Editor’s Note

Dear World,

Some stories arrive right on time, and this entry is one such story. Petulla’s reflection on change, purpose, and quiet courage feels like it was written in the stars for her, yes, but also for me, and maybe for you too. I’m currently in that in-between space she describes: the job loss, the perpetual rerouting, and the ache of not quite knowing what’s next. Despite my best efforts to secure new employment, I continue to run into closed doors and rejections, silence, or the quiet sting of not being seen as “enough.” It’s disorienting. But reading this felt like a gentle nudge from the universe, reminding me that the detour isn’t a dead end, it’s a doorway.

Petulla’s journey, from executive support to soul-centered service, is a testament to what happens when we listen inward and honour the quiet callings we’ve carried all along. Her words are a balm for anyone who’s ever asked, “Who am I beyond the role?” and a beacon for those of us still figuring it out.

If you’re in the gap, like I am, may this piece remind you that you’re not starting over. You’re starting from experience. And that’s a powerful place to begin.

Though the messages written, edited, and shared by Suburban Guests may resonate with The Suburban Girl JA®, they are not our own and they do not necessarily reflect the thoughts and ideals we value.

Signed,

The Suburban Girl JA®

---

---

“Change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end” (Sharma, 2019).

Change is inevitable. Life reroutes us, sometimes gently, sometimes with jarring force. In moments of transition, particularly after job loss or career disruption, we are forced to confront the question: Who am I beyond my role? How do I define myself when the structures I relied on are gone?

My career began in business, grounded in secretarial studies. Over the years, I became a highly professional administrative assistant, supporting ministers of government, permanent secretaries, university presidents, office directors, heads of departments, and even international diplomats and global agencies. I honed my craft in planning, organising, and navigating high-level administrative responsibilities with precision and grace, a role in which I thrived. The environment was fast-paced, challenging, and intellectually stimulating. I took pride in ensuring that operations ran smoothly, that decisions were implemented efficiently, and that leadership had the support it needed to succeed.

Yet, personally and professionally, I felt a persistent desire to grow beyond the desk. I pursued a Secretarial Diploma, a Diploma in Management, a BSc in Management Studies, and a Master of Arts in Communication for Social and Behaviour Change in anticipation of transitioning into development work. That transition did not occur during my time at USAID, leaving me to ask: Is this all there is? Is my potential fully realised?

I continued learning, not out of a love for school alone, but in preparation for the inevitable shift.  I earned a certificate in project management, recognising its demand, followed by a Diploma in Education with a focus on Assessment and Learning Training.

Teaching had been a childhood dream that had not yet manifested. Each qualification was a steppingstone, a way of expanding my capacity and keeping options open, even if the path was not yet clear.

For some, my journey may appear as a patchwork of qualifications. Yet behind every decision was a woman preparing for possibility, shaped by her upbringing. Growing up without structured career guidance or university funds, I relied on survival, faith, and foresight. My mother, an educator, had to leave the classroom during difficult times to support our family, while my father remained absent. I worked to fund my own education, learning lessons in resilience and independence early on. These formative experiences instilled in me a sense of responsibility, the importance of self-reliance, and the value of planning ahead.

Then came stillness. In that quiet, I asked:

“What is the core of who I am?”

The answer was clear. From childhood, I have been the trusted friend, the listening ear, the encourager. People consistently shared their struggles with me, from schoolmates to colleagues and strangers. That realisation revealed my true calling: supporting people. It was a calling that had quietly shaped my interactions and decisions throughout life, waiting for recognition.

This purpose deepened when a close friend confided a life-threatening illness and asked me to support her and her family. Walking with her through her final days, holding space for her dignity and fears, revealed a new layer of purpose that I could no longer ignore. That experience taught me the power of presence, empathy, and bearing witness to another’s journey. It also highlighted how deeply meaningful work can emerge from moments of vulnerability.

In the aftermath, I pursued a Master of Science in Counselling and Social Work, earning the degree with distinction. This academic achievement was not just an intellectual pursuit, it was a healing process, confirming my purpose and inspiring the launch of Soul-utions Counselling Services. The practice is devoted to supporting families, children, adolescents, individuals, and groups navigating mental health challenges and life transitions. It is a space where administrative precision meets heartfelt connection, bridging my past and my purpose.

When the Trump administration closed USAID/Jamaica, I faced another unexpected crossroads. This time, however, I was ready. What initially felt like a loss propelled me into work I was always meant to do. As Viktor Frankl (1985) observed, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” Leaving executive support was a loss, but stepping into my purpose was a gain.

Research supports this type of transformation. Post-traumatic growth occurs when individuals experience significant life disruptions and emerge with a stronger sense of self, deeper relationships, and renewed appreciation for life (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004). My growth emerged through grief, reflection, stillness, and courage. It reaffirmed that loss is often the portal to self-discovery.

To those navigating job loss or unexpected shifts: You are not starting over; you are starting from experience. Embrace the detour, it may lead you to your truest destination. Listen to what brings you joy, reflect on what others consistently come to you for, and trust that your life has value far beyond any title. Change is uncertain, but when approached with intention, it becomes the road to a more authentic self.

References

Frankl, V. E. (1985). Man’s search for meaning (Rev. ed.). New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.

Sharma, R. (2019). The leader who had no title: A modern fable on real success in business and in life. London, UK: HarperCollins.

Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004). Posttraumatic growth: Conceptual foundations and empirical evidence. Psychological Inquiry, 15(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327965pli1501_01

---

---

Read Petulla’s second contribution to the Suburban Guest blog series: ‘Helping Your Child Through Mental Health Struggles‘ in which she shares guidance for parents navigating their children’s mental health challenges. Drawing from her own experience as a mother, she emphasises the importance of listening without judgment, creating safe spaces for emotional expression, and seeking professional help when needed. She encourages parents to be patient, present, and proactive, reminding readers that healing is a journey best walked together.

---