When I first spoke with Jessica Sommer for Pixelated Path, I expected a straightforward account of career shifts in tech. Instead, she shared a layered story linking her academic roots, the emotional toll of layoffs, and the challenge of balancing a demanding job with personal well-being. Her experience isn’t just about bouncing back from job loss—it’s about recognizing setbacks as springboards for change. As you read, look for practical tips and reflection points you can use on your career path, whether switching roles, returning from parental leave, or navigating other significant life changes.
The Early Spark: A Love for Research
Jessica’s curiosity about human behavior developed long before the corporate world entered the picture. In high school, an animated debate—“What is truth?”—ignited a passion to guide her later work. Growing up with an archaeologist father taught her that unearthing buried stories blends emotion with data. At the University of Rochester, she majored in anthropology and statistics. This unusual combination lets her weave together narrative and numbers.
She recalls a turning point: “I realized numbers only tell part of the story—you need real human context to interpret them.” That mindset formed the basis of her career, fueling a habit of questioning old assumptions.
With this investigative spirit, Jessica approached each professional pivot with a thoughtful, open mind.
Try This: Keep a “Passion Journal”
Write down sparks of interest—during a chat with friends, while listening to a podcast, or even in a random moment of inspiration.
Look back at those notes every few weeks. Patterns often emerge, revealing themes or hidden pursuits you might want to follow.
Riding the Ups and Downs of Layoffs and Career Shifts
Jessica’s tech journey was anything but straightforward. Early roles let her shape human-focused research practices in hectic workplaces. At one point, she helped build a research function at Bill.com but soon faced a corporate restructuring that cost her her job—something most people dread.
Despite the shock, Jessica felt an odd sense of relief. “I remember thinking, ‘I’ve outgrown this role anyway—maybe this gives me permission to try something else.’” Although the layoff hurt, it gave her a pause to explore what she truly valued. Rather than obsess over a lost position, she treated it like a deliberate break—time to rethink her direction and chase roles that felt more in sync with her core beliefs.
Her ability to turn a painful moment into a fresh start reveals how her inner grounding shapes her career moves.
Try This: Turn Setbacks into Space for Rethinking
If your budget and life situation allows, take a focused week to map out your top strengths, interests, and preferred work culture.
If that’s impossible, carve out time on weekends or evenings. Look at these notes for clues about the path you want next.
Finding Calm in the Tech World
The nonstop pace of tech can wear people down. Jessica found ways to weave mindfulness and self-care into her daily rhythm. She opens team meetings with a brief check-in or short meditation, uses light scents to set a calm tone, and encourages folks to toss Franklin balls during discussions—anything to stay physically active and clear-headed.
This approach isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s a defense against burnout. “If we don’t pause for a quick self-scan,” she says, “we can miss the stress creeping up on us.” Research backs this up: small, mindful breaks can significantly reduce on-the-job anxiety.
By valuing mental well-being, Jessica created a healthier environment for herself and her team—a mindset that prepared her for more significant personal milestones.
Try This: Schedule Short Recharge Times
Block off a half-hour on your calendar for a walk, a short meditation, or a few minutes of journaling.
If a half-hour isn’t realistic, sprinkle in several 5-minute breaks. Step away from the screen, stand up, and breathe deeply.
Redefining Success: From Pregnancy to Inclusive Workplaces
As her career grew, Jessica faced a major personal milestone: leading a tech team while pregnant during the pandemic. A colleague’s offhand question about whether she needed “permission” to have a baby underscored lingering biases in the workplace.
Rather than let that comment rattle her, Jessica started advocating for inclusive policies and safer work cultures. She sparked honest discussions about mental health, flexible schedules, and working parents' juggling acts. Her leadership opened the door for conversations about childcare, caring for older relatives, and other life roles.
“Success isn’t limited to promotions and product rollouts,” she says. “It’s also about creating an environment where people feel safe bringing their whole selves to work.” Jessica challenges the conventional idea that work and life must remain separate by promoting empathy and openness.
Try This: Build a Real Support Network
Seek mentors and peers who respect and understand life’s varied demands—at home and on the job.
Host informal get-togethers or group chats where people can be candid about work-life hurdles, mental health, and career crossroads.
Collaborate on ways to make the work environment more inclusive for everyone managing multiple roles.
A Final Note
Jessica Sommer’s story shows how resilience, mindfulness, and honest reflection can reshape a career. From questioning truths in her teens to navigating layoffs and confronting workplace bias, she’s refused to accept that adversity has to derail us. A setback can be a nudge toward reevaluating goals and forging a more fulfilling path.
Catch our entire conversation on Pixelated Path for deeper insights. Meanwhile, think about moments in your journey—losing a job, grappling with a health issue, or stepping up to new family responsibilities—that spurred you to rethink your priorities. Which tip from Jessica resonates with you most?
Feel free to leave a comment or reach out directly. I’d love to know how you plan to thrive during life’s inevitable twists and turns.
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