Connect with Jeff Wozer

• Jeff's Speaking Website
• Jeff's LinkedIn

Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!

If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

💌 Share it with a friend
⭐ Subscribe or follow wherever you listen
💬 Leave a quick review! It helps other career flippers find our little corner of the internet.

Let’s stay connected:

📲 Instagram: @thecareerflipperpod for all things podcast

💼 LinkedIn: The Career Flipper Podcast

🪑 And if you want to see my career flip furniture flips in real life, follow me at @sandiegofurnitureflipper

Submit your story:

Have a career flip story? Whether you’re in the messy middle or celebrating the other side, I’d love to hear it and maybe even feature you on the show. Submit your story here: thecareerflipper.com.

Want to support the show or work together?

Book me to speak about career change at your next event, collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates or got another idea? Drop me a note at [email protected]

Bonus: If you’re in customer experience or building your own business, check out my online courses. Before I started flipping my life and furniture, I led CX teams and created training that’s helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.

🎵 Music Credits

Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com

Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio

And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫

Ever wondered what it’s like to pursue your childhood dream of becoming an MiLB pitcher for the Houston Astros, only to find that it's just one chapter in a much grander story? 

In this episode, Zach Dando from Denver, Colorado, shares his incredible career journey, spanning from the excitement of professional baseball to coaching 350 games, turning pro in golf, ranching, and now creating music that’s garnered over 500k streams on Spotify. Zach opens up about the highs and lows of each transition, the challenges he’s faced, and the valuable lessons he’s learned. He highlights the importance of seeking support from those closest to him, particularly his beautiful wife Gabi, and the profound fulfillment he finds in helping others and making a positive impact. Join me to discover how perseverance, self-reflection, and a strong support network have shaped Zach’s career.

Episode Takeaways

• Career paths can have twists and turns, and it's important to be open to new opportunities.
• Relying on others and asking for help can lead to growth and success.
• Finding fulfillment in helping others and being a positive influence is rewarding.
• Ego can hinder progress, and being vulnerable is necessary for personal and professional growth. Seeking help and collaboration is important for personal and professional growth.
• Putting in the work and staying committed to one's goals is crucial, even in the face of challenges and self-doubt.
• Building relationships and a supportive community can have a significant impact on one's journey.
• Transitioning into a new industry requires adaptability and a willingness to learn.
• Perseverance and self-reflection are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

Connect with Zach

• Zach’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dando.music
• Spotify Dando. 
  https://open.spotify.com/artist/2YcttOdNKO07btoI1ueKWx?si=FloY7ISLSJmNH2GQ8F0Ahw

Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!

If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

💌 Share it with a friend
⭐ Subscribe or follow wherever you listen
💬 Leave a quick review! It helps other career flippers find our little corner of the internet.

Let’s stay connected:

📲 Instagram: @thecareerflipperpod for all things podcast

💼 LinkedIn: The Career Flipper Podcast

🪑 And if you want to see my career flip furniture flips in real life, follow me at @sandiegofurnitureflipper

Submit your story:

Have a career flip story? Whether you’re in the messy middle or celebrating the other side, I’d love to hear it and maybe even feature you on the show. Submit your story here: thecareerflipper.com.

Want to support the show or work together?

Book me to speak about career change at your next event, collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates or got another idea? Drop me a note at [email protected]

Bonus: If you’re in customer experience or building your own business, check out my online courses. Before I started flipping my life and furniture, I led CX teams and created training that’s helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.

🎵 Music Credits

Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com

Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio

And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫

Ever wondered how far a career flip could take you? 

Tracy Carmen Watkin shares her journey from hospitality to managing office buildings to moving to Europe and becoming a writer and content manager. Join us as she discusses overcoming imposter syndrome and navigating job searches, all while pursuing her passion for personal training and planning a travel curation business.

Tracy recounts her journey from managing office buildings to relocating to Europe and embracing writing. She opens up about battling imposter syndrome during her career transitions and navigating the challenges of job hunting after a layoff. Tracy also reveals her passion for personal training and discusses her plans for co-launching a travel curation business. Throughout the conversation, Tracy and Jenny underscore the value of ongoing learning and the pivotal role of support networks in pursuing entrepreneurial ventures and side projects.

Episode Takeaways

• Career flips can lead to new opportunities and personal growth.
• Dealing with imposter syndrome is common and requires self-talk and confidence-building.
• Continuous learning is important for personal and professional development.
• Having support and partnerships can make pursuing side projects easier.
• Exploring different interests and passions can lead to fulfilling and diverse careers.

Connect with Tracy Carmen Watkin

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-carmen-watkin-8090611a/ 
• Her personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracywatkin/

Fitness in Context Project

• Main website: https://www.fitnessincontext.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitnessincontext/

Travel Curation Project

• https://www.instagram.com/escapadeworldtravel/

Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!

If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

💌 Share it with a friend
⭐ Subscribe or follow wherever you listen
💬 Leave a quick review! It helps other career flippers find our little corner of the internet.

Let’s stay connected:

📲 Instagram: @thecareerflipperpod for all things podcast

💼 LinkedIn: The Career Flipper Podcast

🪑 And if you want to see my career flip furniture flips in real life, follow me at @sandiegofurnitureflipper

Submit your story:

Have a career flip story? Whether you’re in the messy middle or celebrating the other side, I’d love to hear it and maybe even feature you on the show. Submit your story here: thecareerflipper.com.

Want to support the show or work together?

Book me to speak about career change at your next event, collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates or got another idea? Drop me a note at [email protected]

Bonus: If you’re in customer experience or building your own business, check out my online courses. Before I started flipping my life and furniture, I led CX teams and created training that’s helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.

🎵 Music Credits

Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com

Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio

And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫