This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Camila Valim. It has been edited for length and clarity.
I spent two decades in corporate as head of marketing for an entertainment group. I left that job due to burnout. I pivoted to becoming a professional organizer and started a successful Instagram account and business.
Then I got divorced five years ago and had to return to the corporate world.
I went back to what I knew, working as a marketing consultant. My contract ended eight months ago. I expected it, but the job search to find a new marketing client has been tough.
I’ve only had 2 interviews
In eight months, I’ve only had two interviews. I’ve been carrying my whole household as a single parent and sole provider for two kids, ages 9 and 12.
I got very far in an interview process a few weeks ago for a head of brand and communications position. It felt like my last lifeline. I told myself, “OK, when I get this job, I’ll be able to keep my lifestyle as it is; I won’t have to sell my house.” I was picking my kids up at school when I got the call that they loved me, but someone else got the job.
I knew then I had to make really serious decisions and take steps that weren’t going to be fun.
My food delivery job is flexible
A cousin suggested I do meal deliveries on my e-bike while I searched for a new corporate job.
The process was very quick, and I got approved to deliver in no time. It’s flexible and fits with my single-parent schedule. I can be there for my kids, still look for a job in corporate, and create content and rebuild my organizing business at once.
I’ve learned a lot on the bike, such as punctuality in a way I’ve never had to deal with before. I’m bringing food and smiles to people at their doors, and I love the freedom of being on the bike. It’s a rush, and it gives me time to think. I have lots of insights and ideas on the bike.
The freedom has helped me create healthy space in my mind and take my creativity places it hasn’t been before. For example, while on the bike, I had the idea to print out my story and CV and hand them out to people. I deliver to a lot of people who work for big businesses.
I will take income in any form I can get and do whatever it takes. I’m working on growing my Instagram account again. I know I have to sell my house, but I’m grateful I have it as a backup plan to put more money on the table to put food on the table.
I think people recognize themselves in me
This is a bridge for me until my house sells. I cannot live off of delivering food, and I am still pursuing the next chapter of my career.
I posted an Instagram reel about how this is not how I saw life at 45. It went viral. It has almost 900,000 views. I think it went viral because I was refusing to feel ashamed, and I hopefully gave other people permission to stop feeling ashamed, too.
I expected it to resonate with women, but it resonated with men as well. I have women and men messaging me, saying they’ve never told anyone they’re in the same position. I think that tells you how much silence there is around this for everyone.
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