Career Change Journey: From Office Admin to Bakery Manager

In 2011, I moved to a new country, full of hope and ambition. I knew that to thrive in Montreal, I needed to learn French. I threw myself into language classes, but without the immersion and practice that real-life interactions demand, progress was slow. My social circle was mostly Anglophone, and despite my best efforts, French just didn’t take off the way I had imagined.

Back then, I was organized, efficient, and confident in my work as an office administrative professional. But as the years passed, life changed dramatically. Marriage, immigration, and motherhood took the lead, and slowly I began to forget how focused and driven I used to be. My priorities shifted, and while raising my family brought immense joy, it also left me feeling like I had lost a piece of myself.

After seven years of being a stay-at-home mom and housewife, I was ready to re-enter the workforce. But I quickly realized that the world had changed in ways I couldn’t even comprehend. Technology had evolved, new industries had emerged, and even something as basic as communication had transformed. As someone who had once thrived in an office administrative role, I found myself feeling completely obsolete.

Back when I was an office admin, I had a sense of confidence in my work. I knew the ropes, I was respected in my role, and I felt like I had a purpose. But seven years of being away from the workforce and raising a family? It felt like I was starting from scratch. I had become unfamiliar with technology, the tools, and even the lingo. It was as though the whole world had moved on without me, and I was stuck trying to catch up.

The Language Barrier: Feeling Left Out

When I moved to Montreal, I knew I needed to learn French to find a job in my old field. I had high hopes of jumping back into my career as an office admin and blending seamlessly into the professional world here. But there was a catch: My entire social circle was Anglophone. All my friends and family spoke English, and as much as I tried, my French just didn’t take off the way I had imagined.

I tried my best, but I quickly realized that learning a language doesn’t just happen in a classroom—it requires practice, immersion, and consistent exposure. Without it, my progress was slow. I had all the ambition, but the lack of real-world practice held me back. And that’s when I decided to make a change that I never saw coming.

The Unexpected Shift: From Admin to Bakery Manager

I found a job in a bakery with a coffee shop attached. It wasn’t glamorous, and it wasn’t where I had envisioned myself after years of being in the corporate world, but it was a place where I could immerse myself in French and start using it on a daily basis. The bakery became my classroom. The French-speaking customers, the French menus, the interactions with colleagues—all of it slowly began to build my confidence. It was an unexpected but much-needed shift.

I found joy in this new role, and over time, my French improved. Fast forward to 2023, and I’m now managing the store. It wasn’t easy. The mental shift from being an office admin to managing a bakery was huge. It wasn’t just about learning new skills or getting used to a different environment—it was also about how I viewed myself. For years, I had equated job titles with self-worth. The higher the position, the more valuable I felt. I thought that my identity was defined by my job, by how much authority I had, by what I did and how important I was in the grand scheme of things.

But that mentality didn’t work anymore. I had to accept that the job itself didn’t define who I was. It wasn’t about the title, the level, or the prestige—it was about finding fulfillment in the work I was doing. I realized that my worth wasn’t tied to whether I was an office admin or a bakery manager. What mattered was that I was enjoying my work, feeling challenged, and growing in my own way.

A Shift in Perspective: Career Isn’t Everything, but Fulfillment Is

This shift wasn’t just professional—it was deeply personal. I started to understand that while career success is important, it's not the only thing that defines me. For some, yes, the title is everything. But for me, being happy in what I do is now my top priority. I discovered that fulfillment doesn’t always come from a fancy title or a high-paying job—it can come from the small things, the daily interactions, and the personal growth you experience along the way.

And then came the blog. My love for writing has always been a part of me, but I never fully embraced it until now. With the blog, I feel like my professional life is complete. I’ve found a way to combine my passions, my experiences, and my newfound sense of self. Writing allows me to be myself, to share my story, and to help other women who might be going through similar transitions.

Why It’s Okay to Change Paths (And Enjoy the Ride)

Looking back, I’m proud of the journey I’ve taken. It wasn’t easy, and it definitely wasn’t the path I had imagined when I first stepped into the workforce. But the growth, the lessons, and the perspective I’ve gained have made me realize something incredibly important: Career isn’t everything. Personal fulfillment, happiness, and enjoying what you do matter more than any job title could ever convey.

So, if you find yourself in a similar situation, feeling stuck or uncertain about your career path—take a deep breath. It’s okay to change paths, to step into something different, and to embrace a new chapter. You’re not defined by your job title or the industry you’re in. You are defined by the joy you find in what you do, the people you help, and the impact you make—no matter where you are.

For me, the bakery was just the beginning. And now, with my blog, I feel like my professional life is finally where it’s meant to be.

Final Thoughts:

Have you ever found yourself questioning your career path or feeling stuck in your journey? It’s never too late to make a change or redefine your own success. Take a moment to reflect—are you happy with where you are, or is it time to take a bold step toward something new?

-Fabi