In March, we heard from my sister—a story of switching careers, starting over, and learning to leap before everything feels certain.
This time, I’m sharing Pearlyn Hoon’s story. Their pivot wasn’t about changing industries or chasing a new title. It was about what happens when life forces you to stop—when you lose a job, a sense of stability, and the version of yourself you’ve spent years building.
Perr’s story isn’t loud, but it stays with you. It’s about grief and caregiving, ego and identity, and choosing to move forward even when you’re not sure where it leads.
Here’s what it looked like for Perr to heal, hustle, and find a new rhythm—on their own terms.
"I just barely kept the lights on, but I felt fulfilled- I didn't think it was possible."
Q: What was a moment that redefined your career (or life in general)?
A: In 2023, I was let go from a role I had poured almost my entire self into for nearly seven years—a golden era of creative work in my career. But throughout those years, we also downsized three times; I was the only one dismissed in the third wave. When it happened, I felt numb from all the awkward explanations of why it had to be done—all the growth, progress, and contributions I had made seemed to mean little in the end. I understood that it wasn’t personal, but I told myself I’d never tether my self-worth to a job like that ever again.
I didn’t have time to fully process it because life hit me hard and fast soon after. I got married two weeks later, and I worked on a different brand for a few months before deciding to take a break altogether.
But just before I left, my family caught COVID-19, and as soon as we recovered, my dad suddenly developed neck-down paralysis from the myelomalacia he had been keeping from us for years, becoming temporarily disabled.
It forced me to reprioritize my entire life, discover other joys, and explore skills and hobbies so I could heal. I connected and collaborated with people—including these amazing folks at SAYA—who saw my value and insight, who saw me as a whole human being. I could juggle caring for my dad, take on multiple part-time and freelance jobs that expanded my skills, complete courses, and learn to drive. I used the flexibility to work on myself and be creative just for me. "I just barely kept the lights on, but I felt fulfilled- I didn't think it was possible."
Q: What’s a piece of advice or words to live by that you’d share?
A: Offer help, listen, and let your ego die.
While looking for flexible freelance and part-time work to support my family situation, I reached out to many people I had worked with before to ask about opportunities I could help with my skills. As a very reserved, introverted person, the thought of doing this used to make me shrivel up inside—but because of what I had gone through, I was already humbled, less fearful, and more earnest about giving myself new experiences. A lot of doors opened for me this way. And while I’m so grateful to know people throughout my career who are in a position to take a chance on me, I don’t think I would have found work if I’d kept waiting for jobs to appear in the algorithm.
Investing in relationships sometimes means being generous with your time and energy. Not every conversation needs to end in new business, nor will every interaction be a transaction. Just because it doesn’t earn you a dollar on the spot doesn’t mean it’s not worth nurturing. Who knows—opportunities could come by when people remember what you’ve done for them and with them.
Connect with Pearlyn, Senior Creative at The Smalls, on LinkedIn.