Takieaa ReyFaun Johnson

What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?

I’m very shy (I hate that about myself), but I didn’t use to be. It is because of having suffered from domestic violence. Before that horrible experience, I was confident, joyful, enjoyed dancing and singing often, and being close with my friends and family. But, I have learned a lot about boundaries and not letting people cross them, especially if I scared. The one piece of advice I wish someone gave me when I was young is to not ever be in a relationship with someone who wants me when I don’t want them. My heart has a built in mechanism that filters out those who aren’t supposed to be in it. Had I known in my teenage and early adulthood days what I know now, I would still be the confident successful woman I was before my ignorance allowed an enemy of my heart into my life - only wanting to break it. No means no even if it’s nonverbal. So, please, learn to listen to your own nonverbal language and honor your heart 💝

Did anyone ever oppose your career plans when you were young or push you in a direction you did not want to go?

Yes, someone extremely judgmental opposed my career plans when I was young and forced me in a direction I did not want to go. There was a Mexican woman married to a Black man, both worked at the Clearfield Utah Job Corp I graduated from. I wanted to be a mechanic because of my love for cars. But, she didn’t want me to be a mechanic, so she put me in Clerical courses. I have to admit, I can’t say that I am grateful because I still regret not being a mechanic 👩🏾‍🔧. But, I have learned to forgive. I am blessed that what she did hasn’t deterred GOD’s plans for my life. In giving you advice about someone trying to force you into a career direction you are uncomfortable with, I want you to run 🏃🏾‍♀️ to another adult who you can trust!!! And, together (our if you are not comfortable ask them to handle it without you) tackle the situation heads on. Because the years of regret are like walking barefooted on a path of thorns. Your life is truly your life. Don’t let anyone else live their life through you or make decisions for you. Blessings rain 🌧️ on you when you stand up for yourself! So, put your best foot forward, smile 😃 and live the life you want to live - without regrets 🤓