From Tech Layoffs to Pastry School in Paris

 Baking has always been more than just a hobby for me; it’s been a way to connect with myself and others. Preparing ingredients, searching for recipes, firing up the oven – these were all things that grounded me and connected me to the real world. Food has always been my love language. Nothing made me more satisfied than seeing a recipe turn out well and sharing it with my loved ones, experiencing their delight. 

I believed that if there were a reason to work hard at something, it would be to create delight for myself and share that with others. That was baking for me – it was chemistry, it was magic, it was beautiful. 

 

Tech Layoffs: The Turning Point

Back in January 2024, I got laid off from a very cushy remote job in tech. I was fortunate to have savings and a nice severance package, which gave me the space to truly question whether I wanted to stay in the business or pursue something else.

They say that in our lifetime we change careers at least seven times. That idea always stuck with me – a lovely reminder of the impermanence of what we do for a living. We’re meant to experience different jobs, different people, different homes, different environments,. And we make the best of it. 

After the layoffs and a difficult conversation with my partner about where we wanted to be at that time, I spent a day in a rut. I cried from frustration that I wasn’t where I wanted to be. It felt like I was banging my head against a wall. 

The morning after, however, I woke up refreshed, and something clicked the moment I opened my eyes. I remember it like it was yesterday– sunlight was streaming in, birds chirping– and  I realized that I had absolute freedom in this world to do whatever I wanted. I could follow my dream, something I’d never even shared with anyone before because it felt too frivolous, too impractical. I’ve always been practical, the good student, the person who jotted down schedules and saved for a rainy day. My mom had hammered it into our heads that stability came first, and you could only get that by working for a corporation. 

So that’s what I did. 

Fast forward to decades of being in corporate, I had quite forgotten about this dream. But with the layoffs, perhaps it was now time to pursue it. 

Why Paris?

I’ve never particularly fantasized about Paris, but I have this thing about never half-assing something I really want to do. If I wanted to learn about baking, pastry, and culinary arts, why not go the epicenter of pastry–Paris? From buttery croissants to intricate patisserie creations, it’s a city I’ve always known to celebrate the art of baking like no other. 

Studying in Paris isn’t just about learning recipes – it’s about immersing myself in a culture that prides itself on craftsmanship, creativity, and the tradition of food. 

So I came up with a plan. I decided on a school. I wrote down my budget. I wrote down the timing. I have planned for projects extensively before, but nothing got me as excited as embarking on a pastry school adventure in Paris. 

As I did my budget back in May 2024, I came to a realization that the next classes in the most prestigious pastry school that I wanted to attend were not going to start until Feb 2025. I also came to a realization that I needed more money. Pastry school and Paris were not going to come easily. I remember asking the universe that I just need an easy remote job to pad my savings.

…and the universe answers… 

Once again, the universe answered me with a great opportunity coming along. I went back to work in September 2024 at the same tech company that laid me off(!) with a higher salary(!!) and a better work life balance (!!!) so I could further pad my savings to support my dream.  

The Challenges and Doubts

Today I handed in my resignation letter at work. A few people seemed confused, I could tell. Why leave a lucrative career for something you’re not really sure about? Was I crazy?

Sure, there were moments of fear, moments where I wondered if I was making a mistake, if I would regret leaving the stability I’d worked so hard to build. The stability of my job, my relationships, my city. But even though though doubts crept in, the excitement of embracing my creativity, following my intuition, and stepping into the unknown has outweighed every concern. I realize that following this journey means consistently saying “yes” to myself. I’ve been living to work, but this year is the first time I know that I actually worked so I can live. 

The voices that say “no” or question in a negative manner are silenced, and all I can hear is “Yes, yes, yes. Go do that thing you’ve always wanted to do.” 

The Dream 

As I prepare to embark on this adventure, I have a mix of emotions–excitement, nervousness, and an overwhelming gratitude. I’m grateful for the courage to take this leap. I am grateful for the support of my loved ones, they are the biggest cheerleaders. And most of all, I’m grateful for the chance to pursue a dream that feels authentically mine.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my thirty-eight years, it’s the scariest decisions that are often the most rewarding. Here’s to chasing dreams, no matter how big or small – and to the adventures waiting for me in Paris.