I spent my tech career working toward a promotion I never got. I learned through layoffs how to create my own opportunities.

Brian Pulliam.

Courtesy of Brian Pulliam

• Brian Pulliam transitioned to career coaching after roles at Microsoft, Zillow, and Coinbase.
• While he worked toward a promotion at Zillow, the role was retired, and he reevaluated what he wanted.
• He earns less as a career coach than he did in tech, but he says he's more fulfilled in his work.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Brian Pulliam, a 51-year-old tech and executive career coach in Issaquah, Washington.