Next week marks four years since I stepped away from my corporate job and entered a season of pause — a sabbatical that turned into a life transformation and complete reinvention.
At that moment, I wrote this piece: “I love you, but I still need a break.”
Revisiting those words today brings a sense of admiration for the woman I was — brave enough to say yes to uncertainty, to walk away not from something bad, but towards something more meaningful.
Yesterday, I finished reading Working Identity by Herminia Ibarra. One passage resonated profoundly with me:
“Career change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s not a leap, but a process — a space between identities.”
This space between identities is not only emotional; it’s neurological. Our brains are wired to dislike uncertainty. Longer exposure to it creates stress, so we build new patterns quickly — even prematurely — just to regain a sense of control.
Four years later, my new identity is clearer, but it’s not fully “ready.” It never really is.
Still, some foundations are solid:
- Professionally, I now work with and for people who are in motion — reinventing themselves or reclaiming authorship of their own stories. It’s been 200+ individual clients and dozens of groups in 20+ countries! I also dedicate about 20% of my time to pro bono work, which fuels my sense of purpose and impact.
- Personally, I surround myself with relationships grounded in love and compassion — where presence is the highest form of connection.
- Internally, I’ve learned to honor my limits, respect my body, and find beauty in the ordinary. I strive for balance — whatever that means in each season.
To the Fernanda of 4 years ago: You did launch the company that reflects who you are. It’s called EAGER Consulting. And yes, eager is more than a name — it’s a manifesto about how you show up to the world: with Energy. Authenticity. Growth mindset. Empathy. Resourcefulness.
Since then, hundreds of new people have entered my life — through work, social media, and the new lifestyle we embraced as a family. I earned credentials from Columbia and Stanford. I got coached, mentored, and challenged by incredible professionals. I got a green card, lost weight, read dozens of books, and… became more introverted. I lived grief and loss — sometimes silently. I was deeply supported by lifelong friends and family who “downloaded” this new version of me with grace.
And yes, I also made mistakes, gave voice to my inner saboteur, and made some bad decisions…
Because life happens. Either you win or you learn.
We don’t control every outcome, but we do control our response to it. And that’s what I call personal growth.
Here’s to the beauty of transitions. To choosing the unknown. Relying on the best people to share the journey.